Shifting debate strategies, GOP hopefuls to take on Trump
By JULIE PACE In the first Republican presidential debate, most candidates took a hands-off approach to Donald Trump and hoped the brash billionaire would hurt himself. Instead, he only got…
Ted Cruz
Trump embraces role as bully, bids Perry a thorny farewell
By STEVE PEOPLES A growing divide has emerged in the Republican Party’s unruly presidential contest, as the race bid farewell to a once-powerful White House contender. On one side stands…
Trump’s first victim? Perry exits in early 2016 shake-up
By STEVE PEOPLES Rick Perry’s political career ended with a whimper, a remarkable if predictable fall for the longest-serving governor in Texas history and a leader many considered the Republican…
Can George P. make Jeb the 3rd Bush to win the White House?
By WILL WEISSERT George P. Bush is talking up his dad Jeb — but he knows he’ll have to endure some gentle ribbing about his grandfather and uncle first. “We…
GOP candidates ride debate momentum to RedState activists
By SERGIO BUSTOS Republican presidential candidates are getting a second chance to make a good first impression with conservative activists after their inaugural televised debates had unheard of millions tuning…
GOP debate lineup: Trump and Bush in, Fiorina and Perry out
By STEVE PEOPLES It’s the first really good news — and really bad news — for Republicans seeking the presidential nomination: Who’s in the first prime-time debate and who’s not.…
Debate stage drama: GOP awaits top 10 announcement
By STEVE PEOPLES and KATHLEEN RONAYNE They crowded the stage in New Hampshire for a debate-style faceoff. But the jam-packed Republican field will be narrowed considerably for the first formal…
Cruz, on Senate floor, accuses GOP leader McConnell of lying
By ERICA WERNER and LAURIE KELLMAN In a stunning attack on a leader of his own party, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz accused Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of lying to…