Ken Rudin

Public opinion is clearly shifting on the issue of gay marriage; even one Republican senator has come out in favor of it. But it was a different story in 1996, when an overwhelming majority of congressional D's and R's supported the Defense of Marriage Act and a Democratic president signed it.

Should she win Tuesday's special election in Chicago, Robin Kelly will become the 30th female African-American member of the House in the nation's history. This week's Political Junkie column has the complete list, starting with Shirley Chisholm, first elected in 1968.

Two more senators have announced their retirement. One was totally expected: the decision by 89-year old Frank Lautenberg of N.J. But the decision by Nebraska's Mike Johanns surprised everyone. Plus: latest update in Illinois 02.

The "affection" Republicans have had for Hillary Clinton the past four years — feelings no doubt expressed in order to contrast how they felt about President Obama — seems to have come to an end, now that she may become their opponent in 2016. And it's also splitsville between Fox and Sarah Palin.

President Obama had a lot of great things to say about Chuck Hagel when he nominated him to become secretary of defense. But a lot of other folks — including Jewish groups, Senate Republicans and veterans of the Bush White House — are far more critical. Is it political? Or personal?

George McGovern, Arlen Specter, Warren Rudman, Dan Inouye ... just some of the political giants who died in 2012. This week's super-sized Political Junkie column is dedicated to their memory.

The election is over. Or is it? Both sides look ready to start fighting again should President Obama nominate U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to succeed Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.

Yesterday, President Obama proposed a spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year that exceeds $3.5 trillion. NPR Political Editor Ken Rudin explains why the budget is so expensive and how Congress is expected to react.

A group of Republican governors say they may not accept federal funds from the federal stimulus packaged recently signed by President Obama, despite the current economic crisis. NPR's Ken Rudin explains the fallout.

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named former State Atty. Gen. Ronald Burris yesterday as his pick to replace President-elect Barack Obama's vacant senate seat. Some see the move as a slap in the face to critics who want the governor to resign following allegations of corruption.