Governor Chris Christie announced cuts to unemployment benefits in the midst of the worst job market in 70 years on Thursday, setting up a showdown with the Democratic-controlled state legislature.

Freshman Congressman Leonard Lance (R-7th District) has earned the dubious distinction of being one of 114 Republican lawmakers--more than half of the Republicans in Washington--to block passage of President Obama's economic stimulus plan, criticise it in the press, and then take credit for the jobs and projects it has funded.

A devastating report compiled by thinkprogress.org outlines the 114 Republicans who stood in the way of economic recovery while taking credit for its success:

Disappointed that there were remaining pockets of the American political system not completely dominated by Wall Street executives, conservatives on the Supreme Court issued an opinion yesterday overturning a 63-year old ban or corporate money in federal elections.

Republican State Senator Scott Brown beat Democrat Martha Coakley last Tuesday for the Senate seat in Massachusetts.  The Democratic loss in Massachusetts, which is generally considered a very reliable state for Democrats, has understandably left many wondering how to interpret the election, and what it means for the future of Barack Obama's agenda, including health care.