AP - Politically weakened but refusing to bend, President Barack Obama insisted Wednesday that Bush-era tax cuts be cut off for the wealthiest Americans, joining battle with Republicans — and some fellow Democrats — just two months before bruising midterm elections.

Reuters - Some Tea Partiers admit mistakes were made. Others are quick to describe the movement's recent efforts in the political arena as not quite ready for prime time.

AP - President Barack Obama doesn't go there anymore.

The incumbent senator says she's been inundated with calls and e-mails from supporters, asking her not to leave the race, and she's weighing her options

The House is expected to reconsider a bill this month to provide up to $7.4 billion to workers sickened during cleanup of World Trade Center site after the Sept. 11 attacks, lawmakers from New York said Wednesday.

A new Republican video is out that uses a spoof of "The Office" to cast Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as the congressional version of bumbling boss Michael Scott. 

With his approval rating sliding, the president in the next few weeks is primarily sticking to big cities  and other party strongholds where he can help fellow Democrats in the midterm election homestretch.