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Romney Not Done With Politics

Former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks at the 40th annual Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., in March. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

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Jacquelyn Martin/AP

It's All Politics

Romney Not Done With Politics

Some Democrats might snicker at Mitt Romney's desire to be involved in the 2014 midterm election campaigns. While there are limits to his usefulness as a campaigner, he could have an upside for Republicans as a fundraiser.

Can A Huge Hog Deal Pose A National Security Risk?

Smithfield hams hang outside the Taste of Smithfield restaurant and gourmet market in Smithfield, Va. Shuanghui International Holdings plans to buy Smithfield Foods, the world's biggest hog producer. Rich-Joseph Facun/Reuters/Landov hide caption

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Rich-Joseph Facun/Reuters/Landov

Business

Can A Huge Hog Deal Pose A National Security Risk?

A Chinese company plans to buy U.S. pork giant Smithfield Foods for nearly $5 billion. The deal may undergo review by an interagency panel known as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. The panel has played a significant role in shaping foreign investments in this country for nearly four decades.

It's All Politics, May 30, 2013
Chris Carlson/AP

'It's All Politics': NPR's Weekly News Roundup

It's All Politics, May 30, 2013

NPR's Ken Rudin and Ron Elving offer a tearful goodbye to Michele Bachmann, a premature but constitutional welcome to James Comey to head the FBI and some Boardwalk Fries to President Obama and Gov. Christie. But they're not sure about Eric Holder's longevity as attorney general.

It's All Politics, May 30, 2013

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Okla. Recovery Spotlights Rep. Cole's Support For Sandy Aid

Rep. Cole speaks as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and others listen during a news conference in Moore last week. Brett Deering/Getty Images hide caption

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Brett Deering/Getty Images

It's All Politics

Okla. Recovery Spotlights Rep. Cole's Support For Sandy Aid

When Congress voted on federal relief for the victims of Hurricane Sandy, five of the seven Oklahoma representatives and senators voted no. Rep. Tom Cole, who voted yes, warned that someday Oklahoma would be asking for help. That day came last week after a massive tornado hit his district.

Obama Presses Congress On Student Loan Rates

President Obama, with Education Secretary Arne Duncan at his side, calls on Congress on June 21, 2012, to stop interest rates on student loans from doubling. He is going to make that appeal again Friday. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption

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Susan Walsh/AP

It's All Politics

Obama Presses Congress On Student Loan Rates

Interest rates on government-backed college loans are set to double July 1 — unless Congress agrees on a fix before then. The president is expected to urge Congress on Friday to block that increase.

War Zone Visit A McCain Trademark

In this photo provided by Mouaz Moustafa and the Syrian Emergency Task Force, Sen. John McCain, accompanied by Moustafa (right) visits rebels in Syria on Monday. McCain, who slipped into the country for a surprise visit, favors providing arms to rebel forces in Syria. Mouaz Moustafa/AP hide caption

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Mouaz Moustafa/AP

It's All Politics

War Zone Visit A McCain Trademark

Trips to war zones have become a signature for Sen. John McCain. While some senators use poster board displays on the Senate floor to make their points, McCain goes them one better and by posing in dangerous places alongside wary men with semiautomatic rifles.

Will Ill. Legalize Gay Marriage Before Legislature Adjourns?

Activists rally in support of gay marriage on March 25 in Chicago. The Illinois Senate has approved legislation that will legalize same-sex marriage, but it has stalled in the state House. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

National

Will Ill. Legalize Gay Marriage Before Legislature Adjourns?

The clock is ticking for those who hope Illinois becomes the 13th state to legalize same-sex marriage. After passing the Illinois Senate in February, a bill to legalize gay marriage has stalled in the House. Backers are trying to get it through before the Legislature adjourns Friday night.

The Survivor: Sheriff Joe Arpaio Outlasts Political, Legal Trouble

Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the self-proclaimed "toughest sheriff in America," is best-known for aggressively enforcing immigration laws. Laura Segall/Reuters/Landov hide caption

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Laura Segall/Reuters/Landov

It's All Politics

The Survivor: Sheriff Joe Arpaio Outlasts Political, Legal Trouble

Arpaio lost a civil suit last week but is expected to dodge an effort to recall him. Although the politics of immigration are changing in Arizona, the growth of the Hispanic population has not yet translated into a political force that can dislodge him.

Congress Poised To Make Crop Insurance Subsidies More Generous

An Illinois corn and soybean farmer walks to his tractor while cultivating his field. Seth Perlman/AP hide caption

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Seth Perlman/AP

The Salt

Congress Poised To Make Crop Insurance Subsidies More Generous

Farmers have been getting these government checks for years. Essentially, insurance allows farmers to lock in price guarantees — while taxpayers foot 60 percent of the premiums. Critics say such subsidies help the rich get richer and minimize risk so much, they incentivize farming on marginal lands.