The anti-Washington mood in the country has Washington on edge, as two moderate Democrats’ jobs were on the line Tuesday, with one of them losing his, Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.

Most veteran Democratic strategists agree that the Senate race in the Keystone state now will be much harder for Democrats with the Cong. Joe Sestak running against conservative Republican Pat Toomey, but either man will be new to the Senate. Each will start with no seniority.

Specter, in the Senate for more than 30 years, had gained a seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee, known for members bringing home the bacon. read more »

Washington (AP) - Rep. David Obey, a leading liberal Democrat and chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, intends to retire at the end of his term this year, Democratic sources said Wednesday. It is another blow to Democrats defending their majority in an election season of voter discontent.

Obey, 71, won the first of 21 terms in 1969 - when a special election was held after President Richard Nixon tapped Melvin Laird to be his defense secretary. He faced a potentially bruising re-election campaign this fall.

His office issued a statement saying he would make a major announcement in early afternoon, but disclosed no details. The Democratic sources spoke on condition of anonymity to speak frankly about Obey's decision before the announcement...