Speaker Ryan Statement on 2016  —  I just returned from a weeklong trip to the Middle East to meet with our allies and partners there.  We had some important conversations about ISIS, the security threat in that region, and those around the world  —  But I'll tell you, it's amazing how closely our politics is followed overseas.

First on CNN: Top Republicans may skip GOP convention  —  Washington (CNN)A number of high-profile Republicans, fearful of a potential melee in Cleveland this summer, are considering skipping the Republican National Convention and campaigning back home instead.

Ryan to rule out presidential run  —  (R-Wis.) will definitively rule himself out as a contender to be the GOP presidential nomination in a formal statement before the media Tuesday afternoon.  —  “He's going to rule himself out and put this to rest once and for all,” an aide said.

Time to Reform Big Sanders?  —  Former TPMer Greg Sargent has an interesting post today about how the Sanders campaign could end and end well - specifically, by using his clout at the convention to reform the primary process.  It's an intriguing suggestion and makes a lot of sense since …

Clinton camp: Sanders wants to rig system with superdelegates  —  When it comes to Donald Trump's recent comments about a rigged primary system hurting both him and Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton's campaign is having none of it.  In fact, Clinton's press secretary Brian Fallon …

Governor McCrory Takes Action to Protect Privacy and Equality  —  Raleigh, N.C.  —  Governor Pat McCrory has signed an Executive Order to protect the privacy and equality of all North Carolinians.  Executive Order 93 clarifies existing state law and provides new protections for North Carolina residents.

Don't underestimate Ted Cruz  —  Texas Senator Ted Cruz's easy win in Wisconsin's GOP primary last week did more than just give hope to the #NeverTrump faction of Republicans desperate to stop Donald Trump.  By performing well with a broad range of voters, including the less-educated …