The district doesn't exist yet, but Karen Diebel has already raised $97,044 to run for a new congressional seat in Central Florida. Among her early donors: U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan.

Diebel was barely edged by Sandy Adams in a crowded Republican primary in Congressional District 24 last year. Adams went on to oust Democratic incumbent Suzanne Kosmas. Now Diebel figures to have the inside track in a new district for 2012.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin continues to keep the door open to jumping in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Palin said during an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday that she could afford to wait a few more weeks and could make a final decision in either August or September. While surging U.S. Rep.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin continues to keep the door open to jumping in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Palin said during an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday that she could afford to wait a few more weeks and could make a final decision in either August or September. While surging U.S. Rep.

Tea partiers and Christian conservatives eager to see Rick Perry in the GOP presidential fray should be careful what they wish for, because Mitt Romney stands to benefit most.

Strategists speculate that Perry would drain support from U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., a favorite of the religious right who has been surging in the polls. By splintering social conservatives, the Texas governor could end up solidifying Romney's position as the party's front-runner.

Totals for second quarter fundraising for congressional campaigns have been trickling in this week ahead of the Friday deadline for reporting all contributions and spending in the second three months of the year. Most of the candidates havent filed their report with the Federal Election Commission, but a few have. A few others have said publicly what they plan to report.

WASHINGTON -- President Obama is demanding a big long-term budget deal. He won't sign anything less, he warns, asking, "If not now, when?"