Republicans take 4 of 6 in recall elections, hold Senate  —  Both sides see victories in hard-fought contests  —  By Tom Tolan and Patrick Marley of the Journal Sentinel  —  Democrats won two state Senate seats in Tuesday's historic recall elections, but failed to capture a third seat …

New CNN Poll: Majority want tax increase for wealthy and deep spending cuts  —  Washington (CNN) - Most Americans want a special congressional committee tasked with drafting a long-term solution to the nation's mounting federal deficits to include tax hikes for the wealthy and businesses …

The Note: In Iowa, Romney Returns While Perry Pre-Empts  —  By MICHAEL FALCONE (@michaelpfalcone) and AMY WALTER (@amyewalter)  —  DES MOINES, Iowa — To some residents of this crucial early caucus state, he's been the absentee front-runner, largely avoiding Iowa as he focuses his energies elsewhere.

Jon Huntsman for President  —  In 2008, Florida and the presidency went to Barack Obama because he offered hope.  To defeat the President in 2012, we need a candidate who will offer solutions.  That man is Jon Huntsman.  —  Today at 11:15 a.m. at Scotty's Landing in Miami …

The Happy Warrior  —  This week's Newsweek magazine features the cover on the right, which has not too surprisingly stirred outrage from conservatives (see here and here for some reactions) saying that the liberal media are out to get Michele Bachmann.  Are they right?

A New Strategy for Economic Growth  —  Growth is not just about economics.  Growth unleashes human potential.  —  As the economy continues to struggle, we are reminded of a course offered at Yale University titled “Grand Strategy.”  Drawing on a weighty curriculum of history and philosophy …

The (Real) Rent Is Too Damn High  —  “Incidentally, [Yglesias is] also demanding higher inflation while writing a book called, The Rent is Too Damn High.”  —  Ironic, innit?  But the issue here is that inflation raises the general economy-wide nominal price level.

No Plans for 2013, but an Actor Seems Focused on the Mayor's Office  —  Alec Baldwin is not running for mayor of New York — yet.  —  First, Mr. Baldwin, a 53-year-old actor and Long Island native, wants to finish his work on his television show, “30 Rock,” then go back to school and learn what the job is all about.

Michele Bachmann Repeatedly Sought Stimulus, EPA, Other Government Funds … WASHINGTON — Few candidates in the Republican presidential primary field have decried the federal government with as much gusto as Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.).  The three-term congresswoman has belittled the stimulus package …

Dem spokesman accuses GOP of dirty tricks in Waukesha vote count  —  By Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel  —  A state Democratic Party spokesman accused a Republican official Tuesday night of tampering with votes in the tight 8th Senate District recall race.

The Fed States the Obvious  —  OK, count me unimpressed by the Fed statement — although for some reason markets went wild.  —  The Fed didn't announce a new policy.  And despite what some press reports said, it didn't even commit to keeping rates low; all it did was say that if the economy stays weak …

Pop Quiz: Why Are Tuitions So High?  —  College students and their families have struggled to pay for the rising cost of tuition, a cost that has been driven in part by swelling administrative expenses.  —  Over a 20-year period, the growth in administrative personnel at institutions …

Why the President Doesn't Present a Bold Plan to Create Jobs and Jumpstart the Economy  —  Americans are deeply confused about why the economy is so bad - and their President isn't telling them.  In fact, the White House apparently has decided to join with Republicans and blame it on the long-term budget deficit.