Election 2012: White House campaign opens with sharp attacks

Click to View in Browser 04/11/2012 White House campaign opens with sharp attacks WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney fired a series of sharp attacks at each other on Wednesday as they opened a seven-month battle for the White House that is getting ugly fast. Analysis: U.S. House Republican freshmen feel heat from all sides WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican U.S. Representative Michael Grimm's office was filled with conservative Tea Party activists one day last month and they weren't happy. After game-changing run, Santorum quits White House race GETTYSBURG, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - Rick Santorum ended his improbable run for the White House on Tuesday after leading a Republican tilt to the right that could dog the more moderate front-runner, Mitt Romney, in November's election. Florida governor says no plan to endorse during primaries TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Reuters) - Florida Governor Rick Scott said on Monday he has no plans to endorse a Republican presidential candidate during the primary contests, as he acclimates to an unfamiliar role of fundraiser and party leader in the critical swing state. Virginia governor seeks to soften voter ID legislation PORTSMOUTH, Virginia (Reuters) - Virginia's Republican Governor Bob McDonnell introduced amendments on Tuesday to soften controversial legislation requiring voters to present valid identification to cast a ballot in elections. Poll shows Obama weak spot on economy versus Romney WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama tops his main Republican rival in everything from personality to diplomacy - but when it comes to the economy, a new poll shows a potential weak spot in his bid to hold onto the White House. Obama campaign slams Romney for not paying "fair share" of taxes BOCA RATON, Florida (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's campaign blasted Mitt Romney on Tuesday for not paying his "fair share" of taxes, escalating the rhetoric against the leading Republican presidential contender to try to paint him as an elitist who is out of touch with ordinary Americans. Congress' spring break a time for voters to vent CLAREMONT, New Hampshire (Reuters) - At home in New Hampshire, the land of Yankee skepticism, congressman Charlie Bass was being asked to explain his support for the new Republican budget. Lawyer behind Super PAC ruling launches his own The conservative lawyer who helped end political spending limits for corporations has now taken advantage of new campaign finance rules that allow "Super PACs" by launching one of his own. Washington Extra: Sayonara Santorum It began and ended at a kitchen table in Pennsylvania. Rick Santorum's improbable and surprisingly long run for the White House is over. But the Republican Party will feel the effects of this game-changing gambit cooked up in a kitchen for some time to come. Here are our top stories from Washington… Related Video U.S. senator visits Myanmar Santorum ends White House bid Tales from the Trail The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend