Paul closes in on Gingrich  —  There has been some major movement in the Republican Presidential race in Iowa over the last week, with what was a 9 point lead for Newt Gingrich now all the way down to a single point.  Gingrich is at 22% to 21% for Paul with Mitt Romney at 16% …

House Passes Extension of Cut to Payroll Taxes  —  WASHINGTON — Defying a veto threat from President Obama, the House on Tuesday passed a bill extending a cut in Social Security payroll taxes for 160 million Americans for another year.  But the Democratic majority in the Senate vowed to reject …

Stephanopoulos back to replace Amanpour at ABC's ‘This Week,’ will remain host of ‘GMA’  —  NEW YORK — Christiane Amanpour is being replaced as ABC's Sunday morning political talk show host by the man she took over from — George Stephanopoulos.  —  ABC News said Tuesday that Amanpour is out as host of “This Week.”

Holder Signals Tough Review of New State Laws on Voting  —  AUSTIN, Tex. — Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on Tuesday entered the turbulent political waters of voting rights, signaling that the Justice Department would be aggressive in reviewing new voting laws that civil rights advocates …

Dem Senators to Obama administration: On Plan B, it's put up or shut up time  —  It isn't every day that 14 Senators aggressively call out their own party's Health and Human Services Secretary, imply that a major decision made their own party's adminstration was not based on science, and demand proof to the contrary.

Trump pulls out of GOP debate  —  Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will not moderate next month's GOP debate sponsored by Newsmax.  —  The reality televison show host's decision came after most Republican candidates declined to participate in the debate, with only Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum agreeing to appear.

My Tim Tebow Problem  —  I've got a Tim Tebow problem.  —  I want to root for the guy, but I'm afraid of what will happen if the hulky Denver Bronco quarterback continues to pull off what is fast becoming the Greatest Gridiron Story Ever Told.  Since taking over as starting quarterback earlier this season …

If I Were A Poor Black Kid  —  President Obama gave an excellent speech last week in Kansas about inequality in America.  —  “This is the defining issue of our time.”  He said.  “This is a make-or-break moment for the middle class, and for all those who are fighting to get into the middle class.

NTSB urges nationwide ban on cellphone use while driving  —  The National Transportation Safety Board recommended Tuesday that all states and the District ban cellphone use behind the wheel, becoming the first federal agency to call for an outright ban on telephone conversations while driving.

Milk Street Cafe, FiDi eatery that lost business due to Occupy Wall Street barricades, to close for good  —  Thursday is last day for popular Financial District restaurant that opened in June  —  Milk Street Cafe owner Marc Epstein, on steps of City Hall in November, complained about Occupy Wall Street barricades hurting business.