Just two words have vaulted Addison G. “Joe” Wilson, a relatively obscure Republican member of Congress from South Carolina, into national prominence.

Who better to understand the emotional needs of a congressman than a congresswoman? Or vice versa.

The death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy last week has rekindled discussion of political dynasties.

Current members of the House and Senate whose family members have served in Congress

Members of Congress whose siblings or siblings-in-law have also served

Members of Congress whose cousins have also served

Members of Congress with various degrees of grand and great - grandparents, grandchildren, grand aunts and grand uncles

Members of Congress whose nieces, nephews or uncles have also served

Members of Congress whose parents or children who also served

Members of Congress whose spouses have also served

Troubles mount for U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, a Republican from Minnesota seeking re-election.

Michele Bachmann, a Republican congresswoman from Minnesota, is doing frantic damage control in the wake of a bumpy appearance on “Hardball with Chris Matthews.”

Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, R-NY, his political fortunes damaged by an accounting scandal at the National Republican Congressional Committee, has decided not to seek re-election.

Saying it’s bad policy and bad for her state, Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has placed a hold on the ambitious energy bill that would encourage alternative sources and boost fuel-efficiency benchmarks, The Dallas Morning News reports.

The bill would repeal tax incentives designed to increase domestic oil production and redirect the money toward other energy sources, including ethanol.