Nearly half the 8 million people who bought health insurance through the state and federal exchanges signed up in the last six weeks. Florida enrolled 39 percent of those eligible, despite opposition.
Reported by NPR 8 hours ago.
Obamacare Sign-Ups Show Wide Variation By State, Ethnicity
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Hearing loss and tinnitus common in musicians
*Hearing loss and tinnitus common in musicians*
A good part of my youth in the 1970s and 1980s was spent at rock concerts as close to the front as I could get, with huge stacked amplifiers curling my hair and, yes, deafening my ears. I know that several of my favorite musicians—Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and Keith Richards, to name a few—have experienced hearing loss as they got older.
But I wondered if the problem really was more common among musicians. A German study out this week provides some of the best evidence that the answer is yes. And it also made me worry about my hearing, and those of other people my age.
The study, in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine this week, analyzed the health insurance records of more than 3 million adults. Of that group, less than 1 percent (2,227) were professional musicians. But they were four times as likely to have noise-induced hearing loss compared with nonmusicians, and 57 percent more likely to suffer from tinnitus, or continuous ringing in the ears.
*Today's digital hearing aids and other listening devices can dramatically improve your ability to hear. Find out more in our hearing aid buying guide.*
The findings made me think that, like me, the lifestyle and occupation of many baby boomers may have affected our hearing more than we will admit. Our recent report on hearing loss found that the problem is common and growing. Take our quiz to see how your hearing really stacks up.
This week's study also highlights the need for some precautionary measures:
*1. Turn it down: *Discipline yourself to play music at a lower volume. Keep your MP3 player well below maximum volume and limit listening time to 90 minutes per day. Use your MP3 player's volume limiter if it has one.
*2. Schedule quiet times: *Hearing loss is cumulative, so make sure to offset noisy periods with quieter ones.
*3. Use hearing protection: *Foam earplugs can reduce your noise exposure by about 20 decibels, but only if you insert them properly. Here's how: Roll the earplug gently between your fingers to make it long and thin, then reach over your head to lift your ear with one hand while inserting the earplug with the other. Hold each earplug in place until it expands. Or you can use over-the-ear earmuffs, which are easier to put on and take off but can be hotter and bulkier.
*4. Use the right headphones: *Our recent tests have shown that noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones and insert-type rubber-tipped earbuds, properly sized to fit your ear canals, can be good at blocking background noises that lead to higher listening volumes. Just avoid using them in places where you need to stay alert, such as city streets and airports.
—Chris Hendel
Chris Hendel has been Consumer Reports' chief medical researcher since 1989 and is one of the founders of Consumer Reports on Health, our monthly health newsletter.
*Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.*
*Subscribe now!*
Subscribe to *ConsumerReports.org* for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products.
--------------------
Update your feed preferences
Reported by Consumer Reports 6 hours ago.
A good part of my youth in the 1970s and 1980s was spent at rock concerts as close to the front as I could get, with huge stacked amplifiers curling my hair and, yes, deafening my ears. I know that several of my favorite musicians—Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and Keith Richards, to name a few—have experienced hearing loss as they got older.
But I wondered if the problem really was more common among musicians. A German study out this week provides some of the best evidence that the answer is yes. And it also made me worry about my hearing, and those of other people my age.
The study, in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine this week, analyzed the health insurance records of more than 3 million adults. Of that group, less than 1 percent (2,227) were professional musicians. But they were four times as likely to have noise-induced hearing loss compared with nonmusicians, and 57 percent more likely to suffer from tinnitus, or continuous ringing in the ears.
*Today's digital hearing aids and other listening devices can dramatically improve your ability to hear. Find out more in our hearing aid buying guide.*
The findings made me think that, like me, the lifestyle and occupation of many baby boomers may have affected our hearing more than we will admit. Our recent report on hearing loss found that the problem is common and growing. Take our quiz to see how your hearing really stacks up.
This week's study also highlights the need for some precautionary measures:
*1. Turn it down: *Discipline yourself to play music at a lower volume. Keep your MP3 player well below maximum volume and limit listening time to 90 minutes per day. Use your MP3 player's volume limiter if it has one.
*2. Schedule quiet times: *Hearing loss is cumulative, so make sure to offset noisy periods with quieter ones.
*3. Use hearing protection: *Foam earplugs can reduce your noise exposure by about 20 decibels, but only if you insert them properly. Here's how: Roll the earplug gently between your fingers to make it long and thin, then reach over your head to lift your ear with one hand while inserting the earplug with the other. Hold each earplug in place until it expands. Or you can use over-the-ear earmuffs, which are easier to put on and take off but can be hotter and bulkier.
*4. Use the right headphones: *Our recent tests have shown that noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones and insert-type rubber-tipped earbuds, properly sized to fit your ear canals, can be good at blocking background noises that lead to higher listening volumes. Just avoid using them in places where you need to stay alert, such as city streets and airports.
—Chris Hendel
Chris Hendel has been Consumer Reports' chief medical researcher since 1989 and is one of the founders of Consumer Reports on Health, our monthly health newsletter.
*Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.*
*Subscribe now!*
Subscribe to *ConsumerReports.org* for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products.
--------------------
Update your feed preferences
Reported by Consumer Reports 6 hours ago.
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Obamacare’s final push in Florida nets 123% enrollment boost
The final leg of signups for the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchange plans generated a storm of activity in Florida, as enrollment surged 123 percent. Individuals had until March 31 to sign up for a plan on the federal exchange, although people who began the process by that date were given until April 19 to finish. The Department of Health and Human Services said Florida had 983,775 enrollees in the Obamacare exchange on April 19, a big increase from the 442,087 at the end of February. RELATED…
Reported by bizjournals 7 hours ago.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield remains as administrator
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board has voted to stay with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to administer the system's self-funded employee health insurance plan for another three years.
Reported by Miami Herald 6 hours ago.
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BC&BS gets almost half of exchange business
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico said it has enrolled 15,000 New Mexicans in health insurance plans through the state and federal health exchanges, for a nearly 47 percent market share of the exchange business. In addition, the insurer gained 7,000 members through off-exchange policies, said BCBSNM Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff Janice Torrez. “Last year we announced that we would extend our efforts for people to access cost-effective health insurance through the…
Reported by bizjournals 5 hours ago.
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Kansas health care enrollments beat expectations
About 57,000 Kansans found health insurance coverage through the federal government's online marketplace, more than officials expected, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday.
Reported by KansasCity.com 4 hours ago.
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Kansas health exchange signups top government expectations
A total of 57,013 Kansans chose a health insurance plan on the federal government's marketplace between Oct. 1 and April 19. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that exceeds the 53,000 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had expected. However, it's not clear how many of the signups were from people who previously lacked insurance. About 32 percent of signups came from Kansans between ages 18 and 32, which is a few points below the target for the share of younger people who would make…
Reported by bizjournals 5 hours ago.
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Kenner switching health insurance carriers
Kenner will save five percent on monthly health insurance premiums next year after City Council approved switching to a new carrier.
Reported by Miami Herald 5 hours ago.
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Democrat Says Challenge From The President On Obamacare Is 'Irrelevant'
Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) said pressure from the president over Obamacare is "irrelevant."
President Barack Obama recently encouraged Democrats to embrace Obamacare as part of their reelection strategies.
"I think Democrats should forcefully defend and be proud of the fact....we're helping because of something we did," Obama said at an April press conference.
But Begich told RealClearPolitics Obama's urging doesn't matter, especially since he is being so heavily targeted by Republicans ahead of the 2014 election.
“The president challenging me on this is kind of irrelevant,” Begich said. “That’s not how I campaign. I look toward what Alaskans care about.”
Begich told RealClearPolitics the health care law is “not perfect” and “needs to be worked on." That rhetoric is different from an ad released last month by the pro-Begich super PAC Put Alaska First, in which breast cancer survivor Lisa Keller notes Obamacare enabled her to get health insurance despite the pre-existing condition.
Begich also said he doesn't need Obama to campaign for him in Alaska, where he said every Senate candidate is "a player right now."
“What I need him to do is see the areas of issues he and I disagree on, so I can convince him otherwise," Begich said.
*Read more on Begich at RealClearPolitics.* Reported by Huffington Post 3 hours ago.
President Barack Obama recently encouraged Democrats to embrace Obamacare as part of their reelection strategies.
"I think Democrats should forcefully defend and be proud of the fact....we're helping because of something we did," Obama said at an April press conference.
But Begich told RealClearPolitics Obama's urging doesn't matter, especially since he is being so heavily targeted by Republicans ahead of the 2014 election.
“The president challenging me on this is kind of irrelevant,” Begich said. “That’s not how I campaign. I look toward what Alaskans care about.”
Begich told RealClearPolitics the health care law is “not perfect” and “needs to be worked on." That rhetoric is different from an ad released last month by the pro-Begich super PAC Put Alaska First, in which breast cancer survivor Lisa Keller notes Obamacare enabled her to get health insurance despite the pre-existing condition.
Begich also said he doesn't need Obama to campaign for him in Alaska, where he said every Senate candidate is "a player right now."
“What I need him to do is see the areas of issues he and I disagree on, so I can convince him otherwise," Begich said.
*Read more on Begich at RealClearPolitics.* Reported by Huffington Post 3 hours ago.
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For Rand Paul, Ted Cruz And Other Presidential Contenders, Actions Speak Louder Than Words
WASHINGTON (AP) — In the latest prep work for a presidential campaign, Rand Paul is conspicuously courting moderate and establishment Republicans while Ted Cruz keeps up a travel schedule that has 2016 written all over it.
Jeb Bush is stirring from something of a political snooze and a half-dozen other credible prospects are getting their voices heard in the din. As for Democrats, a Hillary Rodham Clinton book coming out in June is about as exciting as it gets these days.
The suspense of a Democratic nomination race is in suspension until the party's dominant figure decides whether to run or someone goes for the prize without waiting for her to make up her mind. She sounds and acts a bit more like a candidate by the month, which doesn't necessarily mean she'll be one.
In both parties, potential contenders are best judged by what they do — and where they go, like Iowa and New Hampshire — not by what they say. Most are keeping up with the fiction that they are not really thinking about running for president even as they transparently position themselves to run for president.
Cruz has visited Iowa four times in the past eight months, and New Hampshire and South Carolina three times each, and claimed that's got nothing to do with presidential campaign politics, which no one believes. "I think it's too early to worry about 2016," the Texas senator said with a straight face.
For months, many prospective 2016 presidential candidates have been networking with party leaders, donors and activists. They've published or announced books. They're using TV appearances to become household names, at least in households tuned to the Sunday or cable news shows.
With a few notable exceptions, their preparations have accelerated since The Associated Press began broadly tracking their activities last summer. Yet even as most march through a precampaign checklist, they are keeping their options open should they decide to sit out the race.
Aside from Clinton, the former secretary of state, senator and first lady, potential Democratic contenders include Vice President Joe Biden, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Among Republicans in the mix: Bush, the former Florida governor; New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; Cruz; Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal; Kentucky Sen. Paul; Texas Gov. Rick Perry; Florida Sen. Marco Rubio; Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan; former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
A look at who's doing what:
NONDENIAL DENIAL: Cagey words that cloak presidential ambitions, none too convincingly.
Democrats
Biden: "If I decide to run, believe me, this would be the first guy I talk to. But that decision hasn't been made, for real. And there's plenty of time to make that." April, CBS, in joint interview with President Barack Obama.
Clinton: "I haven't made up my mind. I really have not."— December, ABC.
Cuomo: "I'm sorry, I'm losing you. We have a technical difficulty. I'm running for governor of the state of New York."— Seeming not to hear a question about his presidential intentions. February, Fox Business Network.
O'Malley: "No one ever goes down this road, I would hope, without giving it a lot of consideration and a lot of preparation and a lot of thought work, and so that's what I'm doing."— February, speaking to reporters in Baltimore.
Republicans
Bush: "I can honestly tell you that I don't know what I'm going to do."— His standard disclaimer. Says he'll decide by end of year whether to run. One factor in decision: Whether he can run an optimistic campaign and avoid the "mud fight" of politics.
Christie: "I am enormously flattered that folks would talk about me in my party as someone who they think could be a candidate for president. But I am absolutely in — nowhere near that consideration process."— Jan. 9 news conference addressing the scandal over Fort Lee, N.J., traffic tie-ups.
Cruz: "My focus is entirely on the U.S. Senate."— His standard disclaimer
Jindal: "My honest answer is I don't know what I'm going to be doing in 2016."— February, speaking to press while in Washington for governors meeting.
Paul: "We're definitely talking about it, my family is talking about it. I truly won't make my mind up until after the 2014 elections. But I haven't been shy in saying we're thinking about it."— March 9, Fox News.
Perry: "I don't know whether I'm going to run for the presidency. I'm going to spend the time in preparation."— April, in Ohio.
Rubio: "Eventually I'll have to make a decision one way or another because my Senate term will expire in 2016. But it won't be today."— April, in Texas.
Ryan: "Jane and I are going to sit down in 2015 and give it the serious ... conversation, consideration that are required for keeping our options open. But right now I have responsibilities in the majority in the House of Representatives that I feel I ought to attend to, and then I'll worry about those things." March, CBS.
Santorum: "I don't know if I can do this. It's just tough."— April, AP interview. Timing of decision? "A year at least, probably."
Walker: "I'm really focused on 2014, not getting ahead of the game. ... You guys can predict all you want."— January, CNN.
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WRITING A BOOK: The perfect stage-setter for a campaign season, just ask Barack Obama ("The Audacity of Hope," 2006; "Dreams from My Father," 2004)
Democrats
Biden: No, not since before 2008 election.
Clinton: Yes, "Hard Choices" due for release June 10.
Cuomo: Yes, coming in 2014.
O'Malley: No. "I'm not sure where I'd find the time for that." It's probably only a matter of time before he finds time.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, on immigration.
Christie: No.
Cruz: Yes, book deal disclosed by his agent in April.
Jindal: Not since before 2012 election.
Paul: No, not since just before the 2012 election.
Perry: Not since before 2012 election.
Rubio: Yes, coming in late 2014 from the publisher of his 2012 memoir.
Santorum: Yes, "Blue Collar Conservatives" released in late April, says: "Do Republicans really care less about the person at the bottom of the ladder than Democrats do? To be painfully honest, I would have to say in some ways 'yes.'"
Ryan: Yes, coming in 2014.
Walker: Yes, out in fall 2013.
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GO TO IOWA: Its caucuses are the opening act of the nomination contest.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, spoke at Sen. Tom Harkin's fall 2013 steak-fry fundraiser, a must-stop for many Democrats seeking to compete in the leadoff caucuses. Raised money for Iowa congressional candidate Jim Mowrer.
Clinton: No, avoiding big primary/caucus states. But Ready for Hillary is mobilizing for her in the state.
Cuomo: No.
O'Malley: Yes, headlined Harkin's 2012 fundraiser.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, in 2012.
Christie: Yes, in 2012. More travel driven by politics in the cards now that he's chairman of Republican Governors Association for 2014 election year.
Cruz: Yes, four visits in eight months.
Jindal: Yes, summer 2013 visit, then flew with Iowa governor to governors association meeting in Milwaukee. In Iowa seven times in 2012.
Paul: Yes, three times in 2013. In March, snagged the state GOP chairman, who announced he was quitting to join Paul as an adviser.
Perry: Yes, visited Des Moines suburbs and Davenport in February, meeting GOP activists and attending an event with business leaders sponsored by the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity. Also met with Gov. Terry Branstad and addressed a Des Moines crowd of 400 in November.
Rubio: Yes, in 2012 just days after the election. A new wave of visits to early voting states expected.
Ryan: Yes, was keynote speaker for Iowa GOP's big fundraising dinner in Cedar Rapids in April. Main speaker at governor's annual birthday fundraiser in November 2013, in first visit since 2012 campaign.
Santorum: Yes, recent visit with strategists and media. August 2013 speech to conservative Christians in state where he won the 2012 caucuses. Screened his new Christmas movie in Iowa in November.
Walker: Yes, fundraiser last year.
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GO TO NEW HAMPSHIRE: Nation's first primary comes after Iowa and is just as important.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, raised money for three Democrats in March visit for job-training event. Quipped: "I'm here about jobs — not mine."
Clinton: No. But Ready for Hillary has sent people there this year.
Cuomo: No.
O'Malley: Yes, spoke at Democratic Party dinner in November. Also spoke at 2012 convention of New Hampshire Democrats.
Republicans
Bush: No.
Christie: Yes, three times in 2012.
Cruz: Yes, three times since August.
Jindal: Yes, keynote speech to local Republican organization in March, headlined state GOP fundraiser in 2013, visited twice in 2012.
Paul: Yes, addressed Freedom Summit in April. Won straw poll at March meeting of Northeast Republican Leadership Conference in Nashua. Several visits last year.
Perry: No.
Rubio: Yes, making his first appearance of the 2016 season, in May, at county Republican dinner. Multiple visits before 2012 election.
Ryan: Yes, headlined Manchester fundraiser in February for former House colleague. Canceled October 2013 visit because of government shutdown.
Santorum: Yes, March speech to Northeast Republican Leadership Conference marked his return to a state where he performed weakly in 2012 campaign.
Walker: Yes, headlined a GOP state convention in October 2013, keynote at state party convention in September 2012.
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DON'T FORGET SOUTH CAROLINA: First Southern primary and big in its own right.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, headlined annual fundraising dinner in May 2013 for state party, appeared at Rep. James Clyburn's annual fish fry.
Clinton: No.
Cuomo: No.
O'Malley: Yes, 2013 speech to party activists.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, 2012 speech.
Christie: Yes, helped Mitt Romney raise money in 2012.
Cruz: Yes, speech at The Citadel military college in April was third visit in a year, following event with religious conservatives in November and speech to annual state GOP dinner last May.
Jindal: Yes, third visit in a year coming in June, as keynote speaker at state GOP's biggest gathering, the Silver Elephant dinner.
Paul: Yes, foreign policy speech at The Citadel military college and small GOP fundraiser in Charleston in November 2013 visit; headlined several fundraisers earlier in year.
Perry: Yes, two-day visit in December 2013, addressed state GOP. In August, raised money for Gov. Nikki Haley's re-election campaign.
Rubio: Yes, headlined 2012 Silver Elephant dinner.
Ryan: Yes, in 2012 campaign.
Santorum: Yes, April GOP event at The Citadel military college, where two sons are cadets. Campaigned in April 2013 for Curtis Bostic in GOP House runoff race; Bostic lost.
Walker: Yes, attended August fundraiser for Haley, who came to Wisconsin to campaign for him in 2012 recall vote.
___
GO ABROAD: Helps to give neophytes foreign policy cred, and Israel is a touchstone for U.S. politicians.
Democrats
Biden: You bet. Visited Ukrainian capital in April to symbolize U.S. commitment to new government in its struggle against pro-Russian insurgents and threatening signals from Moscow. Long at forefront of Obama administration's diplomatic maneuvers with Kiev. Sent to Poland and Lithuania in March to reassure NATO allies anxious about Russia's annexation of Crimea. Seven trips to the Americas since 2009, including a March visit to Chile. December 2013 visits to China, Japan and South Korea. Countless trips to Iraq and Afghanistan during first term.
Clinton: Another globe-trotter, nearly 1 million miles as secretary of state. Limited overseas travel in 2013: honorary degree at St. Andrews University in Scotland in September; trip to London in October for a diplomacy award and a fundraising concert for the family's foundation. Attended memorial services for Nelson Mandela in South Africa in December. Two recent speeches in Canada.
Cuomo: Not much lately. Israel twice in 2002.
O'Malley: Yes. Israel in 2013 this year for a second time. Also Denmark, Ireland, France, Brazil and El Salvador in 2013. Asia in 2011, Iraq in 2010.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, usually several overseas trips a year. Three times to Israel since 1980s.
Christie: Yes, Israel and Jordan in 2012.
Cruz: Yes, first visit to Israel in December 2012, again in January 2013 as part of Senate Republican delegation that traveled to Afghanistan, too.
Jindal: January 2014 trade and investment mission to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, first time overseas as governor. Canada in August 2013 to speak to oil industry about his support of the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Paul: Yes, Israel and Jordan in 2013.
Perry: Yes, has visited Israel numerous times including an October trip that included a photo op with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting Cabinet members and a separate stop in London to see British officials and financial leaders.
Rubio: Yes, visited the Philippines, Japan and South Korea in January, foreign policy speech in London in early December and Israel, Jordan, Palestinian Authority, Afghanistan in February 2013. Also went to Israel after 2010 election to Senate.
Ryan: Yes, Middle East during congressional career; visited troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Santorum: Scant foreign travel while in the Senate drew notice in 2012 GOP campaign.
Walker: Yes, China in 2013 trade mission.
___
MEET THE MONEY: To know donors now is to tap them later.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, actively fundraising for Democratic committees and candidates in 2014 midterms. Headlined fundraiser at home of Biden donor in Florida for House candidate Alex Sink in February; Sink lost the special election in March.
Clinton: Yes, can tap deep well of Democratic and activist money. Raises money for Clinton foundation. Bundlers such as Hollywood moguls Jeffrey Katzenberg and Haim Saban have signaled support. Ready for Hillary super PAC raised more than $4 million in 2013 and $1.7 million in first three months of 2014. Worked fundraising circuit to help Terry McAuliffe's campaign for governor in Virginia and Bill de Blasio's mayoral bid in New York City.
Cuomo: Flush coffers for 2014 governor's race.
O'Malley: Yes, in December ended his year as finance chairman for the Democratic Governors Association and is one of the party's top fundraisers.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, longtime connections on Wall Street and beyond. Flew to Las Vegas in March to meet GOP super donor Sheldon Adelson. In February, his short video for GOP fundraiser at Donald Trump's Palm Beach, Florida, estate was a bigger hit than Cruz's keynote speech. Party in summer of 2013 for his immigration book at home of Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets and a leading Republican bundler.
Christie: Yes, became GOP governors chairman in November, giving him regular access to the party's top national donors. In that capacity, has already met donors in Idaho, Vermont, Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts and Utah. Was one of a handful of high-profile Republicans to meet with Adelson in Las Vegas at his resort casino in late March. One of three prospective candidates who attended Mitt Romney's retreat with major party donors in Utah in June 2013.
Cruz: Yes, met in March with top California conservative donors and keynoted Trump fundraiser. Has list of potential donors that's still growing after he collected more than 1.5 million signatures for the online petition "Don'tFundObamaCare," which he began in 2013.
Jindal: Yes, met leading GOP donors in New York City, as most GOP prospects do over time. Among prospective candidates who visited Iowa GOP donor Bruce Rastetter's farm in August 2013 for annual fundraiser for the governor.
Paul: Yes, headlined luncheon in April at Boston-area equity firm led by Romney's former national finance chairman and Romney's oldest son, Tagg, an event that drew together the 2012 presidential candidate's inner circle. Also attended Romney's 2013 Utah retreat. Has met GOP donors in New York City.
Perry: Yes, has proven an effective fundraiser, both from grassroots activists and mainstream Republicans. Has led many job-poaching missions in big states with Democratic governors and met privately during those trips with key donors, especially in New York and California.
Rubio: Yes, aggressive national fundraising outreach, including trips to New York and California to meet potential donors. Among a handful of possible candidates to attend September 2013 event at home of Woody Johnson, New York Jets' owner and Mitt Romney's national finance chairman.
Ryan: Yes, attracts Wall Street interest, attended Romney's 2013 Utah retreat, has money connections from 2012 campaign.
Santorum: 2012 shoestring campaign was largely fueled by a super political action committee to which Republican donor Foster Friess gave more than $2 million.
Walker: Yes, addressed Republican Jewish Coalition at a Las Vegas gathering in March where main attraction was Adelson, who's looking where to place his bets in GOP field. Headlined 2013 fundraisers in New York and Connecticut.
___
NETWORK LIKE MAD: Taking their case to ideologues, activists and party heavyweights who hold great sway in nomination race.
Democrats
Biden: And how. Says he plans to campaign in more than 100 races in the 2014 election. Meets regularly with former Senate colleagues and congressional Democrats. Gives keynote speeches at annual state Democratic Party dinners across the country. Making calls for House Democrats' campaign organization, assisting in recruitment of candidates. Campaigned for new Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey. Speaks regularly to special interests.
Clinton: Steady presence now on speaking circuit, delivering paid speeches to industry groups and conferences and appearing before a number of groups with ties to the Democratic coalition.
Cuomo: Sparingly. Rarely leaves New York.
O'Malley: Yes, busy spring, with speeches to California Democratic state convention in March, Wisconsin Democrats in April and Massachusetts Democrats in May. Was Democratic governors' chairman for two years until December 2012.
Republicans
Bush: Doing more this year politically after a long period of "a little self-restraint." Already a GOP establishment favorite. Recent travels to Tennessee, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas. Skipped Conservative Political Action Conference in March, after giving keynote speech to the influential group a year earlier.
Christie: Yes, vigorous outreach now as the new Republican Governors Association chairman. Also spoke in March to Conservative Political Action Conference, which snubbed him last year. Addressed Republican Jewish Coalition spring meeting in Las Vegas, spending a full day with top donors and GOP operatives.
Cruz: Yes, vigorously. Spoke by video to National Rifle Association's April leadership forum. Addressed Conservative Political Action Conference in March, after landing the group's coveted keynote role in 2013. Has engaged in persistent courting of religious and economic conservatives in Texas and beyond; pitched social conservative principles at Values Voter meeting in October, while also meeting privately beforehand with evangelical leaders. Addressed 2012 Republican National Convention before he was even elected to the Senate.
Jindal: Big time and small time, far and wide. Giving May commencement address at Liberty University in Virginia, a familiar stop for prospective candidates, then South Carolina speech in June. Addressed NRA annual leadership forum in April, Conservative Political Action Conference in March, also in 2013. Made time for fundraiser for local sheriff in Michigan. Altogether, has spent much of his time during six years as governor on the road, talking to GOP and activist groups, supporting Republican candidates and promoting achievements. Has close ties with social conservatives. Created political action committee to help conservative candidates running for Congress, giving him continued opportunities to network nationally.
Paul: Yes, and now roaming freely beyond tea party tent. Had private audience in April with Romney's 2012 campaign advisers, is helping Republicans across political spectrum, including moderate Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, and has pitched in with party leaders to heal divisions from last campaign. In late April brought message of unity to state GOP convention in Maine, where a struggle over delegates created raw tensions between GOP establishment and libertarian or tea party supporters of his father in 2012 campaign. Generated buzz and won symbolic straw poll at Conservative Political Action Conference in March.
Perry: Yes, spoke at past two Conservative Political Action Conferences as well as its regional meeting in St. Louis in September. Addressed conservative activists at a RedState Gathering in New Orleans in August, mistakenly saying he was in Florida. Job-pitching tour in various states helps make connections.
Rubio: Yes, conservative and party activists, focused lately on repairing tea party relationships strained over immigration. Well-received speech to Conservative Political Action Conference in March. In Virginia governor's race, campaigned for Republican Ken Cuccinelli, who lost.
Ryan: Yes, prime networker as 2012 vice presidential candidate; now helping fellow House members raise money.
Santorum: Addressed NRA convention in April; speeches to groups around the country, including Conservative Political Action Conference. His Christian-themed film company is his calling card with religious conservatives.
Walker: One of only a few 2016 prospects who spoke to Republican Jewish Coalition. Skipped the big Conservative Political Action Conference in March, appeared there last year. Campaigned for GOP in Virginia governor's race. Spoke to Michigan Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island in September 2013.
___
HOG THE TV: Achieving national recognition by sermonizing on the Sunday news shows, or going for soft questions and easy laughs on late-night TV.
Democrats
Biden: He's back. After being largely absent from the airwaves for more than a year, Biden has resumed frequent interviews, including joint TV appearance with Obama in April. He did a TV blitz the morning after the State of the Union, a CNN interview aboard an Amtrak train and dished on his skin care routine and his wife's oddball pranks during an interview with Rachael Ray. But not a Sunday news show fixture.
Clinton: No. But late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel interviewed her in March. Appeared with Obama on CBS' "60 Minutes" in January to talk about tenure as secretary of state; gave interview to Barbara Walters late in 2013.
Cuomo: No. Prefers radio.
O'Malley: Getting back in the swing. January 2014 Sunday news show appearance on CNN was first in months, followed by CBS in February.
Republicans
Bush: Blanketed the five Sunday shows one day in March 2013 to plug his book on immigration, a few appearances other times.
Christie: Not so much since traffic scandal surfaced. Before that, liked to cut up on late-night TV. Four Sunday news shows after his 2013 re-election.
Cruz: Yes, several Sunday news show appearances already this year, plenty last year. Frequent guest on Fox News and CNN.
Jindal: No, only a couple of Sunday news show appearances since 2012 election.
Paul: Leader of the chattering pack with more than a dozen Sunday talk show appearances since 2012 election, including one in April from New Hampshire. Frequent guest on news networks, especially Fox.
Perry: Raising his profile lately, making several national TV appearances while starring in flood of media spots in California designed to persuade businesses based there to move to Texas. Only a few Sunday talk show appearances since 2012 election, including one in February with three other governors.
Rubio: Staying on par with most rivals in Sunday news show appearances. Blanketed all five Sunday shows one day in April 2013, before he dropped the subject of immigration; made several other appearances since. Frequent guest on news networks.
Ryan: Many Sunday news show appearances since 2012 election. Occasional guest on network news.
Santorum: Yes, promoting his new book. Plugged his Christmas movie on "The Colbert Report," Fox News, MSNBC and more. Radio, too. Teamed up with Democrat Howard Dean as sparring partners for debates on the air and with audiences.
Walker: Already on the Sunday news show scoreboard for 2014. Half dozen or so Sunday news show appearances since 2012 election. Also, Piers Morgan, Lou Dobbs, more national TV interviews.
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ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING: For voters who want to support doers, not just talkers.
Democrats
Biden: Leading Obama's review of federal job-training programs, prime player in U.S. response to Ukrainian crisis. His office co-chaired a White House task force to address sexual assault on campuses. Point man on gun control, which failed. Negotiated fiscal cliff deal.
Clinton: Record as secretary of state, senator and first lady. Recent initiatives to help children's health and education and status of women.
Cuomo: 2014 budget proposal calls for tax cuts for businesses, homeowners and renters. In 2013, pushed through nation's first gun-control law after the Newtown, Connecticut, school massacre. Led New York's effort to legalize same-sex marriage in 2011. Minimum wage boost, on-time budgets, teacher standards.
O'Malley: Toughened gun laws, repealed death penalty, saw voters approve gay marriage after he got behind legislation to approve it, set up a framework to develop offshore wind power, won legislative approval in April of minimum wage increase, a 2014 priority.
Republicans
Bush: As Florida governor, revamped state educational system, cut taxes, managed state through hurricanes.
Christie: Won November 2013 re-election, becoming first Republican to earn more than 50 percent of New Jersey vote in quarter-century. Led state's response to Superstorm Sandy. Agreed to expand state's Medicaid program under the new health law while some other Republican governors have refused to do so. Vetoed a bill that would have sanctioned gay marriage, but declined to appeal a court ruling that legalized it.
Cruz: Leading force in dispute that partly shut the government, 21-hour Senate speech against Obama's health law. Argued before U.S. Supreme Court nine times, with eight of those coming while he was Texas' longest-serving solicitor general, between 2003 and 2008.
Jindal: Privatized much of Louisiana's Medicaid program, shrank public hospital system, signed statewide voucher program that covers private school tuition for certain students. Signed abortion restrictions, fought liberalization of adoption law, making it impossible for gay couples to adopt jointly. Hurricane and Gulf oil spill disaster response.
Paul: One-man, nearly 13-hour Senate filibuster to protest drone policy put him at forefront of civil liberties debate.
Perry: "Texas Miracle" job-creation boom has seen state create a third of the net new jobs nationwide over last decade, although Texas has disproportionately high percentage of hourly workers earning minimum wage or less. Helped muscle through new abortion restrictions.
Rubio: Broker of Senate immigration overhaul, though he's gone quiet on the issue. Early leader of effort to link financing of health care law to government shutdown. Working with anti-abortion groups on Senate version of bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks.
Ryan: Negotiated December 2013 bipartisan budget deal that scaled back across-the-board spending cuts, drawing contrast with potential rivals who opposed it. Budget-hawk record to be judged on. Emerging as influential moderate on immigration.
Santorum: Making Christian-themed, family-friendly movies at the moment; record from Senate days.
Walker: Curbs on public service unions became national flashpoint, but he won the effort — and the recall election that followed.
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TAKE A NATIONAL STAND: Effective state governance is nice but leaders must build national stature on issues of the day.
Democrats
Biden: Eclectic. Guns, violence against women, gay rights, veterans.
Clinton: Eclectic. 2013 speeches focused on the economy, housing, opportunities for women, voting rights.
Cuomo: Environmentalists nationally and the energy industry are closely watching his pending decision whether to allow fracking in upstate New York counties near the Pennsylvania line.
O'Malley: The liberal checklist: more spending on education, infrastructure, transportation; supports same-sex marriage, immigration reform, repealing death penalty, pushes environmental protections.
Republicans
Bush: Unapologetic proponent of Common Core education standards and immigration changes opposed by many in GOP.
Christie: Moderate on the reach and functions of government; bipartisanship.
Cruz: Anti-Obama's health care law, pushes broader tea party agenda.
Jindal: A record of privatization to show he means government should be trimmed, happy to carry a social conservative banner.
Paul: Tea-party plus, with a libertarian streak that places him to the left of rivals on some issues, to the right on others. Fiscal conservative, criticizes surveillance state. Praised Supreme Court gay marriage ruling as one that avoids "culture war." Health law scold. Joining in 2014 with liberal lawmakers and others in effort to roll back some mandatory minimum sentences and give judges more flexibility in fitting punishment to crime.
Perry: Prominent voice on conservative issues since before the birth of the tea party. Wants to ban all abortion in Texas, relax environmental regulations, boost states' rights; opposes gay marriage.
Rubio: 2014 initiative on poverty calls for federal wage supplements for some low-wage workers instead of earned income tax credit. Economy, abortion, tea party fiscal conservatism; immigration liberalization if he decides to get back to it. Another voice against health care law.
Ryan: Cutting spending, taking on entitlements, rolling back Obama's health law. Anti-poverty initiative this year.
Santorum: Social conservative activism goes way back. Focus on blue-collar economic opportunity. Speaking against libertarian streak in GOP, a "strain of conservatism that has no basis in conservatism." Book calls climate change "hyped-up crisis."
Walker: Fiscal stewardship, from a GOP point of view. Tough guy against the unions and liberal defenders of the status quo. Says GOP in Congress is the party of no.
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BAGGAGE TO CHECK: It's never too early to deal with skeletons in the closet; rivals will be rattling them soon enough.
Democrats
Biden: Flubs, fibs, age. Deflection: "I am who I am." Saddled by Obama's low approval ratings.
Clinton: Benghazi, Libya; polarizing when political, age. GOP wants to pin blame on her for vulnerability of U.S. diplomatic mission in Libya that came under deadly attack in 2012. In long-confidential documents from Bill Clinton's administration, advisers urged her to "be real" and "humanize" herself, revealing concerns about her authenticity as a public figure.
Cuomo: New York economy is dragging, his poll numbers have sunk, went through public and bitter divorce with Kerry Kennedy, daughter of late Sen. Robert Kennedy, in 2005.
O'Malley: State-run health insurance exchange website was an expensive bust, prompting officials to make an embarrassing switch in April to one based on Connecticut's. Contraband- and drug-smuggling scheme at state-run Baltimore City Detention Center that resulted in 44 people being indicted has state lawmakers looking to make reforms. Has record of raising taxes that could be challenged by less liberal Democrats, never mind Republicans.
Republicans
Bush: The Bush factor. Does the country want a Bush dynasty after presidents George H. W. and George W.? Courting trouble with the right with positions on education and remarks in April that people who cross into the U.S. illegally are doing so as an "act of love" for their families.
Christie: If you have to declare "I am not a bully," you've got a problem. Apologized in January 2014 for highway lane closures apparently ordered by his aides as retribution against a mayor who did not endorse him for re-election. Also fired his deputy chief of staff and denied knowledge of the machinations. Episode deepened questions about what Christie, or those around him, will do to win, and contributed to a significant drop in his poll standings. Investigations continue.
Cruz: Reputation as a hotheaded upstart, also part of his appeal. Polarizing within his party. Also comes with birther baggage: Questions have been raised in some quarters about his constitutional standing to become president because of his birth in Canada, to a Cuban father and American mother. Deflection: Promised last summer to renounce Canadian citizenship but hasn't.
Jindal: Ambitious plan to replace state's personal and corporate taxes with higher sales taxes flopped, delivered dud of a speech when given juicy platform of responding to Obama's first presidential address to Congress in 2009. Deflection: Poking fun at himself. Jindal administration's award of a $200 million Medicaid contract is under investigation by state and federal grand juries.
Paul: Dear old dad: Must move beyond Ron Paul's fringe reputation. Bridge-burning in Congress endears him to tea party, could bite him otherwise. Deflection: GOP outreach to minorities. The Washington Times canceled his column after he was found to have used passages from other people in his speeches and writings as if they were his own. Deflection: Promising proper citations and footnotes for his pronouncements "if it will make people leave me the hell alone."
Perry: "Oops!" Memories of his stumbling 2012 campaign, a quick progression from a front-runner to flameout. Deflection: Poked fun at himself for forgetting in a GOP debate one of the federal departments he would close as president, Energy. Also a potential drag: a grand jury investigation in Austin into whether he abused power by cutting off state financing for an office of public corruption prosecutors led by a Democrat who refused to resign after being convicted of drunken driving.
Rubio: Rift with tea party constituency on immigration, "a real trial for me." Deflection: Go aggressive on a matter of common ground, which he did in pledging to take apart the health law. And stop talking about immigration. Response to Obama's 2013 State of the Union speech was remembered only for his clumsy reach for water. Deflection: Made fun of himself.
Ryan: Budget axe cuts both ways — catnip to conservatives but people want their Medicare. Carries stigma of 2012 election loss as running mate. Tea party not happy with his late 2013 budget deal. Comments in March about cultural "tailspin" in inner cities struck some as veiled racism. Deflection: Called his remark "inarticulate."
Santorum: Overshadowed by newer conservative figures. Deflection: Being overshadowed means being an underdog, and he can thrive at that. Feisty 2012 campaign became the biggest threat to Romney's march to the nomination. New book contains provocative passages for future rivals to dredge up.
Walker: Some things that give him huge appeal with GOP conservatives — taking on unions, most notably — would whip up Democratic critics in general election. Wisconsin has lagged in job creation. Release of emails in February shed light on criminal investigation into whether Walker's aides were illegally doing campaign work for the 2010 governor's election while being paid as county employees. Walker, then a county executive, wasn't charged but the episode has proved a distraction.
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RUN SHADOW CAMPAIGN: One way to run without running is to have a political action committee to promote ideas or other candidates for office, or to hire advisers who can switch to a campaign when the time comes.
Democrats
Biden: Constrained by his current job, but tapped longtime adviser and former lobbyist Steve Ricchetti to be his new chief of staff; maintains close contact with political advisers past and present.
Clinton: Ready for Hillary super PAC set up by supporters is laying groundwork, so are others. Several old Clinton hands are advising the group, including Craig T. Smith and Harold Ickes.
Cuomo: Overshadowed by Clinton's shadow campaign. Considered a likely contender if Clinton ends up not running.
O'Malley: Set up a PAC called O'Say Can You See and hired two people for fundraising and communications.
Republicans
Bush: He's a Bush, so he's got connections. Sally Bradshaw, chief of staff when he was governor, is his go-to political person.
Christie: Republican Governors Association chairmanship allows him to grow his national profile with voters and party officials with regular travel and key appearances. Began building broad coalition of donors through his national fundraising tour in spring 2013. But the shadow of the traffic scandal still hangs over his shadow campaign.
Cruz: Has leadership PAC, Jobs Growth and Economic Freedom. Has been one of the largest beneficiaries of Jim DeMint's Senate Conservatives Fund and has gotten millions of dollars and grassroots logistical support from the Club for Growth, FreedomWorks and Ending Spending PAC. Heritage Action PAC helped sponsor Cruz's summer anti-health-law trip around Texas and country.
Jindal: Created Washington-based nonprofit, America Next, in October 2013 to push policy ideas nationally. For executive director, tapped Jill Neunaber, who worked on Romney's presidential campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire. In March created PAC to help conservative candidates.
Paul: Has formidable leadership PAC called Rand PAC, has maintained ties to father's political network in early primary states and benefits from strong tea party support. Is starting to build teams on the ground in most states.
Perry: Created Americans for Economic Freedom PAC in fall 2013 to raise his profile again, help him test the waters and broadcast ads promoting Republican leadership around the country. Group used more than $200,000 left over from the PAC that raised millions for his 2012 campaign.
Rubio: Expects to begin more aggressive travel to early voting states in 2014. Reclaim America PAC led by former deputy chief of staff, Terry Sullivan, veteran of South Carolina politics, expected to be active behind GOP candidates across country in 2014 midterms.
Ryan: His Prosperity Action PAC.
Santorum: Keeps in touch with chief supporters of his winning 2012 Iowa caucus campaign, giving him a leg up on a campaign organization in that state.
Walker: Consults with top Republican governor strategists such as Phil Musser and Nick Ayers.
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GET WITH IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: A must for spreading ideas, poking competitors, raising money, organizing events and showing a personal side, though often a very canned version.
Democrats
Biden: Launched Instagram account in April. Not active on Facebook, occasional contributor to his office's vigorous Twitter account.
Clinton: More than 1 million followers on Twitter, her preferred social media outlet.
Cuomo: Few if any personal tweets; Facebook also generated primarily by staff.
O'Malley: On Twitter, standard governor's fare but promotes rare appearances by his Celtic rock band, O'Malley's March, for which he sings and plays guitar, banjo and tin whistle. On Facebook, his PAC-generated page is more active than official governor's account.
Republicans
Bush: Tweets and posts many Wall Street Journal stories, education thoughts and some Bush family doings.
Christie: More engaged in Twitter ("It was great to be able to visit with the owners of Rossi's Rent-A-Rama in Ortley today.") than Facebook.
Cruz: Active on Facebook and Twitter, much content is pumped out by staff.
Jindal: Active on Twitter and on Facebook, where he lists among favorite books, "John Henry Newman: A Biography," about recently canonized British cardinal and sage. Also favors James Bond movies.
Paul: Aggressive. Bragged on Twitter in June that he'd attracted more than 1 million likes for his Facebook page, where he lists his own books as his favorites.
Perry: Active. One popular tweet was accidental — from his pocket, he said — and consisted of "I." Followers jumped in to complete his sentence. One offered: "I ... really like Obamacare." (He doesn't.) Facebook appears staff-generated.
Rubio: Aggressive, with large followings, appears to make personal use of Twitter more than staff-generated Facebook. Takes lots of shots at the health law. On Facebook, lists "Pulp Fiction" movie and "The Tudors" historical fiction TV series among favorites.
Ryan: King of Facebook among potential rivals in both parties, with nearly 4.9 million likes. Seeks $10 donations for "Team Ryan" bumper stickers for his PAC and kisses a fish. Posts photo of Obama with his feet up on Oval Office desk. Commanding presence on Twitter, too, via an account associated with his PAC and another as congressman.
Santorum: Active on Twitter and Facebook.
Walker: Posts vigorously on Facebook and on his Twitter accounts. Many exclamation points. "Glad USDA is keeping cranberries on school menus. I drink several bottles of cranberry juice each day!" And, "Green Bay Packers signing Julius Peppers to a 3-year deal is HUGE!" Promotes policy achievements and his TV appearances, reflects on sports, pokes Obama.
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Associated Press writers Ken Thomas, Josh Lederman and Nancy Benac in Washington; Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland; Tom Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa; Steve Peoples in Boston; Michael Virtanen in Albany, New York; Will Weissert in Austin, Texas; and Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report. Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
Jeb Bush is stirring from something of a political snooze and a half-dozen other credible prospects are getting their voices heard in the din. As for Democrats, a Hillary Rodham Clinton book coming out in June is about as exciting as it gets these days.
The suspense of a Democratic nomination race is in suspension until the party's dominant figure decides whether to run or someone goes for the prize without waiting for her to make up her mind. She sounds and acts a bit more like a candidate by the month, which doesn't necessarily mean she'll be one.
In both parties, potential contenders are best judged by what they do — and where they go, like Iowa and New Hampshire — not by what they say. Most are keeping up with the fiction that they are not really thinking about running for president even as they transparently position themselves to run for president.
Cruz has visited Iowa four times in the past eight months, and New Hampshire and South Carolina three times each, and claimed that's got nothing to do with presidential campaign politics, which no one believes. "I think it's too early to worry about 2016," the Texas senator said with a straight face.
For months, many prospective 2016 presidential candidates have been networking with party leaders, donors and activists. They've published or announced books. They're using TV appearances to become household names, at least in households tuned to the Sunday or cable news shows.
With a few notable exceptions, their preparations have accelerated since The Associated Press began broadly tracking their activities last summer. Yet even as most march through a precampaign checklist, they are keeping their options open should they decide to sit out the race.
Aside from Clinton, the former secretary of state, senator and first lady, potential Democratic contenders include Vice President Joe Biden, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley. Among Republicans in the mix: Bush, the former Florida governor; New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; Cruz; Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal; Kentucky Sen. Paul; Texas Gov. Rick Perry; Florida Sen. Marco Rubio; Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan; former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
A look at who's doing what:
NONDENIAL DENIAL: Cagey words that cloak presidential ambitions, none too convincingly.
Democrats
Biden: "If I decide to run, believe me, this would be the first guy I talk to. But that decision hasn't been made, for real. And there's plenty of time to make that." April, CBS, in joint interview with President Barack Obama.
Clinton: "I haven't made up my mind. I really have not."— December, ABC.
Cuomo: "I'm sorry, I'm losing you. We have a technical difficulty. I'm running for governor of the state of New York."— Seeming not to hear a question about his presidential intentions. February, Fox Business Network.
O'Malley: "No one ever goes down this road, I would hope, without giving it a lot of consideration and a lot of preparation and a lot of thought work, and so that's what I'm doing."— February, speaking to reporters in Baltimore.
Republicans
Bush: "I can honestly tell you that I don't know what I'm going to do."— His standard disclaimer. Says he'll decide by end of year whether to run. One factor in decision: Whether he can run an optimistic campaign and avoid the "mud fight" of politics.
Christie: "I am enormously flattered that folks would talk about me in my party as someone who they think could be a candidate for president. But I am absolutely in — nowhere near that consideration process."— Jan. 9 news conference addressing the scandal over Fort Lee, N.J., traffic tie-ups.
Cruz: "My focus is entirely on the U.S. Senate."— His standard disclaimer
Jindal: "My honest answer is I don't know what I'm going to be doing in 2016."— February, speaking to press while in Washington for governors meeting.
Paul: "We're definitely talking about it, my family is talking about it. I truly won't make my mind up until after the 2014 elections. But I haven't been shy in saying we're thinking about it."— March 9, Fox News.
Perry: "I don't know whether I'm going to run for the presidency. I'm going to spend the time in preparation."— April, in Ohio.
Rubio: "Eventually I'll have to make a decision one way or another because my Senate term will expire in 2016. But it won't be today."— April, in Texas.
Ryan: "Jane and I are going to sit down in 2015 and give it the serious ... conversation, consideration that are required for keeping our options open. But right now I have responsibilities in the majority in the House of Representatives that I feel I ought to attend to, and then I'll worry about those things." March, CBS.
Santorum: "I don't know if I can do this. It's just tough."— April, AP interview. Timing of decision? "A year at least, probably."
Walker: "I'm really focused on 2014, not getting ahead of the game. ... You guys can predict all you want."— January, CNN.
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WRITING A BOOK: The perfect stage-setter for a campaign season, just ask Barack Obama ("The Audacity of Hope," 2006; "Dreams from My Father," 2004)
Democrats
Biden: No, not since before 2008 election.
Clinton: Yes, "Hard Choices" due for release June 10.
Cuomo: Yes, coming in 2014.
O'Malley: No. "I'm not sure where I'd find the time for that." It's probably only a matter of time before he finds time.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, on immigration.
Christie: No.
Cruz: Yes, book deal disclosed by his agent in April.
Jindal: Not since before 2012 election.
Paul: No, not since just before the 2012 election.
Perry: Not since before 2012 election.
Rubio: Yes, coming in late 2014 from the publisher of his 2012 memoir.
Santorum: Yes, "Blue Collar Conservatives" released in late April, says: "Do Republicans really care less about the person at the bottom of the ladder than Democrats do? To be painfully honest, I would have to say in some ways 'yes.'"
Ryan: Yes, coming in 2014.
Walker: Yes, out in fall 2013.
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GO TO IOWA: Its caucuses are the opening act of the nomination contest.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, spoke at Sen. Tom Harkin's fall 2013 steak-fry fundraiser, a must-stop for many Democrats seeking to compete in the leadoff caucuses. Raised money for Iowa congressional candidate Jim Mowrer.
Clinton: No, avoiding big primary/caucus states. But Ready for Hillary is mobilizing for her in the state.
Cuomo: No.
O'Malley: Yes, headlined Harkin's 2012 fundraiser.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, in 2012.
Christie: Yes, in 2012. More travel driven by politics in the cards now that he's chairman of Republican Governors Association for 2014 election year.
Cruz: Yes, four visits in eight months.
Jindal: Yes, summer 2013 visit, then flew with Iowa governor to governors association meeting in Milwaukee. In Iowa seven times in 2012.
Paul: Yes, three times in 2013. In March, snagged the state GOP chairman, who announced he was quitting to join Paul as an adviser.
Perry: Yes, visited Des Moines suburbs and Davenport in February, meeting GOP activists and attending an event with business leaders sponsored by the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity. Also met with Gov. Terry Branstad and addressed a Des Moines crowd of 400 in November.
Rubio: Yes, in 2012 just days after the election. A new wave of visits to early voting states expected.
Ryan: Yes, was keynote speaker for Iowa GOP's big fundraising dinner in Cedar Rapids in April. Main speaker at governor's annual birthday fundraiser in November 2013, in first visit since 2012 campaign.
Santorum: Yes, recent visit with strategists and media. August 2013 speech to conservative Christians in state where he won the 2012 caucuses. Screened his new Christmas movie in Iowa in November.
Walker: Yes, fundraiser last year.
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GO TO NEW HAMPSHIRE: Nation's first primary comes after Iowa and is just as important.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, raised money for three Democrats in March visit for job-training event. Quipped: "I'm here about jobs — not mine."
Clinton: No. But Ready for Hillary has sent people there this year.
Cuomo: No.
O'Malley: Yes, spoke at Democratic Party dinner in November. Also spoke at 2012 convention of New Hampshire Democrats.
Republicans
Bush: No.
Christie: Yes, three times in 2012.
Cruz: Yes, three times since August.
Jindal: Yes, keynote speech to local Republican organization in March, headlined state GOP fundraiser in 2013, visited twice in 2012.
Paul: Yes, addressed Freedom Summit in April. Won straw poll at March meeting of Northeast Republican Leadership Conference in Nashua. Several visits last year.
Perry: No.
Rubio: Yes, making his first appearance of the 2016 season, in May, at county Republican dinner. Multiple visits before 2012 election.
Ryan: Yes, headlined Manchester fundraiser in February for former House colleague. Canceled October 2013 visit because of government shutdown.
Santorum: Yes, March speech to Northeast Republican Leadership Conference marked his return to a state where he performed weakly in 2012 campaign.
Walker: Yes, headlined a GOP state convention in October 2013, keynote at state party convention in September 2012.
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DON'T FORGET SOUTH CAROLINA: First Southern primary and big in its own right.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, headlined annual fundraising dinner in May 2013 for state party, appeared at Rep. James Clyburn's annual fish fry.
Clinton: No.
Cuomo: No.
O'Malley: Yes, 2013 speech to party activists.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, 2012 speech.
Christie: Yes, helped Mitt Romney raise money in 2012.
Cruz: Yes, speech at The Citadel military college in April was third visit in a year, following event with religious conservatives in November and speech to annual state GOP dinner last May.
Jindal: Yes, third visit in a year coming in June, as keynote speaker at state GOP's biggest gathering, the Silver Elephant dinner.
Paul: Yes, foreign policy speech at The Citadel military college and small GOP fundraiser in Charleston in November 2013 visit; headlined several fundraisers earlier in year.
Perry: Yes, two-day visit in December 2013, addressed state GOP. In August, raised money for Gov. Nikki Haley's re-election campaign.
Rubio: Yes, headlined 2012 Silver Elephant dinner.
Ryan: Yes, in 2012 campaign.
Santorum: Yes, April GOP event at The Citadel military college, where two sons are cadets. Campaigned in April 2013 for Curtis Bostic in GOP House runoff race; Bostic lost.
Walker: Yes, attended August fundraiser for Haley, who came to Wisconsin to campaign for him in 2012 recall vote.
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GO ABROAD: Helps to give neophytes foreign policy cred, and Israel is a touchstone for U.S. politicians.
Democrats
Biden: You bet. Visited Ukrainian capital in April to symbolize U.S. commitment to new government in its struggle against pro-Russian insurgents and threatening signals from Moscow. Long at forefront of Obama administration's diplomatic maneuvers with Kiev. Sent to Poland and Lithuania in March to reassure NATO allies anxious about Russia's annexation of Crimea. Seven trips to the Americas since 2009, including a March visit to Chile. December 2013 visits to China, Japan and South Korea. Countless trips to Iraq and Afghanistan during first term.
Clinton: Another globe-trotter, nearly 1 million miles as secretary of state. Limited overseas travel in 2013: honorary degree at St. Andrews University in Scotland in September; trip to London in October for a diplomacy award and a fundraising concert for the family's foundation. Attended memorial services for Nelson Mandela in South Africa in December. Two recent speeches in Canada.
Cuomo: Not much lately. Israel twice in 2002.
O'Malley: Yes. Israel in 2013 this year for a second time. Also Denmark, Ireland, France, Brazil and El Salvador in 2013. Asia in 2011, Iraq in 2010.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, usually several overseas trips a year. Three times to Israel since 1980s.
Christie: Yes, Israel and Jordan in 2012.
Cruz: Yes, first visit to Israel in December 2012, again in January 2013 as part of Senate Republican delegation that traveled to Afghanistan, too.
Jindal: January 2014 trade and investment mission to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, first time overseas as governor. Canada in August 2013 to speak to oil industry about his support of the Keystone XL Pipeline.
Paul: Yes, Israel and Jordan in 2013.
Perry: Yes, has visited Israel numerous times including an October trip that included a photo op with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting Cabinet members and a separate stop in London to see British officials and financial leaders.
Rubio: Yes, visited the Philippines, Japan and South Korea in January, foreign policy speech in London in early December and Israel, Jordan, Palestinian Authority, Afghanistan in February 2013. Also went to Israel after 2010 election to Senate.
Ryan: Yes, Middle East during congressional career; visited troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Santorum: Scant foreign travel while in the Senate drew notice in 2012 GOP campaign.
Walker: Yes, China in 2013 trade mission.
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MEET THE MONEY: To know donors now is to tap them later.
Democrats
Biden: Yes, actively fundraising for Democratic committees and candidates in 2014 midterms. Headlined fundraiser at home of Biden donor in Florida for House candidate Alex Sink in February; Sink lost the special election in March.
Clinton: Yes, can tap deep well of Democratic and activist money. Raises money for Clinton foundation. Bundlers such as Hollywood moguls Jeffrey Katzenberg and Haim Saban have signaled support. Ready for Hillary super PAC raised more than $4 million in 2013 and $1.7 million in first three months of 2014. Worked fundraising circuit to help Terry McAuliffe's campaign for governor in Virginia and Bill de Blasio's mayoral bid in New York City.
Cuomo: Flush coffers for 2014 governor's race.
O'Malley: Yes, in December ended his year as finance chairman for the Democratic Governors Association and is one of the party's top fundraisers.
Republicans
Bush: Yes, longtime connections on Wall Street and beyond. Flew to Las Vegas in March to meet GOP super donor Sheldon Adelson. In February, his short video for GOP fundraiser at Donald Trump's Palm Beach, Florida, estate was a bigger hit than Cruz's keynote speech. Party in summer of 2013 for his immigration book at home of Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets and a leading Republican bundler.
Christie: Yes, became GOP governors chairman in November, giving him regular access to the party's top national donors. In that capacity, has already met donors in Idaho, Vermont, Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts and Utah. Was one of a handful of high-profile Republicans to meet with Adelson in Las Vegas at his resort casino in late March. One of three prospective candidates who attended Mitt Romney's retreat with major party donors in Utah in June 2013.
Cruz: Yes, met in March with top California conservative donors and keynoted Trump fundraiser. Has list of potential donors that's still growing after he collected more than 1.5 million signatures for the online petition "Don'tFundObamaCare," which he began in 2013.
Jindal: Yes, met leading GOP donors in New York City, as most GOP prospects do over time. Among prospective candidates who visited Iowa GOP donor Bruce Rastetter's farm in August 2013 for annual fundraiser for the governor.
Paul: Yes, headlined luncheon in April at Boston-area equity firm led by Romney's former national finance chairman and Romney's oldest son, Tagg, an event that drew together the 2012 presidential candidate's inner circle. Also attended Romney's 2013 Utah retreat. Has met GOP donors in New York City.
Perry: Yes, has proven an effective fundraiser, both from grassroots activists and mainstream Republicans. Has led many job-poaching missions in big states with Democratic governors and met privately during those trips with key donors, especially in New York and California.
Rubio: Yes, aggressive national fundraising outreach, including trips to New York and California to meet potential donors. Among a handful of possible candidates to attend September 2013 event at home of Woody Johnson, New York Jets' owner and Mitt Romney's national finance chairman.
Ryan: Yes, attracts Wall Street interest, attended Romney's 2013 Utah retreat, has money connections from 2012 campaign.
Santorum: 2012 shoestring campaign was largely fueled by a super political action committee to which Republican donor Foster Friess gave more than $2 million.
Walker: Yes, addressed Republican Jewish Coalition at a Las Vegas gathering in March where main attraction was Adelson, who's looking where to place his bets in GOP field. Headlined 2013 fundraisers in New York and Connecticut.
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NETWORK LIKE MAD: Taking their case to ideologues, activists and party heavyweights who hold great sway in nomination race.
Democrats
Biden: And how. Says he plans to campaign in more than 100 races in the 2014 election. Meets regularly with former Senate colleagues and congressional Democrats. Gives keynote speeches at annual state Democratic Party dinners across the country. Making calls for House Democrats' campaign organization, assisting in recruitment of candidates. Campaigned for new Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey. Speaks regularly to special interests.
Clinton: Steady presence now on speaking circuit, delivering paid speeches to industry groups and conferences and appearing before a number of groups with ties to the Democratic coalition.
Cuomo: Sparingly. Rarely leaves New York.
O'Malley: Yes, busy spring, with speeches to California Democratic state convention in March, Wisconsin Democrats in April and Massachusetts Democrats in May. Was Democratic governors' chairman for two years until December 2012.
Republicans
Bush: Doing more this year politically after a long period of "a little self-restraint." Already a GOP establishment favorite. Recent travels to Tennessee, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas. Skipped Conservative Political Action Conference in March, after giving keynote speech to the influential group a year earlier.
Christie: Yes, vigorous outreach now as the new Republican Governors Association chairman. Also spoke in March to Conservative Political Action Conference, which snubbed him last year. Addressed Republican Jewish Coalition spring meeting in Las Vegas, spending a full day with top donors and GOP operatives.
Cruz: Yes, vigorously. Spoke by video to National Rifle Association's April leadership forum. Addressed Conservative Political Action Conference in March, after landing the group's coveted keynote role in 2013. Has engaged in persistent courting of religious and economic conservatives in Texas and beyond; pitched social conservative principles at Values Voter meeting in October, while also meeting privately beforehand with evangelical leaders. Addressed 2012 Republican National Convention before he was even elected to the Senate.
Jindal: Big time and small time, far and wide. Giving May commencement address at Liberty University in Virginia, a familiar stop for prospective candidates, then South Carolina speech in June. Addressed NRA annual leadership forum in April, Conservative Political Action Conference in March, also in 2013. Made time for fundraiser for local sheriff in Michigan. Altogether, has spent much of his time during six years as governor on the road, talking to GOP and activist groups, supporting Republican candidates and promoting achievements. Has close ties with social conservatives. Created political action committee to help conservative candidates running for Congress, giving him continued opportunities to network nationally.
Paul: Yes, and now roaming freely beyond tea party tent. Had private audience in April with Romney's 2012 campaign advisers, is helping Republicans across political spectrum, including moderate Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, and has pitched in with party leaders to heal divisions from last campaign. In late April brought message of unity to state GOP convention in Maine, where a struggle over delegates created raw tensions between GOP establishment and libertarian or tea party supporters of his father in 2012 campaign. Generated buzz and won symbolic straw poll at Conservative Political Action Conference in March.
Perry: Yes, spoke at past two Conservative Political Action Conferences as well as its regional meeting in St. Louis in September. Addressed conservative activists at a RedState Gathering in New Orleans in August, mistakenly saying he was in Florida. Job-pitching tour in various states helps make connections.
Rubio: Yes, conservative and party activists, focused lately on repairing tea party relationships strained over immigration. Well-received speech to Conservative Political Action Conference in March. In Virginia governor's race, campaigned for Republican Ken Cuccinelli, who lost.
Ryan: Yes, prime networker as 2012 vice presidential candidate; now helping fellow House members raise money.
Santorum: Addressed NRA convention in April; speeches to groups around the country, including Conservative Political Action Conference. His Christian-themed film company is his calling card with religious conservatives.
Walker: One of only a few 2016 prospects who spoke to Republican Jewish Coalition. Skipped the big Conservative Political Action Conference in March, appeared there last year. Campaigned for GOP in Virginia governor's race. Spoke to Michigan Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island in September 2013.
___
HOG THE TV: Achieving national recognition by sermonizing on the Sunday news shows, or going for soft questions and easy laughs on late-night TV.
Democrats
Biden: He's back. After being largely absent from the airwaves for more than a year, Biden has resumed frequent interviews, including joint TV appearance with Obama in April. He did a TV blitz the morning after the State of the Union, a CNN interview aboard an Amtrak train and dished on his skin care routine and his wife's oddball pranks during an interview with Rachael Ray. But not a Sunday news show fixture.
Clinton: No. But late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel interviewed her in March. Appeared with Obama on CBS' "60 Minutes" in January to talk about tenure as secretary of state; gave interview to Barbara Walters late in 2013.
Cuomo: No. Prefers radio.
O'Malley: Getting back in the swing. January 2014 Sunday news show appearance on CNN was first in months, followed by CBS in February.
Republicans
Bush: Blanketed the five Sunday shows one day in March 2013 to plug his book on immigration, a few appearances other times.
Christie: Not so much since traffic scandal surfaced. Before that, liked to cut up on late-night TV. Four Sunday news shows after his 2013 re-election.
Cruz: Yes, several Sunday news show appearances already this year, plenty last year. Frequent guest on Fox News and CNN.
Jindal: No, only a couple of Sunday news show appearances since 2012 election.
Paul: Leader of the chattering pack with more than a dozen Sunday talk show appearances since 2012 election, including one in April from New Hampshire. Frequent guest on news networks, especially Fox.
Perry: Raising his profile lately, making several national TV appearances while starring in flood of media spots in California designed to persuade businesses based there to move to Texas. Only a few Sunday talk show appearances since 2012 election, including one in February with three other governors.
Rubio: Staying on par with most rivals in Sunday news show appearances. Blanketed all five Sunday shows one day in April 2013, before he dropped the subject of immigration; made several other appearances since. Frequent guest on news networks.
Ryan: Many Sunday news show appearances since 2012 election. Occasional guest on network news.
Santorum: Yes, promoting his new book. Plugged his Christmas movie on "The Colbert Report," Fox News, MSNBC and more. Radio, too. Teamed up with Democrat Howard Dean as sparring partners for debates on the air and with audiences.
Walker: Already on the Sunday news show scoreboard for 2014. Half dozen or so Sunday news show appearances since 2012 election. Also, Piers Morgan, Lou Dobbs, more national TV interviews.
___
ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING: For voters who want to support doers, not just talkers.
Democrats
Biden: Leading Obama's review of federal job-training programs, prime player in U.S. response to Ukrainian crisis. His office co-chaired a White House task force to address sexual assault on campuses. Point man on gun control, which failed. Negotiated fiscal cliff deal.
Clinton: Record as secretary of state, senator and first lady. Recent initiatives to help children's health and education and status of women.
Cuomo: 2014 budget proposal calls for tax cuts for businesses, homeowners and renters. In 2013, pushed through nation's first gun-control law after the Newtown, Connecticut, school massacre. Led New York's effort to legalize same-sex marriage in 2011. Minimum wage boost, on-time budgets, teacher standards.
O'Malley: Toughened gun laws, repealed death penalty, saw voters approve gay marriage after he got behind legislation to approve it, set up a framework to develop offshore wind power, won legislative approval in April of minimum wage increase, a 2014 priority.
Republicans
Bush: As Florida governor, revamped state educational system, cut taxes, managed state through hurricanes.
Christie: Won November 2013 re-election, becoming first Republican to earn more than 50 percent of New Jersey vote in quarter-century. Led state's response to Superstorm Sandy. Agreed to expand state's Medicaid program under the new health law while some other Republican governors have refused to do so. Vetoed a bill that would have sanctioned gay marriage, but declined to appeal a court ruling that legalized it.
Cruz: Leading force in dispute that partly shut the government, 21-hour Senate speech against Obama's health law. Argued before U.S. Supreme Court nine times, with eight of those coming while he was Texas' longest-serving solicitor general, between 2003 and 2008.
Jindal: Privatized much of Louisiana's Medicaid program, shrank public hospital system, signed statewide voucher program that covers private school tuition for certain students. Signed abortion restrictions, fought liberalization of adoption law, making it impossible for gay couples to adopt jointly. Hurricane and Gulf oil spill disaster response.
Paul: One-man, nearly 13-hour Senate filibuster to protest drone policy put him at forefront of civil liberties debate.
Perry: "Texas Miracle" job-creation boom has seen state create a third of the net new jobs nationwide over last decade, although Texas has disproportionately high percentage of hourly workers earning minimum wage or less. Helped muscle through new abortion restrictions.
Rubio: Broker of Senate immigration overhaul, though he's gone quiet on the issue. Early leader of effort to link financing of health care law to government shutdown. Working with anti-abortion groups on Senate version of bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks.
Ryan: Negotiated December 2013 bipartisan budget deal that scaled back across-the-board spending cuts, drawing contrast with potential rivals who opposed it. Budget-hawk record to be judged on. Emerging as influential moderate on immigration.
Santorum: Making Christian-themed, family-friendly movies at the moment; record from Senate days.
Walker: Curbs on public service unions became national flashpoint, but he won the effort — and the recall election that followed.
___
TAKE A NATIONAL STAND: Effective state governance is nice but leaders must build national stature on issues of the day.
Democrats
Biden: Eclectic. Guns, violence against women, gay rights, veterans.
Clinton: Eclectic. 2013 speeches focused on the economy, housing, opportunities for women, voting rights.
Cuomo: Environmentalists nationally and the energy industry are closely watching his pending decision whether to allow fracking in upstate New York counties near the Pennsylvania line.
O'Malley: The liberal checklist: more spending on education, infrastructure, transportation; supports same-sex marriage, immigration reform, repealing death penalty, pushes environmental protections.
Republicans
Bush: Unapologetic proponent of Common Core education standards and immigration changes opposed by many in GOP.
Christie: Moderate on the reach and functions of government; bipartisanship.
Cruz: Anti-Obama's health care law, pushes broader tea party agenda.
Jindal: A record of privatization to show he means government should be trimmed, happy to carry a social conservative banner.
Paul: Tea-party plus, with a libertarian streak that places him to the left of rivals on some issues, to the right on others. Fiscal conservative, criticizes surveillance state. Praised Supreme Court gay marriage ruling as one that avoids "culture war." Health law scold. Joining in 2014 with liberal lawmakers and others in effort to roll back some mandatory minimum sentences and give judges more flexibility in fitting punishment to crime.
Perry: Prominent voice on conservative issues since before the birth of the tea party. Wants to ban all abortion in Texas, relax environmental regulations, boost states' rights; opposes gay marriage.
Rubio: 2014 initiative on poverty calls for federal wage supplements for some low-wage workers instead of earned income tax credit. Economy, abortion, tea party fiscal conservatism; immigration liberalization if he decides to get back to it. Another voice against health care law.
Ryan: Cutting spending, taking on entitlements, rolling back Obama's health law. Anti-poverty initiative this year.
Santorum: Social conservative activism goes way back. Focus on blue-collar economic opportunity. Speaking against libertarian streak in GOP, a "strain of conservatism that has no basis in conservatism." Book calls climate change "hyped-up crisis."
Walker: Fiscal stewardship, from a GOP point of view. Tough guy against the unions and liberal defenders of the status quo. Says GOP in Congress is the party of no.
___
BAGGAGE TO CHECK: It's never too early to deal with skeletons in the closet; rivals will be rattling them soon enough.
Democrats
Biden: Flubs, fibs, age. Deflection: "I am who I am." Saddled by Obama's low approval ratings.
Clinton: Benghazi, Libya; polarizing when political, age. GOP wants to pin blame on her for vulnerability of U.S. diplomatic mission in Libya that came under deadly attack in 2012. In long-confidential documents from Bill Clinton's administration, advisers urged her to "be real" and "humanize" herself, revealing concerns about her authenticity as a public figure.
Cuomo: New York economy is dragging, his poll numbers have sunk, went through public and bitter divorce with Kerry Kennedy, daughter of late Sen. Robert Kennedy, in 2005.
O'Malley: State-run health insurance exchange website was an expensive bust, prompting officials to make an embarrassing switch in April to one based on Connecticut's. Contraband- and drug-smuggling scheme at state-run Baltimore City Detention Center that resulted in 44 people being indicted has state lawmakers looking to make reforms. Has record of raising taxes that could be challenged by less liberal Democrats, never mind Republicans.
Republicans
Bush: The Bush factor. Does the country want a Bush dynasty after presidents George H. W. and George W.? Courting trouble with the right with positions on education and remarks in April that people who cross into the U.S. illegally are doing so as an "act of love" for their families.
Christie: If you have to declare "I am not a bully," you've got a problem. Apologized in January 2014 for highway lane closures apparently ordered by his aides as retribution against a mayor who did not endorse him for re-election. Also fired his deputy chief of staff and denied knowledge of the machinations. Episode deepened questions about what Christie, or those around him, will do to win, and contributed to a significant drop in his poll standings. Investigations continue.
Cruz: Reputation as a hotheaded upstart, also part of his appeal. Polarizing within his party. Also comes with birther baggage: Questions have been raised in some quarters about his constitutional standing to become president because of his birth in Canada, to a Cuban father and American mother. Deflection: Promised last summer to renounce Canadian citizenship but hasn't.
Jindal: Ambitious plan to replace state's personal and corporate taxes with higher sales taxes flopped, delivered dud of a speech when given juicy platform of responding to Obama's first presidential address to Congress in 2009. Deflection: Poking fun at himself. Jindal administration's award of a $200 million Medicaid contract is under investigation by state and federal grand juries.
Paul: Dear old dad: Must move beyond Ron Paul's fringe reputation. Bridge-burning in Congress endears him to tea party, could bite him otherwise. Deflection: GOP outreach to minorities. The Washington Times canceled his column after he was found to have used passages from other people in his speeches and writings as if they were his own. Deflection: Promising proper citations and footnotes for his pronouncements "if it will make people leave me the hell alone."
Perry: "Oops!" Memories of his stumbling 2012 campaign, a quick progression from a front-runner to flameout. Deflection: Poked fun at himself for forgetting in a GOP debate one of the federal departments he would close as president, Energy. Also a potential drag: a grand jury investigation in Austin into whether he abused power by cutting off state financing for an office of public corruption prosecutors led by a Democrat who refused to resign after being convicted of drunken driving.
Rubio: Rift with tea party constituency on immigration, "a real trial for me." Deflection: Go aggressive on a matter of common ground, which he did in pledging to take apart the health law. And stop talking about immigration. Response to Obama's 2013 State of the Union speech was remembered only for his clumsy reach for water. Deflection: Made fun of himself.
Ryan: Budget axe cuts both ways — catnip to conservatives but people want their Medicare. Carries stigma of 2012 election loss as running mate. Tea party not happy with his late 2013 budget deal. Comments in March about cultural "tailspin" in inner cities struck some as veiled racism. Deflection: Called his remark "inarticulate."
Santorum: Overshadowed by newer conservative figures. Deflection: Being overshadowed means being an underdog, and he can thrive at that. Feisty 2012 campaign became the biggest threat to Romney's march to the nomination. New book contains provocative passages for future rivals to dredge up.
Walker: Some things that give him huge appeal with GOP conservatives — taking on unions, most notably — would whip up Democratic critics in general election. Wisconsin has lagged in job creation. Release of emails in February shed light on criminal investigation into whether Walker's aides were illegally doing campaign work for the 2010 governor's election while being paid as county employees. Walker, then a county executive, wasn't charged but the episode has proved a distraction.
___
RUN SHADOW CAMPAIGN: One way to run without running is to have a political action committee to promote ideas or other candidates for office, or to hire advisers who can switch to a campaign when the time comes.
Democrats
Biden: Constrained by his current job, but tapped longtime adviser and former lobbyist Steve Ricchetti to be his new chief of staff; maintains close contact with political advisers past and present.
Clinton: Ready for Hillary super PAC set up by supporters is laying groundwork, so are others. Several old Clinton hands are advising the group, including Craig T. Smith and Harold Ickes.
Cuomo: Overshadowed by Clinton's shadow campaign. Considered a likely contender if Clinton ends up not running.
O'Malley: Set up a PAC called O'Say Can You See and hired two people for fundraising and communications.
Republicans
Bush: He's a Bush, so he's got connections. Sally Bradshaw, chief of staff when he was governor, is his go-to political person.
Christie: Republican Governors Association chairmanship allows him to grow his national profile with voters and party officials with regular travel and key appearances. Began building broad coalition of donors through his national fundraising tour in spring 2013. But the shadow of the traffic scandal still hangs over his shadow campaign.
Cruz: Has leadership PAC, Jobs Growth and Economic Freedom. Has been one of the largest beneficiaries of Jim DeMint's Senate Conservatives Fund and has gotten millions of dollars and grassroots logistical support from the Club for Growth, FreedomWorks and Ending Spending PAC. Heritage Action PAC helped sponsor Cruz's summer anti-health-law trip around Texas and country.
Jindal: Created Washington-based nonprofit, America Next, in October 2013 to push policy ideas nationally. For executive director, tapped Jill Neunaber, who worked on Romney's presidential campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire. In March created PAC to help conservative candidates.
Paul: Has formidable leadership PAC called Rand PAC, has maintained ties to father's political network in early primary states and benefits from strong tea party support. Is starting to build teams on the ground in most states.
Perry: Created Americans for Economic Freedom PAC in fall 2013 to raise his profile again, help him test the waters and broadcast ads promoting Republican leadership around the country. Group used more than $200,000 left over from the PAC that raised millions for his 2012 campaign.
Rubio: Expects to begin more aggressive travel to early voting states in 2014. Reclaim America PAC led by former deputy chief of staff, Terry Sullivan, veteran of South Carolina politics, expected to be active behind GOP candidates across country in 2014 midterms.
Ryan: His Prosperity Action PAC.
Santorum: Keeps in touch with chief supporters of his winning 2012 Iowa caucus campaign, giving him a leg up on a campaign organization in that state.
Walker: Consults with top Republican governor strategists such as Phil Musser and Nick Ayers.
___
GET WITH IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: A must for spreading ideas, poking competitors, raising money, organizing events and showing a personal side, though often a very canned version.
Democrats
Biden: Launched Instagram account in April. Not active on Facebook, occasional contributor to his office's vigorous Twitter account.
Clinton: More than 1 million followers on Twitter, her preferred social media outlet.
Cuomo: Few if any personal tweets; Facebook also generated primarily by staff.
O'Malley: On Twitter, standard governor's fare but promotes rare appearances by his Celtic rock band, O'Malley's March, for which he sings and plays guitar, banjo and tin whistle. On Facebook, his PAC-generated page is more active than official governor's account.
Republicans
Bush: Tweets and posts many Wall Street Journal stories, education thoughts and some Bush family doings.
Christie: More engaged in Twitter ("It was great to be able to visit with the owners of Rossi's Rent-A-Rama in Ortley today.") than Facebook.
Cruz: Active on Facebook and Twitter, much content is pumped out by staff.
Jindal: Active on Twitter and on Facebook, where he lists among favorite books, "John Henry Newman: A Biography," about recently canonized British cardinal and sage. Also favors James Bond movies.
Paul: Aggressive. Bragged on Twitter in June that he'd attracted more than 1 million likes for his Facebook page, where he lists his own books as his favorites.
Perry: Active. One popular tweet was accidental — from his pocket, he said — and consisted of "I." Followers jumped in to complete his sentence. One offered: "I ... really like Obamacare." (He doesn't.) Facebook appears staff-generated.
Rubio: Aggressive, with large followings, appears to make personal use of Twitter more than staff-generated Facebook. Takes lots of shots at the health law. On Facebook, lists "Pulp Fiction" movie and "The Tudors" historical fiction TV series among favorites.
Ryan: King of Facebook among potential rivals in both parties, with nearly 4.9 million likes. Seeks $10 donations for "Team Ryan" bumper stickers for his PAC and kisses a fish. Posts photo of Obama with his feet up on Oval Office desk. Commanding presence on Twitter, too, via an account associated with his PAC and another as congressman.
Santorum: Active on Twitter and Facebook.
Walker: Posts vigorously on Facebook and on his Twitter accounts. Many exclamation points. "Glad USDA is keeping cranberries on school menus. I drink several bottles of cranberry juice each day!" And, "Green Bay Packers signing Julius Peppers to a 3-year deal is HUGE!" Promotes policy achievements and his TV appearances, reflects on sports, pokes Obama.
___
Associated Press writers Ken Thomas, Josh Lederman and Nancy Benac in Washington; Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland; Tom Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa; Steve Peoples in Boston; Michael Virtanen in Albany, New York; Will Weissert in Austin, Texas; and Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report. Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
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Missouri, Illinois Beat Obamacare Enrollment Estimates
President Barack Obama got a boost on Friday with the news that Illinois and Missouri have surpassed their total health insurance enrollment goals.
Reported by Newsmax 2 hours ago.
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Unclear whether companies will cut health care, despite savings
Nine in 10 employees who have employer-sponsored health insurance are expected to be using government exchanges created under -More-
Reported by SmartBrief 2 hours ago.
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Today's America: Working Your Way Through College Is a Myth
I'm a young American, finishing my last year of college, looking down a road that gets bleaker every day. My family is dirt poor; people today seem to forget that in America today families still exist who don't have TV, who don't have A/C, whose electricity gets cut off regularly, and who can't afford to buy meat. That was -- is -- my family. I worked my ass off my whole life to get straight A's, while holding down a job to help out with bills and food; I applied for colleges from our local library because we don't have Internet, I studied with flashlights when our electricity went out, and when I was 18 it all paid off with a full-ride scholarship to George Washington University in DC.
And so I left. I left my family behind, I left my four younger siblings and my disabled sister with my single mother. I left because I didn't want the life I saw them struggling with every day. I left to be the first one to attend college, the first one to leave our state, and I had no idea how hard it would be. I left vowing to get educated, get a middle-class job, and come back to pull them out of this life. But financially stranded and on my own, I picked up two jobs my very first year in college and never stopped. Tutoring and waitressing were barely enough to pay my food and transportation in DC, not to mention my cell phone bill, and purchasing my laptop and dorm supplies.
Soon I was overwhelmed with a full course load, trying to keep my grades up for my scholarship, falling behind because I'd never had the private school preparation for the advanced courses; falling behind because I closed up the restaurant past midnight every night, and didn't get to the library until 2 a.m.; falling behind because I had to be up at 7 every morning to make my early morning classes, so I had my afternoons and nights free to work; falling behind because any classes scheduled between 9 and 5 were out of the question for me to take, as work came first. Soon my grades started dropping. I couldn't afford a tutor, and between the choice of working late for food or having time to study, the food comes first every time.
*
My friends always ask how I stay in such good shape, how I never gained the "Freshman 15." I smile and shrug, but what I really want to tell them is that being too poor to buy food is great for keeping the weight off. *
With my grades dropping because I don't have time to study, I am on the verge of losing my scholarship. When I graduate, my GPA will be too low to get into graduate school, and these days a Bachelor's degree won't you anywhere.
I had planned on law school, but with all my tuition covered by scholarship I'm still barely making it, and I can't imagine that happening anymore; with my GPA so low from no time to study, from falling into bed exhausted at 3 a.m. only to wake up four hours later, chances of another scholarship for law school are nearly non-existent. Minimum wage isn't possible to live on in this city, but I worked too hard to get here, to get my education, to give it up. I'm caught in a vicious cycle of which I see no way to get out. I'm terrified of graduating and not being able to find a job again. Right now my housing is covered by my scholarship, but in one more year I'll be on my own, working minimum wage jobs, barely covering rent and food. And health insurance, well that's a distant dream and always has been.
I chuckle when I hear people complain about their eight hour shift; to me, that sounds like the easiest thing in the world. I work 14 hours a day, spend another six in class, and if I'm lucky get the rest to sleep. On weekends I work a full day and crash in bed the rest of the night to save up my sleep for next week. I don't go out with friends because I can't afford it, but also because my free time is spent desperately trying to give my brain enough sleep to reset for my research papers due every week, for my midterms, for my finals, for just enough to keep my GPA above the 2.5 I need to keep my aid. A 2.5 GPA should be nothing, but not when you average three hours of sleep a night, not when you miss classes sometimes to take an extra shift at work, and not when you can't afford the textbooks for a class and wouldn't have the time to do the readings anyway.
I used to love school; I used to love studying. Now I'm in college, where it's necessary, and I can't even make the time to crack a textbook. I can't remember the last time I've read an article for a class. I've started setting three alarms because my body is so exhausted that I sleep right through them, and consequently right though my classes. Little food and little sleep means I get sick easily, but I can't take time off and I can't afford a doctor; no one in my family has insurance except my disabled sister, who received it through Medicare.
I broke my foot two years into college, and hobbled for over a week because I couldn't pay hospital bills. I finally went to the ER when it began fusing together crookedly, and now am paying off $3,000 in medical bills with $60-a-month payments. I've never seen a doctor for the flu or the strep throat I routinely get because I don't get enough sleep or food; I've never had a check-up or physical exam, and I've never taken antibiotics because I can't afford them. On the weekends I stop by one of DC's homeless shelters for a free meal; sure, I get stares -- a young white girl -- but it's better than the pain in my stomach the rest of the day.
I like to think that I didn't make mistakes. I like to think that I did everything right, everything I could, but still it doesn't make a difference. I haven't gotten pregnant young, haven't dropped out of college, haven't saddled myself with student loans, yet haven't slept more than six hours a night for years. If I'm stuck in this at only 21, oftentimes eating one meal a day, what hope is there for the rest of us? Even after sacrificing everything for the last few years, it looks like I'll be going back home after I graduate to try and find an entry-level job that, maybe if I'm lucky, allows me to start having three meals a day again.
Cory's story is part of a Huffington Post series profiling Americans who work hard and yet still struggle to make ends meet. Learn more about other individuals' experiences here.
Have a similar story you'd like to share? Email us at workingpoor@huffingtonpost.com Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
And so I left. I left my family behind, I left my four younger siblings and my disabled sister with my single mother. I left because I didn't want the life I saw them struggling with every day. I left to be the first one to attend college, the first one to leave our state, and I had no idea how hard it would be. I left vowing to get educated, get a middle-class job, and come back to pull them out of this life. But financially stranded and on my own, I picked up two jobs my very first year in college and never stopped. Tutoring and waitressing were barely enough to pay my food and transportation in DC, not to mention my cell phone bill, and purchasing my laptop and dorm supplies.
Soon I was overwhelmed with a full course load, trying to keep my grades up for my scholarship, falling behind because I'd never had the private school preparation for the advanced courses; falling behind because I closed up the restaurant past midnight every night, and didn't get to the library until 2 a.m.; falling behind because I had to be up at 7 every morning to make my early morning classes, so I had my afternoons and nights free to work; falling behind because any classes scheduled between 9 and 5 were out of the question for me to take, as work came first. Soon my grades started dropping. I couldn't afford a tutor, and between the choice of working late for food or having time to study, the food comes first every time.
*
My friends always ask how I stay in such good shape, how I never gained the "Freshman 15." I smile and shrug, but what I really want to tell them is that being too poor to buy food is great for keeping the weight off. *
With my grades dropping because I don't have time to study, I am on the verge of losing my scholarship. When I graduate, my GPA will be too low to get into graduate school, and these days a Bachelor's degree won't you anywhere.
I had planned on law school, but with all my tuition covered by scholarship I'm still barely making it, and I can't imagine that happening anymore; with my GPA so low from no time to study, from falling into bed exhausted at 3 a.m. only to wake up four hours later, chances of another scholarship for law school are nearly non-existent. Minimum wage isn't possible to live on in this city, but I worked too hard to get here, to get my education, to give it up. I'm caught in a vicious cycle of which I see no way to get out. I'm terrified of graduating and not being able to find a job again. Right now my housing is covered by my scholarship, but in one more year I'll be on my own, working minimum wage jobs, barely covering rent and food. And health insurance, well that's a distant dream and always has been.
I chuckle when I hear people complain about their eight hour shift; to me, that sounds like the easiest thing in the world. I work 14 hours a day, spend another six in class, and if I'm lucky get the rest to sleep. On weekends I work a full day and crash in bed the rest of the night to save up my sleep for next week. I don't go out with friends because I can't afford it, but also because my free time is spent desperately trying to give my brain enough sleep to reset for my research papers due every week, for my midterms, for my finals, for just enough to keep my GPA above the 2.5 I need to keep my aid. A 2.5 GPA should be nothing, but not when you average three hours of sleep a night, not when you miss classes sometimes to take an extra shift at work, and not when you can't afford the textbooks for a class and wouldn't have the time to do the readings anyway.
I used to love school; I used to love studying. Now I'm in college, where it's necessary, and I can't even make the time to crack a textbook. I can't remember the last time I've read an article for a class. I've started setting three alarms because my body is so exhausted that I sleep right through them, and consequently right though my classes. Little food and little sleep means I get sick easily, but I can't take time off and I can't afford a doctor; no one in my family has insurance except my disabled sister, who received it through Medicare.
I broke my foot two years into college, and hobbled for over a week because I couldn't pay hospital bills. I finally went to the ER when it began fusing together crookedly, and now am paying off $3,000 in medical bills with $60-a-month payments. I've never seen a doctor for the flu or the strep throat I routinely get because I don't get enough sleep or food; I've never had a check-up or physical exam, and I've never taken antibiotics because I can't afford them. On the weekends I stop by one of DC's homeless shelters for a free meal; sure, I get stares -- a young white girl -- but it's better than the pain in my stomach the rest of the day.
I like to think that I didn't make mistakes. I like to think that I did everything right, everything I could, but still it doesn't make a difference. I haven't gotten pregnant young, haven't dropped out of college, haven't saddled myself with student loans, yet haven't slept more than six hours a night for years. If I'm stuck in this at only 21, oftentimes eating one meal a day, what hope is there for the rest of us? Even after sacrificing everything for the last few years, it looks like I'll be going back home after I graduate to try and find an entry-level job that, maybe if I'm lucky, allows me to start having three meals a day again.
Cory's story is part of a Huffington Post series profiling Americans who work hard and yet still struggle to make ends meet. Learn more about other individuals' experiences here.
Have a similar story you'd like to share? Email us at workingpoor@huffingtonpost.com Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
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Colorado insurance regulators to discuss premiums
DENVER (AP) — Colorado insurance regulators have been taking a look at why health insurance premiums vary so widely between urban and rural areas, and they're releasing some of their findings Friday.
Reported by Denver Post 2 hours ago.
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Goldtouch Launches New Enterprise-Focused Website
Goldtouch, the industry leader in mobile ergonomics, announced the launch of its new enterprise-focused website today.The site features a store with intuitive navigation, a blog resource center, and enterprise and reseller-targeted sections stocked with helpful videos and white papers. The site is located at goldtouch.com.
Specifically designed to highlight the ROI of the company's ergonomic keyboards, mice and peripheral, the website offers a wealth of helpful information. A new Enterprise Solutions section offers an introduction to the field of office ergonomics and suggests implementation tips for getting the most value out of Goldtouch ergonomic products. In-depth case studies illuminate the clear ROI of ergonomics for companies looking to cut down on the workers' compensation claims, health insurance premiums, and the financial losses associated with absenteeism.
The launch also includes the addition of a blog, which examines how consumers can successfully integrate ergonomic products into their working lives and also discusses how to be more productive and healthy throughout their careers.
"Our ergonomic products are specifically designed with comfort and long term organizational savings in mind," says Mark Norwalk, CEO of Goldtouch. "There is a direct relationship between comfort at work and workforce efficiency and productivity. The new website provides our customers with an in-depth look into the many ways Goldtouch ergonomic products can change the shape of the workplace."
The site also features an easy to navigate store, with related products grouped. The checkout process has been streamlined and PayPal payments are now accepted.
The website launch is part of a larger company initiative to make it easier for individuals, CEOs, risk managers to make the case for ergonomics across their organizations. According to OSHA estimates, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are a serious threat not only to the health of the workforce but also to the company bottom line, with approximately $20 billion dollars in workers' compensation claims paid every year. The exact cost of lost productivity and high absenteeism rates are unknown but significant. Goldtouch products are lightweight, fully customizable to the individual and can sync with any workplace, both at home and on the go.
Learn more about the website and the company's ergonomic products at www.goldtouch.com.
Company Contact Information
Goldtouch
Catherine A. Simoneaux
csimoneaux@goldtouch.com
(512) 259-5688
News and Press Release Distribution From I-Newswire.com Reported by i-Newswire.com 46 minutes ago.
Specifically designed to highlight the ROI of the company's ergonomic keyboards, mice and peripheral, the website offers a wealth of helpful information. A new Enterprise Solutions section offers an introduction to the field of office ergonomics and suggests implementation tips for getting the most value out of Goldtouch ergonomic products. In-depth case studies illuminate the clear ROI of ergonomics for companies looking to cut down on the workers' compensation claims, health insurance premiums, and the financial losses associated with absenteeism.
The launch also includes the addition of a blog, which examines how consumers can successfully integrate ergonomic products into their working lives and also discusses how to be more productive and healthy throughout their careers.
"Our ergonomic products are specifically designed with comfort and long term organizational savings in mind," says Mark Norwalk, CEO of Goldtouch. "There is a direct relationship between comfort at work and workforce efficiency and productivity. The new website provides our customers with an in-depth look into the many ways Goldtouch ergonomic products can change the shape of the workplace."
The site also features an easy to navigate store, with related products grouped. The checkout process has been streamlined and PayPal payments are now accepted.
The website launch is part of a larger company initiative to make it easier for individuals, CEOs, risk managers to make the case for ergonomics across their organizations. According to OSHA estimates, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are a serious threat not only to the health of the workforce but also to the company bottom line, with approximately $20 billion dollars in workers' compensation claims paid every year. The exact cost of lost productivity and high absenteeism rates are unknown but significant. Goldtouch products are lightweight, fully customizable to the individual and can sync with any workplace, both at home and on the go.
Learn more about the website and the company's ergonomic products at www.goldtouch.com.
Company Contact Information
Goldtouch
Catherine A. Simoneaux
csimoneaux@goldtouch.com
(512) 259-5688
News and Press Release Distribution From I-Newswire.com Reported by i-Newswire.com 46 minutes ago.
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Nearly half of D.C. health insurance marketplace under age 35. Here’s how the region fared
When all was said and done, the number of D.C. Health Link's insurance exchange enrollees younger and older than age 35 — the de facto cut-off age for delineating the coveted "young invincibles"— ended up being nearly half and half. Young adults were the most sought-after enrollees for the state and federal online insurance marketplaces as a way to balance out the high number of older, often more expensive, residents expected to flock to the exchanges. In the District, 45 percent of those…
Reported by bizjournals 12 minutes ago.
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Health care costs squeezing LI workers
Health insurance costs for New Yorkers who get coverage through their employers have risen sharply over the past decade -- with average out-of-pocket expenses alone rising more than 100 percent between 2002 and 2012, on average.
Reported by Newsday 7 hours ago.
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HSA for America Offers Short Term Solution to Lapsed Insurance Coverage
HSA for America to help uninsured Americans get health insurance coverage outside the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period.
Fort Collins, CO (PRWEB) May 05, 2014
HSA for America has set the bar for making sure every American who wants insurance coverage gets insurance coverage. The health savings account leader has helped more than 27,000 families get cost-effective coverage and now provides options for interim coverage between Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment periods.
Health coverage options are limited outside the open enrollment period unless an individual qualifies for a special enrollment period, or SEP. HSA for America will be offering short-term health plans to the uninsured in an effort to bridge the gap between enrollment periods.
Many Left Without Insurance Can Find Interim Coverage
ACA guidelines allow for special enrollment periods to accommodate qualifying life-events for individuals and families. These qualifying events include change in marital status, birth, adoption of custody of a child, relocation or involuntary loss of insurance coverage. During a special enrollment period, a health plan can be purchased with or without premium subsidy.
“It’s important that individuals are aware of the circumstances that could qualify them for a special enrollment period,” explains HSA for America founder Wiley Long. “Unless you qualify for an SEP, your options for getting a health plan are very limited until the next open enrollment period this November.”
Answers for SEP-Ineligible, Uncovered Consumers
According to Long, if a special enrollment period is not in order, the best plan of action is a short-term health plan to bridge the gap until the next open enrollment period begins in the fall. Short-term plans are reported to be less expensive than traditional plans and offer a variety of deductible options.
Short-term Plans Can Cost Less than ACA Penalty
Short-term plans do not meet ACA minimum requirements, so policyholders with these plans are still vulnerable to a tax penalty of $95 or 1 percent of their adjusted gross income for going without ACA-qualified coverage for the year.
“Even so,” Long states, “this penalty could still be far less than the cost of premiums paid for a traditional plan.” Long also points out those policyholders who had plans cancelled in 2013 can apply for an exemption to the tax penalty, even if a short-term plan is chosen.
Learn more about short-term plans here: http://www.hsaforamerica.com/hii-short-term-plans.htm.
Options to Bridge the Gap of Coverage
When asked if there are other options to consider when an SEP is not available, Long explains that HSA for America offers a variety of money-saving alternatives including supplemental accident plans, prescription drug discounts, and lab and imaging discounts. HSA for America is also keeping up with technology by offering consumers a telemedicine option to save money and valuable time.
HSA for America will spend the upcoming months preparing for the next open enrollment period, which in most states is set to begin November 15.
About HSA for America
As the nation's leading independent HSA and health insurance expert, HSA for America strives to keep clients up to date on the continued changes in the health insurance industry and with health care reform while continuing to provide superior educational resources for individuals, families and small businesses. Reported by PRWeb 12 hours ago.
Fort Collins, CO (PRWEB) May 05, 2014
HSA for America has set the bar for making sure every American who wants insurance coverage gets insurance coverage. The health savings account leader has helped more than 27,000 families get cost-effective coverage and now provides options for interim coverage between Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment periods.
Health coverage options are limited outside the open enrollment period unless an individual qualifies for a special enrollment period, or SEP. HSA for America will be offering short-term health plans to the uninsured in an effort to bridge the gap between enrollment periods.
Many Left Without Insurance Can Find Interim Coverage
ACA guidelines allow for special enrollment periods to accommodate qualifying life-events for individuals and families. These qualifying events include change in marital status, birth, adoption of custody of a child, relocation or involuntary loss of insurance coverage. During a special enrollment period, a health plan can be purchased with or without premium subsidy.
“It’s important that individuals are aware of the circumstances that could qualify them for a special enrollment period,” explains HSA for America founder Wiley Long. “Unless you qualify for an SEP, your options for getting a health plan are very limited until the next open enrollment period this November.”
Answers for SEP-Ineligible, Uncovered Consumers
According to Long, if a special enrollment period is not in order, the best plan of action is a short-term health plan to bridge the gap until the next open enrollment period begins in the fall. Short-term plans are reported to be less expensive than traditional plans and offer a variety of deductible options.
Short-term Plans Can Cost Less than ACA Penalty
Short-term plans do not meet ACA minimum requirements, so policyholders with these plans are still vulnerable to a tax penalty of $95 or 1 percent of their adjusted gross income for going without ACA-qualified coverage for the year.
“Even so,” Long states, “this penalty could still be far less than the cost of premiums paid for a traditional plan.” Long also points out those policyholders who had plans cancelled in 2013 can apply for an exemption to the tax penalty, even if a short-term plan is chosen.
Learn more about short-term plans here: http://www.hsaforamerica.com/hii-short-term-plans.htm.
Options to Bridge the Gap of Coverage
When asked if there are other options to consider when an SEP is not available, Long explains that HSA for America offers a variety of money-saving alternatives including supplemental accident plans, prescription drug discounts, and lab and imaging discounts. HSA for America is also keeping up with technology by offering consumers a telemedicine option to save money and valuable time.
HSA for America will spend the upcoming months preparing for the next open enrollment period, which in most states is set to begin November 15.
About HSA for America
As the nation's leading independent HSA and health insurance expert, HSA for America strives to keep clients up to date on the continued changes in the health insurance industry and with health care reform while continuing to provide superior educational resources for individuals, families and small businesses. Reported by PRWeb 12 hours ago.
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Chief Keef -- Thumbing His Nose at Obamacare ... Says Baby Mama
Barack Obama would be SUPER DISAPPOINTED in Chief Keef ... 'cause according to his baby mama, the rapper has FAILED to get his daughter health insurance. It ain't like Chief can't afford it ... as his ex points out in legal docs, he signed a $6…
Reported by TMZ.com 9 hours ago.
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Obamacare's Longshot: Assessing The Exchange Enrollment Derby
By Katherine Restrepo, Health and Human Services Policy Analyst at John Locke Foundation and Chris Conover, Forbes Contributor The race for people to #GetCovered through Obamacare’s state and federal health insurance exchanges has officially crossed the wire. In its sixth and final enrollment report released late last week, the Department of Health [...]
Reported by Forbes.com 8 hours ago.
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More Pages to Explore .....
