A benchmark election looms for a politically divided nation, and bitter partisanship in Congress could threaten the financial stability of the U.S. government if lawmakers cannot agree on how to deal with tax increases and dramatic budget cuts that could kick in at the end of the year. Meanwhile, new campaign finance laws have changed the shape of elections, allowing wealthy, often anonymous donors to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into the presidential and congressional campaigns.

Against those backdrops, the Reuters Washington Summit shed light on the political and economic forces that are driving the debates in the nation’s capital and beyond. The Summit featured a range of key players in Washington, including U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, an Ohio Republican widely viewed as a top contender to be Mitt Romney’s vice presidential running mate; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who as House speaker was a key player in passing President Barack Obama’s landmark healthcare overhaul in 2010; and Grover Norquist, the anti-tax advocate whose influence in Washington is such that many see him as a key reason for conservative lawmakers’ reluctance to compromise on budget and debt issues.

Over three days, news from the Reuters Summit help to drive the political narrative in Washington. For a summary recap report of the Summit, click here.  (more…)

What are the latest insights into the elections and beyond, and what does it mean for investors and the global economy?

Presidential elections often are turning points in America – in politics, policy and priorities. That is especially true this year, when Americans will decide whether to stay the course with President Barack Obama or replace him with Republican Mitt Romney amid rising concerns about a sluggish economy, rising debt, partisan gridlock in Washington and ominous signs from Europe.

Reuters Washington Summit will focus on these election-year themes and more – including how new campaign finance rules are allowing the wealthy to have more of a say in shaping campaigns.

The Summit will include closed interviews with key players in Washington politics and policy-making who will give Reuters journalists their insight into what to expect this fall and beyond – including the post-election session of Congress that is expected to face a “fiscal cliff” of tax and budget issues.

Some key interviews will air live exclusively on Reuters Insider - our multimedia platform delivering relevant news, analysis and trade ideas.

Learn more about the Reuters Washington Summit.

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Click here for the 2012 Reuters Summits Calendar.

Watch the Reuters Summits video.