WASHINGTON — The Senate plunged into an election-year session Monday that promises to be long on political maneuvering and less so on accomplishment, beginning with a struggle over legislation to renew lapsed jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed. “I’m optimistic, ...

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WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans blocked another of President Barack Obama’s picks for one of the nation’s top courts on Tuesday, the latest skirmish in a nominations battle that has intensified partisan tensions in the chamber. Tuesday’s near-party line vote derailed ...

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WASHINGTON — Reflecting Americans’ increasing acceptance of gays, the Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would bar workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay rights advocates hailed the bipartisan, 64-32 vote as a historic step, although it ...

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WASHINGTON — Invoking the Declaration of Independence, proponents of a bill that would outlaw discrimination against gays in the workplace argued on Tuesday that the measure is rooted in fundamental fairness for all Americans. Republican opponents of the measure were ...

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WASHINGTON — After weeks of stubborn gridlock, the Senate’s top two leaders raced to reach an agreement Monday that could head off a first-ever U.S. Treasury default threatened for midweek and end the 14-day partial government shutdown. The stock market ...

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BETHESDA — Lockheed Martin says it will furlough 3,000 employees on Monday due to the government shutdown. The defense company said Friday that the number of employees put on furlough will increase weekly if the shutdown continues. Lockheed says the ...

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LARGO — Del. Melony Griffith says she will run for state Senate. The Prince George’s County Democrat has scheduled an Oct. 15 announcement of her bid to represent District 25. Sen. Ulysses Currie, a Democrat, currently represents the district. Currie ...

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The partial government shutdown that began Tuesday threw into turmoil the household finances of some federal workers, with many facing unpaid furloughs or delays in paychecks. Park ranger and father-to-be Darquez Smith said he already lives paycheck to paycheck while ...

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WASHINGTON — Republican unity showed unmistakable signs of fraying Monday as Democrats and the White House vowed to reject tea party-driven demands to delay the nation’s health care overhaul as the price for averting a partial government shutdown at midnight. ...

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ANNAPOLIS — Republican leaders in Maryland have selected a new minority leader and minority whip for the state Senate. The lawmakers met Monday in Annapolis and elected state Sen. David R. Brinkley to be the minority leader. The Frederick County ...

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