Inside Politics

Judge Eagles also heard arguments over whether expected testimony by former Edwards aide Andrew Young and others should be admissible. Judge Eagles said she would make a decision on those issues during the trial.

AUTO INDUSTRY

Clinton: Bailout most important Obama move

Former President Bill Clinton says the auto-industry bailout was the single most important decision by President Obama — even bigger than pushing his health care overhaul through Congress.

Mr. Clinton made the remark Thursday to more than 1,000 members of the United Auto Workers at an annual conference in Washington.

The former president also criticizes Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, who has said the government should not have used taxpayer money to rescue General Motors and Chrysler.

Mr. Clinton says Mr. Romney’s father would be “turning over in his grave.” The elder Romney was chief executive at American Motors and a former governor of Michigan.

Mr. Obama himself vigorously defended the bailout when he addressed the autoworkers two days ago.

HOUSE

Lawmakers OK bridge to link Minnesota, Wisconsin

The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation on building a new St. Croix River bridge to connect Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The House voted 339 to 80 in favor of legislation that exempts the proposed $700 million bridge at Stillwater, Minn., from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Senate approved the legislation in January. It now heads to President Obama.

The vote caps approximately 30 years of squabbles and legislative maneuvering over the span that will link the states with a four-lane highway.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said in a statement that it represented good, bipartisan work.

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