Newt Gingrich is ending his presidential campaign next wee. A conservative taxpayers group had called on him to give up his Secret Service protection.

President Obama visited Iowa City this week as part of a three-state tour. As it was four years ago, Iowa will be an important state in the general election, which is expected to be a matchup between Obama and Republican Mitt Romney. Here's a look at ground operations for both candidates.

A president seeking re-election against a backdrop of a lackluster economy would be remiss if he didn't stress his unique roles as the nation's top policymaker for international relations and the military's commander-in-chief. President Obama and his campaign clearly intend to exploit those credentials for all they're worth while pointing out Mitt Romney's lack of them.

Next month, voters will decide whether to change the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, as well as civil unions and domestic partnerships. Leading Republican lawmakers think it's one of the most important issues facing voters. But some conservatives worry that the measure goes too far.