The Hill Articles: December 27, 2011

Rick Perry files challenge to Virginia ballot access rules Gingrich stays positive with new TV ad Gingrich defends pro-Massachusetts healthcare law memo, says ‘idea didn’t work’ Gingrich ad stays positive, but aide jabs at Romney Gingrich says Obama vs. Paul would be ‘a very hard choice’ Gingrich defends memo on healthcare law: ‘The idea didn’t work’ Google+ growth up to 625K new users per day Treasury: China not a currency manipulator Justice Department decision could open the door to online gambling by states Ben Nelson gives blow to Democratic hopes of retaining Senate majority Interior names deputy director of offshore drilling safety branch GOP lawmakers from Ohio say Republican control changed Washington FTC seeking input on facial recognition technology DAY’S END ROUNDUP Romney: Gingrich ‘changed his view’ on individual mandates Shadowy text attack targets Romney’s abortion record Nelson: ‘It’s time to move on’ Romney likens Gingrich’s failure in Virginia to ‘I Love Lucy’ episode Pro-Gingrich PAC releases first ad in Iowa Military sexual assault victims gain right to request expedited transfer Pro-Gingrich group up with first ad in Iowa Amid fears of price spikes, Dems press Chu to fill Northeast oil reserve Romney campaign says Gingrich is a ‘desperate candidate’ Survey: Singles want to double date with Obamas, dig Bachmann’s ‘do Small cable firms want transparency on retrans negotiations GOP Rep. Yoder predicts narrow Obama victory Obama to ask Congress this week to raise debt ceiling by $1.2 trillion Gingrich argued for individual mandate in 2008 Obama to nominate bipartisan pair for Federal Reserve Board Groups ask regulators to stop the online tracking of children Gingrich fundraising email seeks to ‘dispel’ money concerns Gingrich seeks help from backers to repel attack ad ‘barrage’ Consumer confidence ends the year on a high Santorum says he’ll exit presidential race if he does poorly in Iowa caucuses Gingrich breaks with GOP lawmakers over cuts to medical research Dem Rep: House GOP ‘hates’ government Wind industry sees good prospects for tax credit extension Justice Department ruling could pave the way for online gambling by states Rep. Mack mixes up his Sen. Nelsons White House: Yemen leader hasn’t been granted entry to US Rep. Rothman will challenge fellow Dem Pascrell in NJ News bites: Italy fines Apple $1.2 million Report: Net worth of average member of Congress has tripled Dem lawmaker: Payroll tax standoff will begin again in 60 days Baby sticks hand in Obama’s mouth Federal employee pay growth sluggish, but outpaces private sector Home prices down in nearly all major cities Indiana House GOP slam Senate for payroll tax deal Perry, Romney lead in $10M Iowa ad spending spree Gingrich ‘agreed entirely’ with Romney on healthcare in 2006 memo News bites: Report blames Japan, Tepco for nuclear disaster Russian troops above America’s border: Canada’s ‘Red Dawn’ moment? Gingrich ‘agreed entirely’ with Romney healthcare reform goal in 2006 Ex-aide calls Rep. Ron Paul’s foreign policy views ‘pure lunacy’ Report suggests Gingrich sought first divorce, not his ex-wife News bites: Wage gap Obama enjoys jump in approval ratings Democratic negotiators will try to capitalize on payroll momentum