Inside Politics

The Federal Election Commission is expected to rule Thursday that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords‘ campaign can use donations to make $2,200 worth of security improvements to her family’s Houston home.

The Arizona Democrat was shot in January while meeting with constituents in Tucson. She is undergoing outpatient therapy in Houston.

The U.S. Capitol Police recommended better lighting, locks and an alarm button.

In response to a request from Ms. Giffords‘ campaign, the FEC’s staff prepared a draft advisory opinion that says it’s OK to use campaign donations for the improvements because the extra security is needed as a result of her work as a member of Congress. The commission still must vote on the matter.

WISCONSIN

Republican Fitzgerald expects Senate run

MADISON | Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald is planning a U.S. Senate run but hasn’t said when he will make an announcement, according to John Jagler, a spokesman for the Republican.

Mr. Jagler said Tuesday that he fully expects Mr. Fitzgerald to run, but “there is no formal announcement until he takes the steps necessary to make it official.”

Mr. Fitzgerald was a main player in the fight over Wisconsin’s divisive union rights law, drumming up support for the measure that stripped most public employee collective bargaining rights.

He has said he intends to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Herb Kohl, but hasn’t organized a campaign committee or taken other necessary steps.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann, a Republican, announced his candidacy Monday. Former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, also a Republican, is among others considering a run.

WHITE HOUSE

Obama presses Congress for highway bill extension

President Obama is urging Congress to pass an extension of a federal highway bill that he says will protect 1 million jobs.

Speaking in the Rose Garden, Mr. Obama said that failure to pass an extension because of politics would be “inexcusable.” The president was joined by several transportation workers, as well as labor union and business leaders, two groups that often are at odds.

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