Survey: Four in 10 Tea Party members are Dems or independents  —  Four in 10 Tea Party members are either Democrats or Independents, according to a new national survey.  —  The findings provide one of the most detailed portraits to date of the grassroots movement that started last year.

Tea Party 48% Obama 44%  —  On major issues, 48% of voters say that the average Tea Party member is closer to their views than President Barack Obama.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 44% hold the opposite view and believe the president's views are closer to their own.

Steele: Criticism motivated by race  —  RNC Chairman Michael Steele on Monday said harsh criticism from his opponents is motivated by race.  —  Steele brushed aside calls for him to resign in his first interview since news broke that the Republican National Committee reimbursed young donors …

Unemployment benefits expire for thousands  —  (CNN) — Extended unemployment benefits will temporarily expire for thousands of Americans on Monday because the Senate went on its spring recess without approving a one-month deadline extension.  —  The extension, which had bipartisan support …

Street Fight  —  Obama can get everything he wants on financial reform—if only he gets tough.  —  Last week, Alabama Republican Richard Shelby, the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, floated a compromise on the consumer financial protection agency that's currently stalled in the Senate.