GOP: Recommendations for fewer women's health tests could mean rationed health care under bill

She has a strong point -- GOP primaries are the best way to test leaders and ideas.

Thrilled with twin victories this month, Republican governors are looking to lead a party-wide resurgence in 2010 and shape the GOP for years to come.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The head of the Republican Party in a North Carolina county wants election officials to check on Clay Aiken's registration after a political outburst. Wake County GOP Chairman Claude Pope filed a complaint Friday challenging whether the former "American Idol" runner-up can vote lawfully in the county. Records show Aiken voted last month using the address of his mother's home ...

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) argued last Sunday that Republicans deserve at least six additional weeks to consider health care reform before letting the bill come to a vote. But on Friday, his top lieutenant said the entire GOP has already made up its mind on the legislation.

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn is backing off his threat to require that the Senate read the 2,074-page health care bill because some GOP colleagues aren't supporting the effort.

A policy platform being crafted by top Republicans to pre-empt additional candidates from challenging GOP gubernatorial hopeful Scott McInnis also would provide the campaign messages for dozens of downticket GOP candidates. Former U.S. Rep. Tom...

Unaffiliated voters have more influence than ever in North Carolina politics, but some Republican leaders want to keep them away from the GOP primary and let party members choose their own nominees - preferably more conservative ones.

GOP governors are blistering Democratic health care plans in Congress. They say the legislation will result in crippling costs to states already grappling with huge budget deficits in a recession.

RALEIGH (AP) - North Carolina Republican Party leaders are meeting this weekend to decide if they want to continue allowing unaffiliated voters to cast ballots in GOP primaries.