Photo: Giffords Hugs Intern Who Saved Her Life

Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords earlier on Monday posted to her Twitter account a picture of her embracing the gay intern who is credited with saving her life a little more than a year ago.

Jared Lee Loughner allegedly shot Giffords and 13 other people outside a Tucson supermarket on Jan. 8, 2011. Six people died in the massacre, but Daniel Hernandez, Jr., provided first aid immediately after the shooting that is credited with saving her life.

Giffords announced on Sunday that she would resign from the House of Representatives in order to focus on her recovery.

Christie Nominates Gay Man to N.J. Supreme Court

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Monday nominated Bruce Harris to the state's Supreme Court.

Harris would become the first openly LGBT justice--and third African American person--to serve on the court. Chatham voters in November elected Harris to become their borough's next mayor. He is the first black gay Republican in the country to hold such an office.

Christie's announcement comes a day before state lawmakers will hold a hearing on a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the Garden State. He has repeatedly said he veto a marriage equality bill, but Garden State Equality Chair Steven Goldstein applauded the governor's nomination of Harris.

"Today, the governor has made civil rights history, and on behalf of all of us at Garden State Equality, I extend to him our most profound appreciation," he said.

R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, also applauded Christie for his historic nomination.

“This appointment is consistent with Gov. Christie’s strong support for nondiscrimination, including signing the strongest anti-bullying legislation in the nation," he said. "As the New Jersey legislature considers passing marriage equality this session, Log Cabin Republicans remain hopeful Governor Christie will continue his inclusive leadership by agreeing with Republican champions across the country that freedom means freedom for everybody.”

Gingrich Wins S.C. Primary

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has upset former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in the South Carolina primary on Saturday.

Gingrich received 41 percent of the vote. Romney garnered 27 percent, while former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum came in third with 17 percent. Texas Congressman Ron Paul received 13 percent of the vote.

Mayors Join Campaign for Marriage Equality

Tacoma, Wash., Mayor Marilyn Strickland. (Photo by Jamie McGonnigal, EqualityPhotography.com)

Freedom to Marry on Friday formally launched a campaign that includes 80 mayors from across the country who have pledged to push for marriage for same-sex couples.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Boston Mayor Thomas Menino; San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and Tacoma, Wash., Mayor Marilyn Strickland were among those who spoke at a press conference at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams; Glendale, Calif., Mayor Laura Friedman; Key West, Fla., Mayor Craig Cates and Chapel Hill, N.C., Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt were among those who were in attendance.

Perry Ends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Gingrich

Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced this morning at a North Charleston, S.C., press conference that he has ended his presidential campaign.

"I have come to the conclusion there is no viable path forward for me in 2012," he said after stressing he brought a "unique perspective" to the campaign as the governor of the Lone Star State who came from humble roots. "I know when its time to make a strategic retreat."

Perry's campaign failed to gain traction after an initial surge after he announced his candidacy in Charleston in August. He suffered from a series of poor debate performances, and gay activists blasted him for equating openly gay and lesbian servicemembers as proof of President Barack Obama's so-called war on religion.

Perry also endorsed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

"I believe Newt is a visionary conservative who can transform this country," he said.

Mayors to Pledge Support for Marriage Equality

Freedom to Marry announced on Wednesday that a bi-partisan group of mayors have pledged to support marriage for same-sex couples.

Mayors for the Freedom to Marry will include New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and Houston Mayor Annise Parker. Several are scheduled to attend a press conference during the U.S. Conference for Mayors meeting in Washington, D.C., on Friday where they will officially unveil the group.

Will Mayors for the Freedom to Marry amount to a game changer in the fight to secure nuptials for gays and lesbians?

A marriage equality bill was introduced in the New Jersey Legislature earlier this month, while Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire announced on Jan. 4 that she supports a measure that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the Evergreen State. Maryland lawmakers are expected to debate a marriage equality bill in the coming weeks.

New Hampshire legislators are expected to vote on a bill that would repeal the state’s marriage equality law as early as next month. North Carolina voters in May will consider a constitutional amendment that would ban marriage for same-sex couples, while a similar measure is on the November ballot in Minnesota.

The influx of donations that the four Republican New York state senators received after they voted for their state’s marriage equality bill in June as reported in the New York Times is proof that supporting nuptials for same-sex couples is no longer a politically risky proposition. The mayors who will speak tomorrow here in Washington, D.C., will certainly strengthen that premise.

N.H. Lawmakers Delay Vote on Marriage Equality Repeal Bill

A leading New Hampshire Republican has confirmed that a vote on a bill that would repeal the state's marriage equality law has been delayed until at least next month.

"We must deal with some critical financial and economic-related legislation first, as well as legislative redistricting, prior to any discussion of gay marriage," House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem) told the Eagle-Tribune. "It's critical to keep to keep legislative priorities in their proper order."

A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll in October found that 62 percent of state residents support the marriage equality law that took effect in Jan. 2010. Forty-four percent of respondents said they would consider voting against any legislator who supports HB 437.

The measure is expected to pass in the Republican-controlled state Legislature, but Gov. John Lynch, who signed the marriage equality law in 2009, has vowed to veto the bill. It remains unclear as to whether there are enough votes in both the House and Senate to override Lynch's promised veto.

Standing Up for New Hampshire Families and other organizations have stepped up their efforts against HB 437 in anticipation of an expected vote that multiple sources suggested could possibly happen next month. The groups unveiled a second television ad that features Craig Stowell, a Republican from Claremont, and his gay brother Calvin last week.

Pelosi: Democrats "Have a Plan" to Regain Control of the House

Will 2012 be a good year for Democrats?

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi certainly exuded confidence about her party's prospects of regaining control of the House in November during Politico’s monthly Playbook Breakfast at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., earlier on Tuesday.

“Right now we see a path towards that victory 10 months from now,” she said.

It is unclear whether Democrats will actually pick up the 25 seats they need to regain control of the chamber. The Democratic National Committee have so far held roughly 400 events in 75 House districts during this election cycle.

“We have a plan,” stressed Pelosi. “We have the candidates and that’s a big selling point.”

Should President Barack Obama campaign against Congress?

Congress ended 2011 with a historically low 11 percent approval rating. While not specifically endorsing a Capitol Hill-specific strategy, Pelosi strongly suggested that Obama should indeed campaign against this "do-nothing Congress."

“This Congress has done such a disservice to this country,” she said.

Pelosi also blasted the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision and its impact on the country's campaign finance system.

“When we win, the first order of business is to reform… the system and try to amend the Constitution to change the ridiculous notion that any and all kinds of money can weigh into a campaign,” she said in response to Politico's Mike Allen's question about the Occupy movement.

Pelosi also described last night’s Republican presidential debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C., as a “contest without a winner.” She suggested evangelicals and other conservatives are actually looking towards 2016 because they realize former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is not electable against President Barack Obama.

“The so-called right wing of the Republican Party… are not supporting Romney, at least not yet, because they don’t think he’s going to win,” said Pelosi, noting Romney’s position against direct talks between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan and other issues are either “uninformed” or “simply wrong.” “They question what he stands for. I’m not sure he knows what he stands for, and that makes it harder.”

Romney Again Defends Record on Gay Rights

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney once again defended his record on gay rights during the latest Republican presidential debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on Monday.

Romney stressed he has always opposed marriage for same-sex couples, but he supports "equal rights to people" regardless of their sexual orientation. The former governor faced questions about pro-gay statements he made to an LGBT newspaper during his 1994 U.S. Senate campaign against late Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy during a Jan. 8 debate on the eve of the New Hampshire primary.

"I don’t discriminate," Romney told WHDH Political Editor Andy Hiller. "I said to the gay community, I oppose same-sex marriage."

Huntsman Ends Presidential Campaign

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman announced on Monday that he has withdrawn from the Republican presidential race.

"Today the campaign for the presidency ends, but our campaign to build a better and more trust-worthy America continues." he said at a Myrtle Beach, S.C., press conference with his wife Mary Kaye and four of his daughters and his father by his side.

Huntsman, who endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, said Republicans must rally around the candidate whom he said can defeat President Barack Obama in November. He also criticized the campaign's increasingly negative tone.

"This race has degenerated into an onslaught of negative attacks not worthy of American people," said Huntsman. "Today I call on each campaign to cease attacking each other and instead talk directly to the American people."

Huntsman's announcement comes less than a week after he finished third in the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 10. He is expected to endorse former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

N.H. Lawmakers Expected to Vote on Marriage Equality Repeal Bill Next Week

New Hampshire lawmakers are expected to vote on a bill next week that would repeal the state’s marriage equality law.

Sources familiar with the legislative calendar indicate that the vote will likely take place on Jan. 18. The measure is expected to pass in the Republican-controlled state Legislature, but Gov. John Lynch, who signed the marriage equality bill into law in 2009, has said he would veto the measure. It remains unclear whether there are enough votes to override the governor’s veto.

Marriage became an issue on the campaign trail ahead of the state's Republican presidential primary on Jan. 10, with former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum facing particular scrutiny over his strong opposition to marriage equality in the days leading up to the vote.

"I think it's just one of the catch phrases," said Peterborough resident Eric Rothhaus at the Breezeway in downtown Manchester on the eve of the primary when asked about whether marriage had been discussed too much on the campaign trail. "It's whatever the current thing [is] and I think that they're trying to get votes."

A University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll in October found that 62 percent of Granite Staters support the marriage equality law, and 44 percent of them said they would consider voting against any lawmaker who supports the repeal bill.

Standing Up for New Hampshire Families earlier on Thursday unveiled a second ad that features a Claremont Republican, Craig Stowell, and his gay brother Calvin. The pro-marriage equality group’s first ad began airing on WMUR late last month.

Video: Santorum Positions Himself As a "True Conservative"

Speaking to supporters at the Derryfield Country Club in Manchester late on Tuesday, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum positioned himself as a "true conservative" who can take on President Barack Obama in November.

"We have an opportunity to be the true conservative--a true conservative who can go out and do what's necessary not just to win this race. we can win this race," he said. "We need a conservative who understands that at the foundation of our country are institutions that are crucial for us to be a successful nation--families, families that are bounded together as the foundation, that instill virtue and faith in our children, to build strong communities and to build a great nation from the bottom up."

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney easily won the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary with 39 percent of the vote. Santorum came in a distant fifth with nine percent, but he assured supporters that his campaign would continue onto South Carolina.

The social conservative faced increased scrutiny in the days leading up to the primary over his strong opposition to marriage for same-sex couples. A group of Occupy protesters labeled him a "bigot" as he, his wife and two of his children left a downtown Manchester campaign rally on Jan. 9. A woman asked Santorum at a Salem town hall earlier the same day whether his positions make him an electable candidate.

Joyce Haas, vice chair of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, said Santorum's statements have "been misunderstood" at the very least. She went so far to say that the social conservative would actually support civil unions for same-sex couples.

“I haven’t heard him say it in exactly those terms, but he does believe that for instance, every insurance, going into hospitals, inheritance rights," said Haas. "He supports those civil union type rights. The only thing that’s different is the 3,000 year institution of marriage being one man and one woman.”

Postcards from the First-in-the-Nation Primary State

Here are a few snapshots from the first-in-the-primary state.

I will continue post more pictures from New Hampshire over the next couple of days.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich supporters gather outside the Dana Center at St. Anselm's College in Manchester on Jan. 7 ahead of the Republican presidential debate.

Occupy protesters also made their presence known outside the debate.

A Fred Karger for president sign in front of the Radisson Hotel in downtown Manchester on Jan. 8.

Some political theater in Veteran's Park in downtown Manchester on Jan. 8.

The Associated Press' press room adjacent to the Radisson Hotel.

Campaign signs along Granite Street in downtown Manchester on Jan. 8.

"Morning Joe" broadcasting live from JD's Tavern at the Radisson Hotel on Jan. 9.

The famous Red Arrow Diner on Lowell Street in Manchester.

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum speaks at a town hall at the Derry-Salem Elks Club in Salem on Jan. 9.

Arriving at the GOProud breakfast reception at the Radisson Hotel on Jan. 9.

Christie: Obama Should Be "Pissed" About Timing of Huntsman's Campaign

Responding to a question about former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's criticism that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman served as the Obama administration's ambassador to China, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie suggested the president should be "pissed" about the timing of his presidential campaign.

"I would be kind of pissed if I were Barack Obama--I mean I give this guy a job, he's over in China supposedly serving my administration," said Christie, who appeared at a town hall with "Morning Joe" co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski in Manchester on Jan. 8. "I wonder a little bit about Huntsman's integrity."

Romney questioned Huntsman's ambassadorship and his previous pro-Obama statements during the latest Republican presidential debate in Concord earlier in the day.

Christie's appearance came hours after he clashed with Occupy protesters at an Exeter town hall with Romney and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte. His remarks also coincided with news that New Jersey lawmakers plan to introduce a bill on Monday that would legalize marriage for same-sex couples in the Garden State.

Christie, who supports civil unions, has said he would veto any marriage equality bill. He did not discuss the measure during his Manchester appearance with Scarborough and Brzezinski.

Video: A Drive Down Elm Street

News vans, camera crews, media tents campaign volunteers and even Occupy protesters were a fairly common sight on Elm Street in downtown Manchester, N.H., on Sunday, Jan. 8.

I shot this clip driving down Elm Street between Blodget and Granite Streets around 3:30 p.m.

Welcome to Manchester

It's a few hours before the Republican presidential debate at St. Anselm's College, and I am setting myself at my parents' house in Manchester.

Above is the front page of today's New Hampshire Union Leader with a front-page picture of the crowd that greeted former Pennsylvania Gov. Rick Santorum in Manchester on Friday. Below is a video of my flight from Baltimore landing at Manchester Boston Regional Airport for anyone who is curious to know what the Queen City actually looks like.

Poll: Romney Remains N.H. Frontrunner

A new poll from WMUR and the University of New Hampshire indicates that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney remains the clear frontrunner, but a third of likely Republican primary voters remain undecided.

Forty-four percent of likely Republican primary voters said they would vote for Romney, up from 39 percent two weeks ago. Texas Congressman Ron Paul came in second place with 20 percent, while eight percent of likely GOP primary voters said they would vote for either former House Speaker Newt Gingrich or former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

Santorum, who has come under fire for his opposition to marriage for same-sex couples, has seen his support increase by five percentage points since he nearly won the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. Gingrich's support, however, has dropped by nine percentage points over the last two weeks.

The UNH Survey Center surveyed 631 likely Republican primary voters between Jan. 2-5.

Santorum Once Again Booed in N.H. for Opposition to Marriage Equality

In the second time in two days, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has found out that New Hampshire voters are not afraid to go there with him on his opposition to marriage for same-sex couples.



A group of college students challenged Santorum at New England College in Henniker on Thursday after he defended his opposition to marriage equality in a town hall.

Only eight percent of New Hampshire Republicans who responded to a WHDH/Suffolk University poll said they would vote for Santorum in the Jan. 10 primary, compared to 41 percent who said they support former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Santorum needs far more than adamant opposition to marriage equality to court libertarian-minded Granite Staters.

Students Challenge Santorum on Opposition to Marriage Equality

He certainly had it coming!

A group of students repeatedly challenged former Pennsylvnia Sen. Rick Santorum on his opposition to marriage for same-sex couples during a town hall at New England College in Henniker, N.H., on Jan. 5.



Only eight percent of likely Republican primary voters said they would vote for Santorum in a WHDH/Suffolk University poll that was published earlier in the day. Forty-one percent of respondents said they would vote for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Bachmann Ends Presidential Campaign

Following her disappointing sixth place finish in the Iowa Republican caucuses, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann announced on Wednesday, Jan. 4, that she has ended her presidential campaign.