What to look forward to in politics for 2013

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Gun control legislation proposalsA fresh Obama cabinetBaby steps toward 2016Fiscal cliff falloutCritical Supreme Court decisionsContinued Republican soul-searchingGubernatorial and mayoral electionsIncreased concern over Iran's nuclear programA renewed battle over immigration

After a defeat in the 2012 presidential election, some members of the Republican party began to second-guess their approach to a number of issues, particularly on those issues that ostracize the very demographic groups that are an increasingly large share of the electorate. With Republican approval ratings tanking during the "fiscal cliff" debate, look for key voices within the party, such as Sen. Marco Rubio and former vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan to continue their calls for a more moderate, accessible party to ensure that the 2014 and 2016 elections are competitive.

Continued Republican soul-searching

( CJ Gunther / EPA / November 7, 2012 )

After a defeat in the 2012 presidential election, some members of the Republican party began to second-guess their approach to a number of issues, particularly on those issues that ostracize the very demographic groups that are an increasingly large share of the electorate. With Republican approval ratings tanking during the "fiscal cliff" debate, look for key voices within the party, such as Sen. Marco Rubio and former vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan to continue their calls for a more moderate, accessible party to ensure that the 2014 and 2016 elections are competitive.

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