On some moral issues, independents are even more permissive than Democrats, and closer to Democrats than Republicans on more than two-thirds of the questions.

The former senator's new book looks at how much money is controlling the political system and concludes that a constitutional amendment is needed.

Speaking at a conference, Stuart Elway said the state is too blue for conservative candidates to win a statewide race.

A recent secret meeting shows a bit about the extensive abuse of the public's right to know what officials are doing. And the remedies are largely non-existent. In 41 years, no official has ever been fined for violating the law.

Democracy functions when leaders and the public realize the need to restrain human impulses. But now the governments' elected officials see themselves as catering to the public's wishes.

Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich announced today he won't run for congress in Washington state. 

It used to be said that third parties were like bees: They could sting but then they would die. These days, they don't even recognize the need to sting.

Robinson writes, "It is true that voters’ unhappiness with high unemployment and slow growth poses a challenge for President Obama as he seeks reelection. But for Mitt Romney and the GOP to take advantage of this potential opening, they’ll have to do more than chant the word 'economy' like a mantra. They have to make the case that their policies will work better than Obama’s."  

The Herald reports, "Some Snohomish County Council members made their annoyance clear Monday as embattled County Executive Aaron Reardon's finance staff discussed a looming budget shortfall next year of at least $5.5 million."  

The New Republic reports, "Obama campaign’s commitment to Arizona is more than a bluff. Given the convergence of a number of factors, the state is much more winnable than it appears."