Capital Journal

• Primaries as Precursors

  This year's primaries have been more eventful than most in recent years. Four representatives, three senators and one governor have been denied renomination thus far, with the number of Senate casualties already the highest since 1980. What does that mean for November?

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  Social Security Taboo: Is It Time to Apply a Means Test?

  The spat between the head of a presidential commission and a special interest group over how to deal with Social Security's financial challenges is the opening shot of what will be a very nasty fight.

• Ohio's Tossup Races: A Gauge for the November Elections

  With tight races for governor and senator, not to mention several close congressional contests, Ohio is likely to tell us not only which political party will be victorious but also how large the anticipated Republican wave turns out to be.

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  Primary Colors: Bright Red, Neon Blue

  It's become increasingly dangerous for lawmakers of either party to compromise with the other side, as this year's races show.

• Is the Tea Party Ready For Its November Close-Up?

  The tea party movement has shown it can help nominate Republican candidates, but can it help elect them too?

• Will Economic Affirmative Action Go the Way of Race-Based Programs?

  In North Carolina, a struggle over school busing probably signals serious problems for the future of economic affirmative action – the idea that only a few years ago had been the hope of those looking to replace legally questionable programs based on race.

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  Like Bush, Not Clinton, Obama Follows His Heart, Not Polls

  From the overhaul of the nation's health care system to his authorizing a lawsuit to challenge Arizona's popular law aimed at curbing illegal immigration, President Obama has not let public opinion polls guide his presidency. In that way, he's more like George W. Bush than Bill Clinton.