On the Radar: September 28, 2010

As Laws Shift, Voters Cast Ballots Weeks Before the Polls Close
by Jeff Zeleny, The New York Times
At least one-third of all ballots across the country this year will be cast before Election Day, party officials said, reflecting a steady rise in early voting that is profoundly influencing how political campaigns are conducted in many parts of the country. Continue reading

Democrats go after Gov. Perry in Texas
by Dan Balz, The Washington Post
In a surprise move, the Democratic Governors Association has decided to up the ante in Texas, with plans to launch an attack ad against Gov. Rick Perry (R ) that assails him as a career politician who has lost touch with the people of the Lone Star State. Continue reading

In backyards and on campus, Obama rallies Dems
by Charles Babington, Associated Press
Five weeks to Election Day, President Barack Obama is trying to rekindle some of his 2008 campaign magic on college campuses while also devoting more time to a relatively new format of backyard visits that give him time to explain his policies in cozy, unhurried settings. Continue reading

C.I.A. Steps Up Drone Attacks on Taliban in Pakistan
by Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmidt, The New York Times
The C.I.A. has drastically increased its bombing campaign in the mountains of Pakistan in recent weeks, American officials said. The strikes are part of an effort by military and intelligence operatives to try to cripple the Taliban in a stronghold being used to plan attacks against American troops in Afghanistan. Continue reading

Emanuel near decision on mayoral bid
by Christi Parsons, Los Angeles Times
Rahm Emanuel is nearing a decision on whether to the Obama administration and explore a run for mayor of Chicago, a source close to the White House chief of staff said late Monday. Continue reading

The Significance of the Small Business Bill
The New York Times
The Times’s Michael D. Shear and John Harwood discuss why President Obama’s signature on the small business bill is not expected to change the harsh environment that the Democratic Party has been facing in recent weeks. Watch video

Foreign firms, quit bashing us
by Jeanne Cummings, POLTICO
On the campaign trail, President Barack Obama elicits cheers when he rails against tax loopholes that he says benefit foreign companies that have operations in this country. It’s a sound bite that seems eminently fair to average voters, particularly those suffering through today’s tough economic times. Continue reading

Justice Kagan faces first Supreme Court test Monday
by Joan Biskupic, USA Today
For months before she became a Supreme Court justice, Elena Kagan, then the U.S. solicitor general, was nearly as much a fixture in the majestic courtroom as the nine justices. Continue reading 

Posted: Tue, 09/28/2010 - 11:43am