Republican Whacks Harry Reid in New North Carolina Senate Ad

Earlier this week, Senate Majority PAC, a Democratic group, went up with an ad attacking Republican state Speaker Thom Tillis for his connection to former aides who had inappropriate relationships with lobbyists.

From the Archives: McConnell's Role in Packwood Probe

Former Sen. Bob Packwood’s sexual harassment scandal has resurfaced as a campaign issue — nearly two decades later.

Republican Super PAC Ad Attacks Club for Growth

A super PAC that defends Republican incumbents went up on air Thursday with an ad that both touts Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson’s conservative credentials and attacks the outside groups seeking to oust him in an upcoming primary.

'Lying in Politics' Plaintiffs Go on Offense in Several New States

The lead plaintiff in the “Can you lie in politics?” case going before the Supreme Court next week, anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, says Ohio’s law against false campaign assertions will stifle that state’s midterm congressional debates.

• Can You Lie in Politics? Supreme Court Will Decide

Republican Hits Vulnerable West Virginia Democrat in First TV Spot

State Sen. Evan Jenkins, a Republican challenging Rep. Nick J. Rahall II in West Virginia, is up with his first ad — an attack on Democrats’ attack on Jenkins.

Runoff Likely in Crowded N.C. Open-Seat Race

The Republican nominee in the crowded race to replace retiring GOP Rep. Howard Coble likely won’t be known until mid-summer.

Ratings Change: Florida’s 18th District

The way things are going this cycle, Democrats could use a piece of good news — and Rep. Patrick Murphy’s re-election might be just that for party strategists.

• Ratings Change: Illinois' 10th District
• Ratings Change: Texas' 23rd District

D.C. Council to Mayor: See You in Court

With Capitol Hill failing to either stop the District’s local budget autonomy act from becoming law, or pass legislation freeing the city’s locally raised funds from the appropriations process, the issue is headed to court and pitting D.C.’s elected officials against one another.

Sebelius to the Senate? Maybe in the Land of Oz, But Not in Kansas

When I read the New York Times piece this week, “Sebelius Said to Weigh Run for Kansas Senate Seat,” I had two very different reactions.

'Kissing Congressman' McAllister Plans House Return After Recess

Rep. Vance McAllister will return to the House after the Easter/Passover recess, his communications director told the New Orleans Times Picayune Thursday.

Obama Calls Cantor After Day of Immigration Sparring

President Barack Obama called House Majority Leader Eric Cantor on Wednesday to implore House Republicans to hold a vote on the Senate-passed immigration overhaul, prompting Cantor to say the president hasn’t learned how to work with Congress.

• Immigration Overhaul: Democrats Look to Flip 30 House Republicans

House Republicans Promote Seven Candidates

The National Republican Congressional Committee has elevated seven more candidates to the second-level “Contender” status of its Young Guns program for top House GOP prospects.

A Low-Key Paul Broun Campaigns for Senate in Georgia

MARIETTA, Ga. — If one knew of Rep. Paul Broun only from a 90-minute Senate candidate forum Tuesday, it wouldn’t be obvious he is the cause of so much heartburn among Republican strategists from Capitol Hill to Atlanta — all hoping to hold the party’s most vulnerable open seat.

Eshoo Raises Money From Tech Industry Ahead of Ranking-Member Battle With Pallone

Rep. Anna G. Eshoo’s leadership political action committee raised $203,000 — mostly from high-tech and telecommunication firms — as she bids to be ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. It is the first leadership PAC of the California Democrat’s nearly 22-year congressional career. First-quarter numbers for Eshoo’s main rival for the post, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., were not yet available.

Ted Cruz Endorses Candidate in Oklahoma Senate Race

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, endorsed former state Speaker T.W. Shannon in Oklahoma’s Senate special election, marking the latest tea party leader to back his candidacy in the Sooner State.

House Republicans Add Two to Incumbent Protection Program

The National Republican Congressional Committee added Wednesday two more members to the ranks of its incumbent protection program: Reps. David Jolly of Florida and Tim Walberg of Michigan.

Republican Governor Makes Unemployment Extension Push (Updated)

The governors of the two states with the highest unemployment rates — including a Republican — are urging Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio to take up the Senate’s unemployment extension bill.

• Manchin Talks Up UI Extension Petition

Filibuster Unconstitutional? D.C. Circuit Denies Appeal, Cites 'Speech or Debate' Flaw

Advocates asking the judiciary to declare the filibuster unconstitutional were dealt a major setback Tuesday by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

• 'Nuclear' Nominations Aftermath Slows Senate to Crawl

Notes on 'Boston Bound' — Hill Navigator Heads North

Capitol Hill staffers, by job design, are dedicated. The boss’ needs are elevated above their own, a staffer’s actions — good and bad — reflect back on the member. The job is all-consuming, sometimes exhausting and overwhelming, but Hill Navigator would not have a column in Roll Call if working on Capitol Hill was not as rewarding as it is.

• Boston Bound: Staffers Lace Up for Marathon

Bentivolio's Republican Rival Goes On the Air

The Republican challenger to Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, R-Mich., is on the air with a positive spot and is putting big money behind it.

Tisei Gaining Steam on Tierney in Massachusetts | Ratings Change

Massachusetts voters haven’t sent a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives from any district in nearly 20 years. Republican Richard Tisei nearly broke that streak in 2012 and is challenging Rep. John F. Tierney, D-Mass., once again in 2014.

Ratings Update: Wisconsin’s 6th District

Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis., is the latest member to announce his retirement, opening up another potentially competitive congressional district.

House Democrats Bank Over $10 Million in March

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee raised $10.3 million in March, according to a committee aide.

Spending Caps May Force $66 Billion Defense Cut | Topic A: Defense

The Pentagon’s planned five-year spending plan for procurement and research-and-development projects, set forth in its 2015 budget proposal, would be cut by $66 billion if US federal spending caps remain in place

Tony Strickland Up With First TV Ad in California House Contest

Former state Sen. Tony Strickland released his first ad in his bid for California’s open 25th District on Wednesday, laying out his priorities, including GOP favorites like repealing the Affordable Care Act, cutting spending and balancing the budget.

Democrats Lose Top Recruit in Florida House Race

Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee in a recent high-stakes special election in Florida, will not challenge GOP Rep. David Jolly to a rematch in the 13th District this November.