Ann Romney is the Romney Democrats fear most  —  Ann Romney's unexpected rock star status has the political arena buzzing about how her husband's campaign will leverage her popularity in an election in which Michelle Obama — one of the most admired first ladies in history — will have an outsized and substantive portfolio.

Obama 49%, Romney 45% Among Registered Voters Nationwide  —  Obama, Romney supporters equally enthusiastic about voting  —  PRINCETON, NJ — If asked to choose between them today, 49% of U.S. registered voters say they would vote for Barack Obama for president, while 45% would choose likely Republican opponent Mitt Romney.

HEAVY BURDEN  —  It's well known by now that Donald Verrilli, Jr., the Solicitor General, had an off day at the Supreme Court last Tuesday, when he was called on to defend the constitutionality of the individual mandate, the part of the Affordable Care Act which requires people to buy health insurance.

Obama, Ryan to go another round in battle over federal budget  —  President Obama and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) are poised to go another round in the battle of the budget.  —  The president will address Ryan's 2103 budget plan in a speech on Tuesday morning, senior administration officials told The Hill …