Ralph Z. Hallow

Donald Trump warning prompts RNC leaders to scrap plans to change convention rules

Donald Trump's campaign, feeling it can ill afford anything less than a first-ballot win at the presidential nominating convention in July, privately warned the GOP this month not to attempt to change its rules this late in the game.

Donald Trump, Republican establishment headed for convention showdown

NEWS ANALYSIS: Donald Trump is on track to storm into July just shy of the majority of delegates needed to win the Republican Party's presidential nomination, rolling into the national convention in Cleveland slightly ahead of Sen. Ted Cruz, according to a state-by-state analysis by The Washington Times.

Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush lead GOP race to get on state ballots

If Jeb Bush's popularity ever catches on among fellow Republicans, he'll find his campaign team has paved him a smooth path to the ballot box in primary states.

David Lane, American Renewal Project founder, recruits 500 pastors to run for office

Backed by the likes of Ted Cruz, Bobby Jindal and Newt Gingrich, evangelical Christian organizer David Lane set out in January to put the pastor into American politics.

Supreme Court hangs in balance; conservatives seek specifics from 2016 field on judiciary

NEWS ANALYSIS: Deeply disappointed by the summer's rulings on same-sex marriage and Obamacare, conservatives see the presidential election next year as a watershed not only for control of the Supreme Court but also an entire federal judiciary that has been tilted leftward by President Obama's nominees.

Donald Trump could win over Hispanics who fear job competition from illegal immigrants

ANALYSIS: To hear political pundits tell it, Donald Trump has little chance to attract enough Hispanic voters to win the presidency in 2016 because of his plans to build a border wall and deport all illegal immigrants in America. Some pollsters and activists who have whipped up past Hispanic support for Republicans, however, see it differently.

Republican campaigns discuss debate concerns at secret meeting

Republican presidential campaign aides huddled Sunday night at a suburban Washington hotel to discuss frustration with the televised debates, as the Republican National Committee shuffled its staff to insert more senior oversight into the process, The Washington Times has learned.

Marsha Blackburn floated as House speaker unity candidate as Paul Ryan weighs bid

With Rep. Paul Ryan yet to announce a bid for House speaker, and facing the possibility of a drawn-out, bruising free-for-all, conservative activists and some lawmakers are floating Rep. Marsha Blackburn as a possible unity candidate.

How the GOP gets to the final four

With the Governors Club members Scott Walker and Rick Perry gone, the bloated Republican presidential field is showing the inevitable signs of radical shrinkage by year's end, with donors' reluctance to bet on long shots.

Mitch McConnell pushed to resign as Senate Majority Leader

With John Boehner now departing as House speaker, an influential Republican Party official is now seeking the ouster of another GOP leader who has frustrated conservatives: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

2016 Republican field may be pared by campaign costs super PACs can’t cover

His nascent presidential bid struggling to capture popularity and fresh dollars, Gov. Scott Walker made the hard decision last month to fork over $40,000 from his shrinking campaign coffers to the South Carolina GOP to ensure he would have a spot on that state's crucial primary.

What women want from their next Republican presidential nominee

NEWS ANALYSIS: About a decade ago, the actor Mel Gibson starred in a romantic comedy where he portrayed a businessman who emerges from an accident with the uncanny ability to hear what women think.

CNN unveils changes to debate criteria after Carly Fiorina complaints

CNN is revising the criteria it plans to use for candidates to participate in the second GOP-sanctioned debate this month in California -- opening the door for Carly Fiorina and others to capture a spot in the prime time event.

Donald Trump vs. Ted Cruz: How one anti-establishment candidate soared above the other

Ted Cruz spent more than two years using his seat in the Senate to fight the Republican establishment on behalf of conservative principles, often enduring the scorn of his own party's brass. Donald Trump, the billionaire businessman and reality TV star who hasn't spent a second in public office, just started his national tour bashing the political elite in Washington two months ago.

Donald Trump third-party run would likely kill Republicans’ 2016 chances — and his own

Donald Trump has good reason to keep a third-party bullet in his bandolier. Firing that round would probably, but not certainly, deny victory to Republicans next year under any plausible scenario. It's the uncertainty that has Republican Party loyalists wringing their hands, pollsters and strategists say.

Rick Perry tries to stay in presidential race without funds

Forced to cut back spending on his 2016 presidential bid, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry pleaded for money Tuesday to replenish his empty campaign coffers while assuring supporters he plans to stay in the race.

2016 Republican field in search of a uniter kicks off debates

Diversity. Youthful charm and wit. Steely determination. Success in governing. Record fundraising acumen. Even a showman able to tap into America's deep-seated anger with the ruling political class.

Jeb Bush decries ‘chain’ immigration, defends fundraising at Koch brothers event

Jeb Bush, now the undisputed king of fundraisers in both parties, came prepared on Sunday to address head-on the immigration issue, one of his biggest vulnerabilities with Republican core voters.

Marco Rubio’s Tom Brady quip delights Koch-gathered audience

From Tom Brady's "Deflategate" suspension to government sugar subsidies, Sen. Marco Rubio on Sunday had donors frequently laughing and applauding under a hot southern California sun.

Fiorina, Walker fire up donors at Koch conference