Benjamin Sarlin

Michael Williams announced a bid Thursday for Texas’ Senate seat. The Tea Party loves him, but can he overcome a tough primary to become the Senate’s lone black member? Williams talks to Benjamin Sarlin about his plan to win, his friendship with George W. Bush, and his trademark bowtie.

Next year’s deficit will run up to $1.5 trillion, according to new figures from the CBO—thanks in no small part to a deal extending the Bush tax cuts. Benjamin Sarlin asks the pro-stimulus crowd when it’s time to rein in spending.

The Connecticut senator may be quietly riding off into the sunset after driving liberals mad, but plenty of other Democratic senators have progressives up in arms with forays across party lines. Benjamin Sarlin reports on the moderates who could follow Joe’s path.

Democrats could barely cobble together enough votes for health-care reform last year, but with the Republicans now in charge, even Democratic opponents of the bill are toeing the party line against the repeal vote Wednesday. Benjamin Sarlin on the suddenly united minority.

In the wake of the Arizona shooting, Tea Party leaders are rejecting critics who say their anti-government rhetoric is to blame. Benjamin Sarlin talks to conservative activists about their frustrating task.

The House speaker’s tears of joy may soon turn to frustration with the 85 Republican freshmen. The Daily Beast talks to Mike Pence, Paul Ryan, and Ron Paul about trouble spots in the new GOP majority—and pinpoints seven potential backstabbers.

Ten of John Boehner's 11 brothers and sisters were on hand for his swearing-in as House speaker. The Daily Beast talks to them about the bus trip from Ohio and growing up Boehner—and catches up with the one sibling missing the party.

Republicans take back the House Wednesday, pledging a hard line on ethics. Their first scandal: Rep.-elect David Rivera, reportedly under investigation for corruption.

But Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission and asked the Delaware U.S. attorney for an investigation.

The incoming House speaker rode a Tea Party wave into the majority, but a debt-limit vote as early as next month could cost him their backing. Benjamin Sarlin on the battle that can't come soon enough for Democrats.