Prop.  8: Gay-marriage ban unconstitutional, court rules  —  A federal appeals court Tuesday struck down California's ban on same-sex marriage, clearing the way for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on gay marriage as early as next year.  —  The 2-1 decision by a panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court …

February PRRI Religion and Politics Tracking Poll  —  ▶ Read the news release here.  —  ▶ Read the Topline Questionnaire including the survey methodology here.  —  Majority Support Requirement that Employer Health Care Plans Include Contraception Coverage

Romney's lead dips despite wins: Reuters/Ipsos poll  —  (Reuters) - Despite his strong showing in early state contests in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney's support nationwide has dipped slightly during the past month, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday.

Karen Handel resigns from Komen for the Cure  —  Karen Handel, the former GOP candidate for governor, just announced her resignation as a senior vice president for public of Susan G. Komen for the Cure - one week after the breast cancer charity reversed itself on a decision to sever financial ties with Planned Parenthood.

This Friday and Saturday, Occupy CPAC: Liberate Discourse  —  On February 9th through February 11th, a who's who of dastardly politicians will be holding the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel at 2660 Woodley Road, NW.

GOP Rivals Pounce on Romney's ‘Assault on Religion’ Line  —  JOHNSTOWN, Colo. - Mitt Romney's Republican rivals pounced today on his accusations that President Obama has an “assault on religion” by forcing Catholic institutions to provide contraceptives and abortion services, suggesting it was a hypocritical statement.

Michelle Obama in Tug of War at White House  —  The normally dignified Blue Room at the White House became a late-night show comedy set last month when first lady Michelle Obama engaged in a friendly game of tug of war with host Jimmy Fallon, according to a photo released by the White House today.

We Will Not Play by Two Sets of Rules  —  In 2010, the Supreme Court's decision in the Citizens United case opened the door to a new wave of so-called Super PACs—non-candidate political committees that can receive and spend unlimited money from special interests.

Dem Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper: I Wouldn't Have Voted for Obamacare If I'd Known About HHS Regulation  —  Former Democratic congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper, a Catholic from Erie, Pennsylvania, cast a crucial vote in favor of Obamacare in 2010.  She lost her seat that November in part because of her controversial support of Obamacare.

Administration names official advocate for illegal immigrants  —  The Obama administration on Tuesday announced a new “public advocate” charged with listening to immigrants' concerns about its law enforcement policies — but Republicans said the position amounts to an official mouthpiece for illegal immigrants being deported.

Tilting the Budget Process to the G.O.P.  —  Bruce Bartlett held senior policy roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations and served on the staffs of Representatives Jack Kemp and Ron Paul.  He is the author of “The Benefit and the Burden: Tax Reform - Why We Need It and What It Will Take.”

Suspect recall signing could result in felony charges  —  RACINE — What started with a man noticing his friend's signature four times on recall petitions could result in felony charges.  —  The Racine County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate possible fraudulent recall signatures collected …

Bashar Assad emails leaked, tips for ABC interview revealed  —  In part one of the Haaretz expose of emails leaked from the account of the Syrian president's media adviser, Assad is told, ahead of interview with Barbara Walters, that the ‘American psyche can be easily manipulated.’

Just Gets Better  —  What's the latest on the Pete Hoekstra “Chinese” ad that's been generating all the controversy?  A follower on Twitter points out that in the html code on Hoekstra's site the woman in the ad is identified as “yellowgirl.”  I checked and sure enough he's right.

Obama Girl Amber Lee Ettinger says she's not sure how she'll vote  —  Sure, she's beautiful.  —  Sure, her videos get millions of views online.  —  And, sure, she certainly looks like she's having fun when she's singing and dancing in revealing outfits.  —  But don't for a second get confused …