Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Unemployment Claims Down 12,000 - last week claims fell to 367,000 from the previous week level of 379,000. Reuters.com has more here.

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Bernanke To Testify Before Congress Today - expect him to be grilled on the state of the economy by Republican lawmakers. You can read more here.

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House Votes To Freeze Congressional and Federal Pay - yesterday, the vote was 309- 117 to extend the current two year cost of living raises freeze for an addition year. You can read more here.

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Panetta Wants To End U.S. Afghanistan Combat Mission in 2013 - a year earlier than originally planned. According to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, the U.S. would move to an advisory/training role by the middle of next year. The Washington Post has more here.

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Romney has 21 Point Lead in Nevada - A 8NewsNow/Las Vegas Review-Journal poll has Mitt Romney with 45% and Newt Gingrich with 24%. Rick Santorum has 11% and Texas Rep. Ron Paul is last with 9%. The caucuses will be held Saturday. You can read more here.

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Trump To Endorse Gingrich Today - Donald Trump, who continues to tease the media with a Independent run of his own for the presidency, is rumored he will endorse Newt Gingrich in Las Vegas. The release from Trump only said he will make an announcement. This comes two days before the Nevada caucuses. You can read more here.

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Update on Battle for Control of Senate - financial disclosures have now come out and RollCall.com has their update on the Senate races here.

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