Hoekstra backs off Super Bowl ad

Former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra has taken down a controversial Chinese-themed website and is phasing in a new TV commercial in the slot of his original Super Bowl ad that was panned as racially insensitive.

• YouTube video: Dems response to Hoekstra ad
• Video: Durant's first TV ad

$50M raise for public safety

Lansing — In addition to education and transportation investments, Gov. Rick Snyder said public safety is a priority in his 2013 budget proposal presented Thursday.

Critics: Education funding is only ‘bare minimum’

Initial reaction to Gov. Rick Snyder’s budget proposal was generally positive — mostly because Michigan is in better financial shape than it was 12 months ago.

Michigan awaits GOP rivals

Hours after former Sen. Rick Santorum won three primary contests Tuesday, the Oakland County Republican Party’s phone and website were inundated.

Budget plan details

Highlights of Gov. Rick Snyder’s $48.2 billion budget proposal for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1:

Romney braces for tough battle in Maine

New York — Mitt Romney is in danger of losing his fourth straight state in Saturday’s caucuses in Maine, where he and his allies have been all but absent from TV. That’s no coincidence.

Democrats split on Obama birth control rule

Washington — Democrats are deeply divided over President Barack Obama’s new rule that religious schools and hospitals must provide insurance for free birth control to their employees.

10 states allowed to scrap No Child Left Behind

Washington — President Barack Obama on Thursday declared that 10 states are free from the No Child Left Behind law, allowing them to scrap some of the most rigorous and unpopular mandates in American education.

Santorum’s sudden rise raises status of Michigan primary

Emboldened by three victories Tuesday, former Sen. Rick Santorum now seeks to usurp Mitt Romney in his native state by bringing momentum and a manufacturing revival message to Michigan.

Snyder holds Facebook town hall meeting on budget

Gov. Rick Snyder hosted his second Facebook town hall in less than two months, this time answering questions about a 2013 budget proposal he presented Thursday morning in Lansing.

Giffords aide to run for seat in special election

Phoenix — A top aide to former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords who suffered shots to his leg and face in the Tucson rampage that also left the congresswoman severely wounded announced Thursday that he will seek to replace her in a special election.

Romney’s new offensive blames Gingrich, Santorum for GOP failings

Atlanta—A day after his defeats in Colorado, Missouri and Minnesota, Mitt Romney pounded Republican presidential rivals Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich on Wednesday as big-spending Washington insiders whose careers show scant evidence of fiscal restraint.

Political insider: I’ll trade you a Mitt Romney for a Santorum or a Gingrich

Yard signs and pins: Been there, done that. Trading cards and dog bandannas? Now those are new ways to follow or protest those running for office.

Georgia primary may not be a Gingrich slam dunk

Fight over birth control policy intensifies

California marriage ban path to High Court unclear

Losses expose weakness in Romney conservative appeal

Romney, Paul poised to make strong showings in Maine

Snyder still deciding on GOP presidential endorsement

Romney touts vouchers, vows to protect Medicare, Social Security

Michigan GOP chair, Gingrich praise Chrysler ad

Snyder proposes adding $45M to fight crime in 2013 budget

Under attack, Santorum defends 'good' earmarks

Romney ’glitter bomber’ fired from internship

Details of Snyder’s budget plan

Democrats propose 6-week cut in jobless benefits

GOP chairman says Michigan primary to have influential role

Fresh off sweep, Santorum says Michigan is his next target