With the national convention just three months away, state Democrats are reeling from a series of setbacks, including passage of a gay marriage ban and a sex scandal within the organization. But party leaders say they're committed to making the convention a success and keeping the state "blue" in November.

Pennsylvania has been considered a swing state in the past few elections. Voters did elect a Republican governor and U.S. senator two years ago. But after voting for the Democrat in five straight presidential contests, is it still a swing state?

Republicans have rallied for repeal of the Affordable Care Act since the very day it passed. But now the GOP has a problem: Some provisions in the law are very popular with voters. If the Supreme Court strikes the law down, choosing whether to try to revive those parts could be difficult.

Each workday for the past five weeks, after taking off his shoes and watch and passing through a metal detector, North Carolina Public Radio reporter Jeff Tiberii entered a small — often cramped — windowless federal courtroom in Greensboro, N.C. It's the trial of 2008 Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards. And it could be a while yet.

Political scientists have long noted the propensity for self-dealing among politicians in out-of-sight, out-of-mind state capitals like Albany, NY and Springfield, Ill. After comparing federal corruption convictions of state officials and the relative isolation of state capitals, two researchers found a strong correlation.

The Mitt Romney campaign has a sequel to its "Day One" ad, in which it explains what else the presumptive GOP nominee would include in his immediate to-do list if inaugurated president. Candidates often use the "first day" promise to highlight priorities. But Washington politics can change things.