Free Republic

WASHINGTON — Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen broke down in tears while reflecting on his decision to drop his reelection bid after redistricting all but ensured he had no path to victory. Cohen (D-Tenn.), the sole Democrat in Tennessee’s congressional delegation, lamented the Republicans’ revamping of the Volunteer State’s 9th district, which is majority minority, and railed against redistricting as “bad for democracy.” “I’m upset by this,” the now-outgoing Democrat bemoaned to NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo on Friday. “And I don’t get the criticism of stand and fight.” “Why would you fight when they changed the district and there aren’t enough votes...

As the shutdown entered its second full week Monday, with no end in sight, politicians and public employees traded accusations over who's getting paid, who isn't and why. "None of them should be getting paid," said Mike Lindholt, a Department of Transportation maintenance worker idled by the shutdown. "If you don't do your job, you don't get paid. That's how it is for most people." The political leaders whose budget dispute caused the shutdown are still entitled to collect their pay, and more than half of them are. Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and the Republican Senate majority leader have both...

<p>WAIMANALO — The closing of a popular camp site at Waimanalo Beach Park next month means that dozens of homeless may lose contact with the only people willing to help them, experts say.</p> <p>Social service agencies provide medical attention, psychiatric care and other services to the homeless on the beaches and in the parks where they live.</p>