RNC insurance plan covers abortion  —  The Republican National Committee's health insurance plan covers elective abortion - a procedure the party's own platform calls “a fundamental assault on innocent human life.”  —  Federal Election Commission Records show the RNC purchases its insurance from Cigna.

Fort Hood shootings suspect may have wired money to Pakistan  —  dmichaels@dallasnews.com  —  WASHINGTON - Authorities have been examining whether Fort Hood massacre suspect Nidal Malik Hasan wired money to Pakistan in recent months, an action that one senior lawmaker said would raise serious questions …

Recanvassing shows NY-23 race tightens even as Rep. Bill Owens is sworn into House seat … Washington — Conservative Doug Hoffman conceded the race in the 23rd Congressional District last week after receiving two pieces of grim news for his campaign: He was down 5,335 votes with 93 percent …

We Have A President  —  The news that Obama has refused to sign off on any of the four major options presented to him in Afghanistan reminds me of why he was elected president.  This critical decision - arguably the most critical of his young presidency - is one that will not be rushed the way such decisions often are.

Lou Dobbs Abruptly Quits CNN  —  Months ago the president of CNN/U.S., Jonathan Klein, offered a choice to Lou Dobbs, the channel's most outspoken anchor.  Mr. Dobbs could vent his opinions on radio and anchor an objective newscast on television, or he could leave CNN.

Gates Angry About Defense-Related Leaks  —  OSHKOSH, Wis. — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is normally a mild-mannered man, at least in public, but he unleashed a torrent on his plane on Thursday morning about leaks during the investigation of the Foot Hood shootings and President Obama's deliberations …

Palin: Couric was “Badgering” and Biased  —  Sarah Palin Writes in Book That There Were Tensions With McCain Aides; Criticizes “Evening News” Anchor Over Interview  —  (AP) The rumors are true, according to Sarah Palin: The McCain-Palin campaign was not a happy family.

Missing George W. Bush  —  A couple of days ago I heard the news that George and Laura Bush paid a private visit to the wounded soldiers at Fort Hood.  They specifically requested that the base commander not inform the media of their visit.  They came.  They comforted the wounded soldiers …

Inside This Morning's White House Afghanistan Meeting: Anger With Eikenberry, ‘Beef’ With McChrystal  —  It was a tense meeting this morning at the White House, as Ambassador Karl Eikenberry addressed the National Security Council by teleconference from Kabul just hours after the media got hold …

Pelosi: Jail time “very fair” for failing to buy your patriotic ObamaCare coverage  —  It's very fair to send people who disregard the federal mandate to buy health insurance to prison, Nancy Pelosi says, because otherwise they'll assault citizens ... with a bill for medical services ... or something.

Catholic Church gives D.C. ultimatum  —  Same-sex marriage bill, as written, called a threat to social service contracts  —  The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change …

Levi Johnston at Fleshbot awards: Sarah Palin ‘smart’ for not trashing me on Oprah  —  “She knows what I got on her.  It's a smart move on her part,” Johnson said of Palin's interview with Oprah.  —  Levi Johnston, the hunky baby daddy of Sarah Palin's grandson, called …

My solemn meeting on Veterans Day with President Obama at my friend's resting place in Arlington  —  ARLINGTON, Va. - He didn't introduce himself.  He didn't have to.  —  President Obama simply stuck out his hand and asked for my name as he stepped toward me amid a bone-chilling drizzle in the Gardens of Stone.

Sen. Akaka Says 'I'm Not Aware' of Constitution Giving Congress Authority to Make Individuals Buy Health Insurance  —  (CNSNews.com) - Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) says he is “not aware” of the Constitution giving Congress the authority to make individuals purchase health insurance …

U.S. Aims to Cut Deficit With TARP  —  WASHINGTON — The Obama administration, under pressure to show it is serious about tackling the budget deficit, is seizing on an unusual target to showcase fiscal responsibility: the $700 billion financial rescue.  —  The administration wants to keep …

For immediate release  —  The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced final rules that prohibit financial institutions from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on automated teller machine (ATM) and one-time debit card transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in …

Dems jam GOP with Franken vote  —  When Al Franken ran for the Senate last year, the former “Saturday Night Live” star had to reassure skeptics that the fierce partisan attacks he lobbed at Republicans as an author and radio host wouldn't define his style as a legislator.

Irish priest kidnapped in Philippines released by MILF  —  Filipino militants released an elderly Irish priest late on Wednesday night after holding him in captivity for 32 days.  Father Michael Sinnott had worked in the Philippines for nearly 33 years when six armed gunmen kidnapped …