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    <title>Politics for WNCT</title>
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    <dc:creator>WNCT</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-20T17:03:24-05:00</dc:date>

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          <title>Senate moving toward Saturday vote on health care reform</title>
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It&#8217;s now the Senate&#8217;s turn to vote on health care reform.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:08:04 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>NC GOP may block independents from primaries</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_gop_may_block_independents_from_primaries/77043/</link>
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina Republican Party leaders are meeting this weekend to decide if they want to continue allowing unaffiliated voters to cast ballots in GOP primaries.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:55:21 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Boseman won&#8217;t seek NC Senate re&#45;election in 2010</title>
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - State Sen. Julia Boseman says she won&#8217;t seek a fourth term in the Senate next year, citing family responsibilities.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:49:42 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Martin Nesbitt named NC Senate majority leader</title>
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina Senate Democrats have chosen veteran Buncombe County lawmaker Martin Nesbitt as the new majority leader.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:03:16 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Alaskans eager for Sarah Palin book release</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/alaskans_eager_for_sarah_palin_book_release/75894/</link>
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Sarah Palin&#8217;s book is highly anticipated in her home state - but she&#8217;s no Harry Potter.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:04:45 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Sarah Palin tells Oprah she &#8220;prays&#8221; for Levi Johnston</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sarah_palin_tells_oprah_she_prays_for_levi_johnston/75483/</link>
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&nbsp;  &nbsp;  CHICAGO (AP) - Sarah Palin says it&#8217;s &#8220;a bit heartbreaking&#8221; to see the road the father of her grandson has taken.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:37:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sarah_palin_tells_oprah_she_prays_for_levi_johnston/75483/#When:19:37:40Z</guid>
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          <title>NC legislative report suggests tank cleanup change</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_legislative_report_suggests_tank_cleanup_change/72772/</link>
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A legislative report says North Carolina&#8217;s program to clean leaking gasoline and oil from commercial underground storage tanks won&#8217;t finish for another 25 years at the current rate.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:27:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_legislative_report_suggests_tank_cleanup_change/72772/#When:19:27:30Z</guid>
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          <title>House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/house_health_bill_unacceptable_to_many_in_senate/72722/</link>
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WASHINGTON (AP) - As the focus on health care reform shifts to the Senate, analysts aren&#8217;t expecting the chamber to pass an overhaul bill any time soon.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:35:10 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Vote expected on extension of first time home buyers tax credit</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/vote_expected_on_extension_of_first_time_home_buyers_tax_credit/70463/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Housing help could be available a little longer to first time home buyers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:54:23 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Senate considering extending unemployment benefits</title>
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The Senate is considering extending unemployment benefits. 

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:17:36 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Democratic Party contributor testifies at hearing</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/democratic_party_contributor_testifies_at_hearing/67812/</link>
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A wealthy Democratic Party contributor says his donations had nothing to do with obtaining a boat-ramp permit for a coastal development he owned.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:25:00 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Ex&#45;NC gov&#8217;s campaign treasurer testifies to board</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/ex-nc_govs_campaign_treasurer_testifies_to_board/67550/</link>
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The ex-treasurer of former North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley&#8217;s campaign says the governor once &#8220;expressed confidence&#8221; in a political ally who gave damaging testimony against Easley at an elections hearing.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:40:26 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Push on to impeach South Carolina governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/push_on_to_impeach_south_carolina_governor/67545/</link>
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There&#8217;s more push to impeach South Carolina&#8217;s governor, Mark Sanford.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:12:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/push_on_to_impeach_south_carolina_governor/67545/#When:15:12:14Z</guid>
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          <title>Congress moves to make military voting easier</title>
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress is making it easier for members of the military and other Americans overseas to vote absentee.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:49:55 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Hagan makes pitch for health care reform on Senate floor</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/hagan_makes_pitch_for_health_care_reform_on_senate_floor/65603/</link>
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Senator Kay Hagan is making her pitch in support of health care reform.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:44:46 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Legitimacy of Afghan government may delay Obama from committing more US troops</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/legitimacy_of_afghan_government_may_delay_obama_from_committing_more_us_tro/64507/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama hasn&#8217;t yet decided if he&#8217;ll send as many as an extra 40,000 troops into Afghanistan and now it appears concerns over the country&#8217;s unstable government could delay his decision.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:17:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/legitimacy_of_afghan_government_may_delay_obama_from_committing_more_us_tro/64507/#When:16:17:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama proposal to supplment SS payments picks up support</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_pushing_for_250_dollar_supplement_for_senior_citizens/63303/</link>
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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is finding some support for its plans to give Social Security recipients extra spending money, after word that their checks will flat line from this year to next.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:04:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_pushing_for_250_dollar_supplement_for_senior_citizens/63303/#When:19:04:30Z</guid>
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          <title>Senate committees continue hammering out health care reform compromise</title>
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U.S. senators continue working on a compromise on the health care reform plan.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:09:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_committees_continue_hammering_out_health_care_reform_compromise/63252/#When:16:09:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Biden&#8217;s son says he&#8217;s inclined to make Senate run</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/bidens_son_says_hes_inclined_to_make_senate_run/63224/</link>
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Joe Biden&#8217;s son, who has returned after serving a tour with the Army National Guard in Iraq, says he&#8217;ll take his time to decide whether to seek his father&#8217;s Senate seat.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:58:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/bidens_son_says_hes_inclined_to_make_senate_run/63224/#When:12:58:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Health care reform one step closer to reality</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/health_care_reform_one_step_closer_to_reality1/62476/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Obama&#8217;s plan for health care reform is one step closer to reality.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:40:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/health_care_reform_one_step_closer_to_reality1/62476/#When:20:40:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Major player in health care reform goes on the attack</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/major_player_in_health_care_reform_goes_on_the_attack/62323/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A major player in the push to reform America&#8217;s health care system is on the attack.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:31:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/major_player_in_health_care_reform_goes_on_the_attack/62323/#When:15:31:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama acknowledges progress slow on repealing &#8220;Don&#8217;t ask, Don&#8217;t Tell&#8221;</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_acknowledges_progress_slow_on_repealing_dont_ask_dont_tell/61946/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Some gays and lesbians are trying to keep pressure on President Obama to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:03:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_acknowledges_progress_slow_on_repealing_dont_ask_dont_tell/61946/#When:16:03:43Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama still weighing options in Afghanistan</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_still_weighing_options_in_afghanistan/61945/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Obama is still weighing his options as he decides whether to send more troops to Afghanistan.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:53:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_still_weighing_options_in_afghanistan/61945/#When:15:53:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama poll numbers rising for first time since inauguration</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_poll_numbers_rising_for_first_time_since_inauguration/60251/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Even with support for the war in Afghanistan declining, most Americans feel President Obama is handling the war well.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:50:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_poll_numbers_rising_for_first_time_since_inauguration/60251/#When:17:50:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Raleigh&#8217;s mayor ties for longest run in the office</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/raleighs_mayor_ties_for_longest_run_in_the_office/60199/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The newly re-elected mayor of Raleigh has tied for the longest consecutive run in that office in the North Carolina capital city&#8217;s history.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:34:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/raleighs_mayor_ties_for_longest_run_in_the_office/60199/#When:16:34:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Leasing program topic of NC offshore energy panel</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/leasing_program_topic_of_nc_offshore_energy_panel/60198/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The Legislature&#8217;s expert panel examining energy exploration off the North Carolina coast will next hear from regulators who oversee the nation&#8217;s offshore leasing program.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:32:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/leasing_program_topic_of_nc_offshore_energy_panel/60198/#When:16:32:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>NC conservative talker focuses on Obama so far</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_conservative_talker_focuses_on_obama_so_far/60196/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - One of the top political analysts on Fox News is offering his commentary on the Obama administration so far to a North Carolina audience.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:28:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_conservative_talker_focuses_on_obama_so_far/60196/#When:16:28:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Debate continues over Afghan strategy</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/debate_continues_over_afghan_strategy/59902/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama  summoned Congressional leaders to the White House today to discuss strategy in Afghanistan. As they debate whether to boost troop levels in the war.. some of the US casualties from this weekend&#8217;s deadly attack returned home. Joel Brown reports from Washington.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:15:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/debate_continues_over_afghan_strategy/59902/#When:22:15:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>North Carolina voters go to polls for local races</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/north_carolina_voters_go_to_polls_for_local_races/59765/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Voters in parts of 26 North Carolina counties are choosing local leaders or winnowing down candidates for mayor and city council primary races.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:30:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/north_carolina_voters_go_to_polls_for_local_races/59765/#When:17:30:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Former DNC head Kirk tapped to replace Kennedy</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/former_dnc_head_kirk_tapped_to_replace_kennedy/55542/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BOSTON (AP) - The Senate seat that was held for nearly a half-century by Ted Kennedy will now be filled by Paul Kirk&#8212;but just for a few months.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:38:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/former_dnc_head_kirk_tapped_to_replace_kennedy/55542/#When:21:38:42Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Minn.&#8216;s Pawlenty forming PAC; possible 2012 step</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/minn.s_pawlenty_forming_pac_possible_2012_step/54559/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is preparing to launch a national fundraising committee, yet another signal that he is positioning himself for a possible 2012 presidential run.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:51:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/minn.s_pawlenty_forming_pac_possible_2012_step/54559/#When:19:51:45Z</guid>
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          <title>NYC mayor, Dem opponent tussle over education</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nyc_mayor_dem_opponent_tussle_over_education/54558/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK (AP) - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has leveled a rare attack on the Democrat aiming to unseat him, comparing their records on education.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:44:40 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>Baucus plans changes to health care legislation</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/baucus_plans_changes_to_health_care_legislation/54553/</link>
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Some health care overhaul legislation is undergoing a revamp of its own in the Senate.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:40:02 EST</pubDate>
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          <title>NEW: Baucus changes health bill to address Dem concerns</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/new_baucus_changes_health_bill_to_address_dem_concerns/54173/</link>
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate aides say that Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus is changing his health care bill to make insurance premiums more affordable after fellow Democrats raised concerns.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:51:36 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/new_baucus_changes_health_bill_to_address_dem_concerns/54173/#When:21:51:36Z</guid>
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          <title>Lawmaker under scrutiny resigns from Legislature</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lawmaker_under_scrutiny_resigns_from_legislature/53999/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina lawmaker under scrutiny for his campaign finance reports has resigned from the General Assembly.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:24:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lawmaker_under_scrutiny_resigns_from_legislature/53999/#When:15:24:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House votes to defund ACORN</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/house_votes_to_defund_acorn/52744/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House has voted to deny all federal funding for ACORN, the community organizing group that has been caught up in several scandals.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:35:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/house_votes_to_defund_acorn/52744/#When:21:35:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama pitches health care at college campus</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/new_obama_takes_health_care_pitch_to_college_campus/52616/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The health care plan from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus is running into some trouble among some of his fellow Democrats.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:57:22 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/new_obama_takes_health_care_pitch_to_college_campus/52616/#When:20:57:22Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>NEW: GOP head calls co&#45;ops &#8216;backdoor&#8217; to public option</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/new_gop_head_calls_co-ops_backdoor_to_public_option/52558/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele says he fears the health insurance cooperatives envisioned in the bill the Senate Finance Committee is promoting amounts to a &#8220;back door to a public option.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:52:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/new_gop_head_calls_co-ops_backdoor_to_public_option/52558/#When:15:52:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Critics grow in light of ACORN video</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/critics_grow_in_light_of_acorn_video/52557/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The chorus of critics is building as ACORN launches its own probe of a hidden-camera interview in which employees counsel a couple posing as a pimp and prostitute on how to get housing assistance.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:52:36 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/critics_grow_in_light_of_acorn_video/52557/#When:15:52:36Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Diagnoses vary on Obama health&#45;care speech</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/diagnoses_vary_on_obama_health-care_speech/49541/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
While some were moved to tears by the president&#8217;s soaring rhetoric, others were moved not at all. Where some saw a new clarity, others saw more vagueness. And while some praised him for reaching out to Republicans, there were those who felt he was overreaching in some ways and not reaching far enough in others.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:55:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/diagnoses_vary_on_obama_health-care_speech/49541/#When:15:55:50Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>LaHood: Gov&#8217;t paid dealers $1.2B for &#8216;Clunkers&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lahood_govt_paid_dealers_1.2b_for_clunkers/49540/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the government has approved $1.22 billion in reimbursements to car dealers for sales under the Cash for Clunkers program.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:53:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lahood_govt_paid_dealers_1.2b_for_clunkers/49540/#When:15:53:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Hagan looking for specifics on health care reform</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/hagan_looking_for_specifics_on_health_care_reform/49223/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Senator Kay Hagan says she wants the President to be specific about how he expects to pay for health care reform.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:23:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/hagan_looking_for_specifics_on_health_care_reform/49223/#When:21:23:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama seeking to regain control of health care debate with tonight&#8217;s speech</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_seeking_to_regain_control_of_health_care_debate_with_tonights_speech/49222/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Obama is putting the finishing touches on his speech he&#8217;ll share with the nation in prime time tonight.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:21:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_seeking_to_regain_control_of_health_care_debate_with_tonights_speech/49222/#When:21:21:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Analysis: Health care answers wanted from Obama</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/analysis_health_care_answers_wanted_from_obama/49149/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) &#8212; After punting the heavy lifting to Congress, President Barack Obama finally has decided to tell Americans exactly how he wants to overhaul health care.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:11:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/analysis_health_care_answers_wanted_from_obama/49149/#When:19:11:30Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SPIN METER: Once Medicare&#8217;s foe, GOP now boosts it</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/spin_meter_once_medicares_foe_gop_now_boosts_it/49141/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK (AP) &#8212; Weren&#8217;t Republicans against Medicare before they were for it?           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:21:46 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/spin_meter_once_medicares_foe_gop_now_boosts_it/49141/#When:18:21:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama speech to students draws conservative ire</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_speech_to_students_draws_conservative_ire/48923/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
DALLAS (AP) &#8212; President Barack Obama&#8217;s back-to-school address next week was supposed to be a feel-good story for an administration battered over its health care agenda. Now Republican critics are calling it an effort to foist a political agenda on children, creating yet another confrontation with the White House.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:12:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_speech_to_students_draws_conservative_ire/48923/#When:20:12:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sisters of 9/11 activist widow walk similar path</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sisters_of_9_11_activist_widow_walk_similar_path/48922/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
EAST AURORA, N.Y. (AP) &#8212; None of the Eckert sisters ever envisioned walking the halls of Congress, advocating to right wrongs to protect the country from tragedy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:11:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sisters_of_9_11_activist_widow_walk_similar_path/48922/#When:20:11:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Phony Letters Prompt Call for Ban on Fraudulent &#8220;Grassroots&#8221; Lobbying</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/phony_letters_prompt_call_for_ban_on_fraudulent_grassroots_lobbying/48905/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A scandal involving phony letters sent by a Washington &#8220;grassroots&#8221; lobbying firm to three members of Congress is prompting calls for new laws to outlaw such deceptive tactics.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:38:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/phony_letters_prompt_call_for_ban_on_fraudulent_grassroots_lobbying/48905/#When:16:38:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama speech to students sparks new controversy</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_speech_to_students_sparks_new_controversy/48894/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
DALLAS (AP) &#8212; When kids all across the country return to school Tuesday, some will see a welcoming message from President Barack Obama and some won&#8217;t.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:50:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_speech_to_students_sparks_new_controversy/48894/#When:15:50:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>FACT CHECK: Biden ignores problems with stimulus</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/fact_check_biden_ignores_problems_with_stimulus/48814/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Vice President Joe Biden proclaimed success beyond expectations Thursday for the $787 billion economic stimulus, but his glowing assessment overlooks many of the program&#8217;s problems, including delays in releasing money, questionable spending priorities and project picks that are under investigation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:50:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/fact_check_biden_ignores_problems_with_stimulus/48814/#When:21:50:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kennedy memoir calls Chappaquiddick &#8216;inexcusable&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/kennedy_memoir_calls_chappaquiddick_inexcusable/48798/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK (AP) &#8212; Sen. Edward M. Kennedy wrote in a memoir being published this month that he made terrible decisions after the 1969 car crash that killed Mary Jo Kopechne, but said he was never romantically involved with her and was haunted by that night for his entire life.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:30:21 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/kennedy_memoir_calls_chappaquiddick_inexcusable/48798/#When:16:30:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Some GOP convention protest cases linger in courts</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/some_gop_convention_protest_cases_linger_in_courts/48530/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) &#8212; It&#8217;s been a year since the chants of protesters rang out through the streets of downtown St. Paul. More than 800 people were arrested during the four days of the Republican National Convention, which opened last Sept. 1.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:08:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/some_gop_convention_protest_cases_linger_in_courts/48530/#When:17:08:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate questions system of replacing retirees</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_questions_system_of_replacing_retirees/48325/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; With the death of Edward M. Kennedy, seven seats in the Senate have been opened since the last election or soon will be, the most in any one year in six decades.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:45:35 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_questions_system_of_replacing_retirees/48325/#When:21:45:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>NC interim audit: ex&#45;first lady&#8217;s salary too high</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_interim_audit_ex-first_ladys_salary_too_high/48305/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) &#8212; North Carolina State Auditor Beth Wood thinks former first lady Mary Easley&#8217;s university salary was too high but that her staff may have set the bar too low for the value of Easley&#8217;s work.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:28:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_interim_audit_ex-first_ladys_salary_too_high/48305/#When:17:28:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Elderly have their own worries on health overhaul</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/elderly_have_their_own_worries_on_health_overhaul/48294/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SPRINGFIELD, Va. (AP) &#8212; Turns out you can fear a government takeover of health care even if the government already took over your health care.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:52:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/elderly_have_their_own_worries_on_health_overhaul/48294/#When:15:52:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate GOP leader hits Obama health plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_gop_leader_hits_obama_health_plan/48292/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) &#8212; Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is downplaying the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation&#8217;s health care system.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:48:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_gop_leader_hits_obama_health_plan/48292/#When:15:48:25Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sen. Edward Kennedy, 77, dies after cancer battle</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sen._edward_kennedy_77_dies_after_cancer_battle/48176/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
HYANNIS PORT, Massachusetts (AP) &#8212; Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the last surviving brother in an enduring political dynasty and one of the most influential senators in history, died Tuesday night at his home after a yearlong struggle with brain cancer. He was 77.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:02:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sen._edward_kennedy_77_dies_after_cancer_battle/48176/#When:21:02:30Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>AP NewsBreak: NC investigator disputes audit claim</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/ap_newsbreak_nc_investigator_disputes_audit_claim/47894/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) &#8212; The former investigator who led an audit into ex-North Carolina first lady Mary Easley&#8217;s university job disputed Friday the state auditor&#8217;s account of why the probe was halted.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:21:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/ap_newsbreak_nc_investigator_disputes_audit_claim/47894/#When:17:21:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>NC auditor testifies about unreleased Easley probe</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_auditor_at_courthouse_where_grand_jury_meeting/47787/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) &#8212; State Auditor Beth Wood said Thursday she spent the morning before a grand jury defending why she didn&#8217;t publicly release an audit into former first lady Mary Easley&#8217;s job at a state university.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:15:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_auditor_at_courthouse_where_grand_jury_meeting/47787/#When:22:15:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Ex&#45;NC Rep. Hayes says he won&#8217;t run for Congress</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/ex-nc_rep._hayes_says_he_wont_run_for_congress/47724/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) &#8212; Former Republican Rep. Robin Hayes of North Carolina says he will not try to regain his seat in Congress.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:30:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/ex-nc_rep._hayes_says_he_wont_run_for_congress/47724/#When:18:30:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama to appear in back&#45;to&#45;school program</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_to_appear_in_back-to-school_program/47723/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; President Barack Obama will appear in a back-to-school television special with singer Kelly Clarkson and basketball star LeBron James next month.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:25:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_to_appear_in_back-to-school_program/47723/#When:18:25:10Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>LaHood says car dealers will &#8216;get their money&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lahood_says_car_dealers_will_get_their_money/47722/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood assured car dealers Wednesday that they will be reimbursed for the popular Cash for Clunkers program, responding to complaints over a backlog of rebate payments.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:25:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lahood_says_car_dealers_will_get_their_money/47722/#When:18:25:10Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Lawmakers upping spending plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lawmakers_upping_spending_plan/47174/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
State lawmakers are upping the spending plan just days after the budget became law.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:25:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/lawmakers_upping_spending_plan/47174/#When:21:25:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>NC General Assembly adjourns after 6 months</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_general_assembly_adjourning_after_6_months/47143/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina&#8217;s General Assembly has closed down for the year after more than six months of work dominated by the recession, a tight state budget and tax increases.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:56:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_general_assembly_adjourning_after_6_months/47143/#When:14:56:14Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Law on the way to help those facing foreclosure</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/law_on_the_way_to_help_those_facing_foreclosure/46934/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If you&#8217;re one of the thousands suffering from fear of foreclosure there&#8217;s some relief.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:28:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/law_on_the_way_to_help_those_facing_foreclosure/46934/#When:22:28:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>NC car dealers set to close may get more leverage</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_car_dealers_set_to_close_may_get_more_leverage/46929/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina legislators want to give hometown auto dealers extra leverage as they fight efforts by General Motors and Chrysler to close and consolidate licensed car lots.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:44:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_car_dealers_set_to_close_may_get_more_leverage/46929/#When:21:44:07Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>NC Senate quits for this year, House continues</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_senate_quits_for_this_year_house_continues/46928/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The North Carolina Senate wrapped up its time in Raleigh this year with a mix of last-minute dealmaking and belated congratulations to the national championship Tar Heels basketball team.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:16:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_senate_quits_for_this_year_house_continues/46928/#When:21:16:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>NC lawmakers approve $2M aviation tax break</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_lawmakers_approve_2m_aviation_tax_break/46922/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) &#8212; North Carolina lawmakers have cut taxes for airlines and an upstart jet manufacturer.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:17:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_lawmakers_approve_2m_aviation_tax_break/46922/#When:20:17:10Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>NC fund would repay if for&#45;profit schools fail</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_fund_would_repay_if_for-profit_schools_fail/46917/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina lawmakers have decided to set up a fund that could compensate students at a proprietary school that closes its doors before their studies are finished.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:33:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nc_fund_would_repay_if_for-profit_schools_fail/46917/#When:19:33:03Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>SC Gov. Sanford returns from family vacation</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sc_gov._sanford_returns_from_family_vacation/46851/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is heading back to work after a European vacation with his family as he tries to patch things up after admitting an affair with an Argentine woman.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:32:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sc_gov._sanford_returns_from_family_vacation/46851/#When:22:32:10Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Ex&#45;Edwards mistress appears at federal courthouse</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/ex-edwards_mistress_appears_at_federal_courthouse/46849/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The former mistress of John Edwards has arrived at a federal courthouse in Raleigh where a grand jury is meeting - an appearance that comes as federal investigators examine the two-time presidential candidate&#8217;s finances.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:19:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/ex-edwards_mistress_appears_at_federal_courthouse/46849/#When:22:19:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cash for clunkers&#8217; fate up to Senate</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/cash_for_clunkers_fate_up_to_senate/46517/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The fate of the &#8220;cash for clunkers&#8221; program will be decided as the Senate meets for a final week before the summer break.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:16:21 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/cash_for_clunkers_fate_up_to_senate/46517/#When:07:16:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senator Says Health Care Plan Could &#8220;Decimate&#8221; North Carolina&#8217;s Economy</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senator_says_health_care_plan_could_decimate_north_carolinas_economy/46491/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp;  WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Sen. Richard Burr says health care legislation being negotiated in the House and Senate has potential to &#8220;decimate&#8221; North Carolina&#8217;s economy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:34:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senator_says_health_care_plan_could_decimate_north_carolinas_economy/46491/#When:17:34:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sunday Marks Sarah Palin&#8217;s Last Day as Governor of Alaska</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sunday_marks_sarah_palins_last_day_as_governor_of_alaska/46060/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Sarah Palin is down to her last hours as Alaska&#8217;s governor on Sunday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:25:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sunday_marks_sarah_palins_last_day_as_governor_of_alaska/46060/#When:22:25:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate to vote on concealed weapons measure</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_to_vote_on_concealed_weapons_measure/45739/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Senate showdown looms today over concealed weapons.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:51:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_to_vote_on_concealed_weapons_measure/45739/#When:12:51:15Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>NFL players lobby Capitol Hill</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nfl_players_lobby_capitol_hill/45342/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; NFL players are blitzing Capitol Hill, meeting with about a dozen members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to build political support in a possible labor showdown with team owners.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:04:44 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/nfl_players_lobby_capitol_hill/45342/#When:17:04:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Al Franken officialy awarded MN senate seat</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/al_franken_officialy_awarded_mn_senate_seat/44287/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Nearly eight months after the election, Al Franken got the word: he&#8217;s the new senator from Minnesota.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:15:47 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/al_franken_officialy_awarded_mn_senate_seat/44287/#When:08:15:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Court says strip search of child illegal</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/court_says_strip_search_of_child_illegal/43415/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court says a school&#8217;s strip search of an Arizona teenage girl accused of having prescription-strength ibuprofen was illegal.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:24:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/court_says_strip_search_of_child_illegal/43415/#When:15:24:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Court says public must pay for private special ed</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/court_says_public_must_pay_for_private_special_ed/42497/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court has made it easier for parents of special education students to be reimbursed for the cost of private schooling for their children.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:33:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/court_says_public_must_pay_for_private_special_ed/42497/#When:15:33:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>US and Mexico agree to improve customs</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/us_and_mexico_agree_to_improve_customs/38614/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. and Mexico have agreed to work together to secure legal travel and trade across the countries&#8217; shared border.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:31:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/us_and_mexico_agree_to_improve_customs/38614/#When:16:31:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate to vote on FDA power to regulate tobacco</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_to_vote_on_fda_power_to_regulate_tobacco/38472/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate is set to pass a tobacco control bill today.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:08:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_to_vote_on_fda_power_to_regulate_tobacco/38472/#When:09:08:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate may vote today on tobacco legislation</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_may_vote_today_on_tobacco_legislation/38412/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate could vote as early as today on legislation that for the first time would give the FDA powers to regulate the sale, manufacturing and marketing of tobacco products.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:07:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_may_vote_today_on_tobacco_legislation/38412/#When:09:07:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Report: US decides to slap own financial sanction on NKorea</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/report_us_decides_to_slap_own_financial_sanction_on_nkorea/38260/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - A South Korean newspaper says Washington is telling the government in Seoul that the U.S. will impose its own financial sanctions on North Korea.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:06:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/report_us_decides_to_slap_own_financial_sanction_on_nkorea/38260/#When:07:06:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reports: US pushing financial sanctions on NKorea</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/reports_us_pushing_financial_sanctions_on_nkorea/38207/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - News reports say the United States is pushing hard to slap strong financial sanctions on North Korea in response to its latest nuclear test.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:56:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/reports_us_pushing_financial_sanctions_on_nkorea/38207/#When:07:56:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>7 tribes seeking federal recognition</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/7_tribes_seeking_federal_recognition/38138/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - Seven Indian tribes in North Carolina and Virginia are again asking Congress to grant them federal recognition.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:43:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/7_tribes_seeking_federal_recognition/38138/#When:08:43:20Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Two Greenville City Council Members Take a New Approach to Save Money</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/two_greenville_city_council_members_take_a_new_approach_to_save_money/38135/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Even the People who run our city Councils are changing their habits to save money.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:25:47 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/two_greenville_city_council_members_take_a_new_approach_to_save_money/38135/#When:04:25:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cheney favors allowing gay marriage but believes states should make the decision</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/cheney_favors_allowing_gay_marriage_but_believes_states_should_make_the_dec/38095/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - Former Vice President Dick Cheney says he supports gays being able to marry but believes states, not the federal government, should make the decision.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 03:33:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/cheney_favors_allowing_gay_marriage_but_believes_states_should_make_the_dec/38095/#When:08:33:27Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sotomayor to make her Capitol Hill debut</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sotomayor_to_make_her_capitol_hill_debut/38092/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - Appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor is heading to Capitol Hill for a series of informal chats with top senators who will play a key role in considering her nomination to the Supreme Court.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 03:09:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/sotomayor_to_make_her_capitol_hill_debut/38092/#When:08:09:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Important Senate vacancy before Minnesota Supreme Court</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/important_senate_vacancy_before_minnesota_supreme_court/38042/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress gets back to work today as the fight for the only unfilled seat in the U.S. Senate resumes in Minnesota.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:15:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/important_senate_vacancy_before_minnesota_supreme_court/38042/#When:08:15:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama wants Sotomayor confirmed by August</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_wants_sotomayor_confirmed_by_august/37830/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House says there&#8217;s plenty of time for the Senate to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor (soh-toh-my-YOR&#8217;) to the Supreme Court before it takes its summer break.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 03:25:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_wants_sotomayor_confirmed_by_august/37830/#When:08:25:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate set to approve Obama war funding</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_set_to_approve_obama_war_funding/37630/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; President Barack Obama&#8217;s request for continuing U.S. military and diplomatic operations in Iraq and Afghanistan easily cleared a procedural test in Congress on Thursday on its way toward a final vote.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2009 11:15:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_set_to_approve_obama_war_funding/37630/#When:16:15:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Clinton: Iran cannot have nuclear arms capability</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/clinton_iran_cannot_have_nuclear_arms_capability/37572/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that a nuclear-armed Iran is &#8220;going to spark an arms race&#8221; in the Middle East.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 14:15:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/clinton_iran_cannot_have_nuclear_arms_capability/37572/#When:19:15:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senator: KBR received $83 million in bonuses</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senator_kbr_received_83_million_in_bonuses/37571/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Military contractor KBR Inc. was paid $83.4 million in bonuses for electrical work in Iraq &#8212; much of it after the U.S. military&#8217;s contract management agency recognized the contractor was doing shoddy electrical work, a senator said Wednesday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 14:13:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senator_kbr_received_83_million_in_bonuses/37571/#When:19:13:49Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>INSIDE WASHINGTON: Hired hands for sensitive tasks</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/inside_washington_hired_hands_for_sensitive_tasks/37570/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Stung by an internal audit that found troops were issued body armor that failed critical ballistic testing, Army officials canned the private laboratories they&#8217;d long relied upon for the tests and said they would do the vital job themselves.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2009 14:10:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/inside_washington_hired_hands_for_sensitive_tasks/37570/#When:19:10:52Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate backs allowing guns in national parks</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_backs_allowing_guns_in_national_parks/37219/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate has approved a measure that would allow people to carry loaded guns in national parks and wildlife refuges.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 01:58:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/senate_backs_allowing_guns_in_national_parks/37219/#When:06:58:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>North Korea says Obama administration same as Bush&#8217;s</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/north_korea_says_obama_administration_same_as_bushs/36823/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea is deriding any suggestion of &#8220;change&#8221; in the U.S.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 10:16:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/north_korea_says_obama_administration_same_as_bushs/36823/#When:15:16:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama getting early chance to make Supreme Court pick</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_getting_early_chance_to_make_supreme_court_pick/36698/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is getting an early chance to make a pick for the Supreme Court.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 03:02:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/obama_getting_early_chance_to_make_supreme_court_pick/36698/#When:08:02:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>FOX won&#8217;t air Wednesday&#8217;s Obama news conference</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/fox_wont_air_wednesdays_obama_news_conference/36471/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
NEW YORK (AP) - Fox is breaking away from the network-pack and will not air President Barack Obama&#8217;s news conference tomorrow night.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:05:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/fox_wont_air_wednesdays_obama_news_conference/36471/#When:08:05:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Gay couples begin seeking Iowa marriage licenses</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/gay_couples_begin_seeking_iowa_marriage_licenses/36430/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Same-sex couples have begun applying for marriage licenses in Iowa after a state Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay unions took effect.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:24:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/gay_couples_begin_seeking_iowa_marriage_licenses/36430/#When:14:24:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Hawaii overturns law keeping married couple apart</title>
          <link>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/hawaii_overturns_law_keeping_married_couple_apart/36242/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
HONOLULU (AP) - A change in Hawaii&#8217;s rules for residential nursing care will reunite a couple who have been married more than 60 years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:31:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/article/hawaii_overturns_law_keeping_married_couple_apart/36242/#When:10:31:07Z</guid>
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