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 …

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 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?

For immediate release  —  Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in June indicates that economic growth so far this year has been considerably slower than the Committee had expected.  Indicators suggest a deterioration in overall labor market conditions in recent months, and the unemployment rate has moved up.

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.

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.

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.

Madoff's immoral fabric  —  You'd think they'd know better than to trust their valuables to Bernie Madoff.  —  Wall Street bankers are investing in iPad cases made from sweaters and pants once worn by the fraudster that were snapped up by an enterprising businessman.

How to make the best of the long malaise  —  The only good thing about the continuing barrage of bad economic news is that it could have been worse: all three rating agencies could have downgraded the US, stock markets could have fallen further and the US could have defaulted on its debt.

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.

China's Economy Is Headed for a Slowdown  —  Beijing's export-oriented strategy can't continue forever.  —  As China fitfully tries to rebalance its economy, a small but rising number of Chinese economists are beginning to predict sharply lower annual growth rates of 6% to 7% over the next few years.