What Bob McDonnell can teach politicians

Former Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell.

THE FIX | The news of the former Virginia governor’s indictment had been expected, and his political career had long since fallen by the wayside. But the arc of his political life is an example of the new rules of politics and a reminder of some very old ones.

Latest Politics News

2-hour delayed arrival for feds on Wednesday

2-hour delayed arrival for feds on Wednesday

Federal offices will be open on Wednesday with a two-hour delayed arrival.

Former Va. Gov. McDonnell and wife charged in gifts case

Former Va. Gov. McDonnell and wife charged in gifts case

McDonnell and his wife were charged with illegally accepting gifts, luxury vacations and large loans.

Column

Could whistleblower support prevent a future Snowden?

Could whistleblower support prevent a future Snowden?

Some say that better protections for employees and contractors would give them another route to speak up.

In pope visit, Obama likely to spotlight inequality

In pope visit, Obama likely to spotlight inequality

The Vatican trip gives the president a chance to frame a signature domestic issue in largely moral terms.

Column

In the Loop: Talk of the poor from the slopes of Davos

In the Loop: Talk of the poor from the slopes of Davos

Income inequality is the theme for the annual gathering of the rich, the powerful and the famous.

Vitter says he’s running for Louisiana governor

Vitter says he’s running for Louisiana governor

The Republican’s move is the latest chapter in a comeback story for a politician once immersed in a prostitution scandal.

Justices weigh big change in public-employee unions

Justices weigh big change in public-employee unions

States requiring workers to pay fees is at issue.

Chris Christie strikes inclusive tone at inauguration

Chris Christie strikes inclusive tone at inauguration

A subdued Christie did not address the swirling storm over his aides’ role in causing a traffic snarl last year.

Bipartisan governor or partisan warrior?

Bipartisan governor or partisan warrior?

THE TAKE | The damage to the image of New Jersey governor and potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie is already done.

The president and the pope: What will they talk about?

The president and the pope: What will they talk about?

From income inequality to abortion rights, there are enough topics for a spirited debate.

What Bob McDonnell can teach politicians

What Bob McDonnell can teach politicians

THE FIX | The news of the former Virginia governor’s indictment had been expected, and his political career had long since fallen by the wayside. But the arc of his political life is an example of the new rules of politics and a reminder of some very old ones.

Always in Vague

Always in Vague

Obama’s NSA proposals are vague, but that’s no surprise: presidential power often resides in the vague.

How Citizens United changed politics, in 6 charts

The landmark Supreme Court case happened four years ago today. Its impact is hard to overstate.

More than a third of Republicans in Oregon’s House are leaving, says report

More than a third of Republicans in Oregon’s House are leaving, says report

The Oregonian reports on “an exodus of Republican lawmakers leaving at the end of next year.”

Video

Crafting stories at The Onion

Crafting stories at The Onion

The editor in chief of the satirical paper divulges just how much cleverness it takes to come up with stories.

How safe are feds with their work mobile devices?

How safe are feds with their work mobile devices?

A new survey from an industry group sheds some light on how well feds are protecting their mobile devices.

NAACP leader likens black GOP senator to ventriloquist’s dummy

NAACP leader likens black GOP senator to ventriloquist’s dummy

“A ventriloquist can always find a good dummy,” the Rev. William Barber said of Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

The two Americas of immigration reform

At a time of federal inaction, state legislatures are taking the lead on immigration reform.

How Obama’s fifth year as president mirrored George W. Bush’s, in two charts

How Obama’s fifth year as president mirrored George W. Bush’s, in two charts

Different as they are in so many ways, the two presidents will go down in history as remarkably similar in at least one regard.

Snow storms have hit New England state budgets hard

Snow storms have hit New England state budgets hard

Some states are well on their way to spend more than planned to deal with winter weather.

Washington’s finest head to Swiss Alps mega-gabfest

Washington’s finest head to Swiss Alps mega-gabfest

The World Economic Forum, the premier global conclave of the uber-rich and famous, gathers in Davos in the Swiss Alps this week.

Where to debunk (political) science findings?

Where to debunk (political) science findings?

Even if you discover that a published finding is wrong, publishing a correction is not that straightforward nor always appreciated.

Why Wendy Davis’s resume issues matter

Why Wendy Davis’s resume issues matter

It’s not necessarily just about 2014.

David Vitter, political survivor

David Vitter, political survivor

The onetime embattled senator is now the frontrunner for governor. Here’s how he did it.

New Mexico Session Preview: Lowered expectations

New Mexico Session Preview: Lowered expectations

A budget surplus takes pressure off the state legislature.

Sen. Vitter will run for Louisiana governor

Sen. Vitter will run for Louisiana governor

Vitter is just a few years removed from being tied to a Washington prostitution scandal.

Snowy special election to decide control of Virginia Senate

Snowy special election to decide control of Virginia Senate

Four to seven inches of snow are expected in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, where polls are open until 7 p.m.

Is your state solvent?

Is your state solvent?

A look at a new measure of state fiscal conditions.

Jon Stewart skewers Obama’s surveillance speech on ‘The Daily Show’ (VIDEO)

Jon Stewart skewers Obama’s surveillance speech on ‘The Daily Show’ (VIDEO)

“Not even the government trusts the government.“

Our social Web may shrink as we use the Internet more

New technologies may be making us more likely to focus on connections with friends and family, than in searching out new people and perspectives.