 Associated Press
Republican John McCain is looking to turnaround his fortunes in the final presidential debate with Democrat Barack Obama, a forum focused on pocketbook issues and domestic policy tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific time. |
McCain seeks to recharge candidacy at final debate
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., 12:23 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
John McCain sought to change the course of a campaign moving decidedly in Barack Obama's direction Wednesday night in the third and final presidential debate.
With less than three weeks until the Nov. 4 election, the 90-minute debate focusing on the economic crisis offered the Republican senator from Arizona what could be one of his last big chances to persuade voters to give the race another look. Polls show Obama, the senator from Illinois, with a clear lead nationally and in several key battleground states.
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SAN DIEGO, 2:55 p.m. Oct. 15 (UNION-TRIBUNE)Navy chief emphasizes opposition to Prop B: Navy Secretary Donald Winter on Wednesday underscored the military's opposition to Proposition B, the plan to double-deck San Diego's marine terminal that will appear on the November ballot. WASHINGTON, 1:19 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
RNC out of Wisconsin, Maine: The Republican National Committee is halting presidential ads in Wisconsin and Maine, turning much of its attention to usually Republican states where GOP nominee John McCain shows signs of faltering. LANCASTER, Ohio, 1:38 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Biden says Obama would create 2 million jobs: Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said Wednesday that Barack Obama's plan to rebuild the nation's crumbing roads and bridges would help reverse the loss of 240,000 jobs in Ohio during the Bush years. WASHINGTON, 1:55 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Murtha: Western Pa. 'racist' but Obama should win: Democratic Rep. John Murtha said Wednesday his home base of western Pennsylvania is racist and that could reduce Barack Obama's victory margin in the state by 4 percentage points. ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 2:00 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Judge orders Palin staff private e-mails preserved: A state judge reaffirmed Wednesday that government-related e-mails Gov. Sarah Palin and her staff sent from private accounts must be preserved and ordered further arguments over whether to halt the use of such accounts for state business. WASHINGTON, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Secret Service looking into Obama threat at rally: The Secret Service is looking into a second allegation that a participant at a Republican political rally shouted “kill him,” referring to Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. INDIANAPOLIS, 2:51 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Ex-VP Quayle tells Palin to 'just be yourself': Dan Quayle knows a little about what Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin is going through and he advised her to “just be yourself.” LITTLE ROCK, Ark., 3:04 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Ark. pastor challenges IRS with pro-McCain sermon: In a predominantly black church in a city known for its past racial strife, Bishop Robert Smith is taking sides. His targets: Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama and federal restrictions barring Smith's endorsement of Republican John McCain. DOVER, N.H., 3:06 p.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Palin sees similarities between NH and Alaska: Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin said Wednesday she feels a kinship with the moose-hunting, tax-hating voters of New Hampshire who gave John McCain his first primary victory.
NEW YORK, 6:05 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Rather: Debates putting people to sleep: Dan Rather believes the last presidential debate put many Americans to sleep. The former CBS News anchorman said the formats for the debates are so restrictive that it's tough to really call them debates. He blamed the campaigns for having too much influence in setting up the rules.
LOS ANGELES, 6:12 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
'Ellen' airs video against gay marriage ban: Ellen DeGeneres has made a public service announcement urging California voters to oppose a ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage.
CLEVELAND, 2:59 a.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Ohio Dems pick nominee for late lawmaker's term: A suburban Cleveland mayor took a step closer to finishing the term of the late U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Now her attention turns to succeeding her former mentor.
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., 1:21 a.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Last debate set for America's first suburb: New York's Nassau County once was such a bedrock Republican stronghold that nearly 16,000 admirers of President Nixon gathered in 1972 at the newly opened Nassau County Coliseum for a GOP rally.
BOSTON, 1:19 a.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Gun control a gray area between McCain, Obama: John McCain supports background checks for buyers at gun shows and has his name on a law restricting special-interest group advertising, two positions strongly opposed by the National Rifle Association.
TOLEDO, Ohio, 11:49 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Today on the presidential campaign trail: Falling behind in the polls, Republican candidate John McCain hopes to shake up the presidential race in his final debate with Democrat Barack Obama, who will be looking to close the deal with voters unhappy with the country's direction.
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., 10:00 p.m. Oct. 14 (REUTERS)
POLL-Obama has 4-point lead on McCain in U.S. race: Democrat Barack Obama has a 4-point national lead over Republican John McCain as the White House rivals head into their final debate, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released Wednesday.
NEW YORK, 8:48 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Tuesday's late-night TV wrap-up: Late-night TV show hosts found humor in the presidential campaign. A sampling from Tuesday night:
NEW YORK, 8:20 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Palin says Obama running against Bush, not McCain: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin on Tuesday said Barack Obama is running as though his opponent is President Bush instead of John McCain. She called it a strategy that's “wearing pretty thin.”
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 7:54 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Federal court: Ohio must check voter registrations: A federal appeals court on Tuesday ordered Ohio's top elections official to set up a system by Friday to verify the eligibility of newly registered voters and make the information available to the state's 88 county election boards.
MIAMI, 7:38 a.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Sarah Silverman's comic video tries to boost Obama: Viewed by millions, comedian Sarah Silverman's humorous, profanity-strewn plea for young Jews to persuade their grandparents to vote for Barack Obama is an Internet sensation. Can it turn laughs into votes in swing states like Florida?
WASHINGTON, 7:52 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
ACORN defends efforts amid voter-fraud allegations: An activist organization on Tuesday defended its voter registration practices amid new allegations of voter fraud and a call from Republican lawmakers to investigate irregularities.
WASHINGTON, 7:08 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Video games feature ads for Obama's campaign: Too busy playing video games to watch presidential ads on television? Barack Obama has found you, too, by becoming the first presidential candidate to buy ad space inside a game.
WASHINGTON, 1:47 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Obama, McCain seek leader's image in final debate: Barack Obama and John McCain will both pursue the image of a strong leader in troublesome economic times as they meet Wednesday night for their third and final presidential debate.
WARREN, Ohio, 6:50 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Biden says McCain short on new ideas for economy: Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said Tuesday that Republican John McCain is offering no new ideas for a financially distressed nation, only the same negativity toward rival Barack Obama.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., 4:25 a.m. Oct. 15 (AP)
Missouri ballot decision helped Democrat: A factory worker's late inclusion in the Democratic primary election for Missouri governor allowed the state's attorney general to pick up an extra $600,000 in contributions that he'll use to campaign for the office in the general election.
OREGON, Ohio/WASHINGTON, 5:08 p.m. Oct. 14 (REUTERS)
Obama says he would act fast on $25 billion auto loans: Democrat Barack Obama said Tuesday that as president he would demand that up to $25 billion in government loans targeted for distressed U.S. automakers be distributed quickly.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 1:13 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)Palin has checkered history on ethics issues: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whose reformer image took a hit in a report concluding she abused her powers to settle a family score, has skirted state ethics rules before for personal benefit and used her office to help friends and supporters, according to an Associated Press review of records. WASHINGTON, 1:40 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Growing health-reform challenge for next president: Barack Obama and John McCain both have big-ticket proposals to change how people obtain and pay for health insurance. A long history of failed health-reform plans shows how difficult it is to achieve that goal. And the job only got tougher for any future president with the financial meltdown. WASHINGTON, 1:41 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Colleague calls Stevens one of Senate's true lions: Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch on Tuesday called fellow Republican Sen. Ted Stevens a hero, a legend and one of the true lions of the Senate as the Alaska senator's corruption trial moved toward a close. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., 1:44 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Fla. congressman denies breaking any laws: Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, facing accusations he paid a former aide to keep her quiet about an affair, admitted Tuesday he caused “embarrassment and heartache” to his family but denied doing anything illegal. OREGON, Ohio, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Obama: Govt. plan to invest in banks a good idea: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama endorsed the federal government's plan to invest $250 billion in the nation's banks, saying it will strengthen the financial system and give taxpayers some extra protection. SCRANTON, Pa., 2:32 p.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Palin: Mortgage plan not a handout, but a hand up: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said Tuesday that her running mate John McCain's plan to reduce or eliminate taxes and help distressed homeowners with their mortgages will “get this economy moving again.”
Oct. 14 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Lease question surfaces after Prop. S session: SAN DIEGO – More questions have been raised about the legality of a meeting San Diego schools chief Terry Grier called last week to discuss Proposition S with principals.
Oct. 14 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Control of council at stake in election: CHULA VISTA – The political climate in Chula Vista has become so contentious recently that City Council meetings may be the best spectacle in town – wrought with bickering, accusations and audience outbursts.
Oct. 14 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
For the record: A story yesterday about Proposition D reported that through June, police and lifeguards issued 498 citations. In fact, 498 is the total that police issued. The number that lifeguards issued was not included. In addition, a police captain's first name was misspelled. The correct spelling is Shelley Zimmerman.
7:50 a.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Poll: Obama leads in Mich., Wis., Minn., Colo.: MICHIGAN THE POLL: Quinnipiac University poll for The Wall Street Journal and the Web site of The Washington Post, presidential race in Michigan (17 electoral votes).
WASHINGTON, 6:07 a.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Clinton doesn't see a political role beyond Senate: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton puts the chances of her running for president again at near zero – slightly higher than the chances she gives for becoming Senate majority leader or a Supreme Court justice.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., 5:02 a.m. Oct. 14 (AP)
Surviving members of Grateful Dead rock for Obama: Tie-dyed T-shirts and political slogans made for a heady mixture as the four surviving members of the rock band Grateful Dead put on a concert in support of Barack Obama.
JUNEAU, Alaska, 7:04 p.m. Oct. 13 (AP)Palin's rural adviser quits: Gov. Sarah Palin's rural adviser resigned Monday amid criticism of the governor's record on hiring Alaska Natives. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., 5:02 p.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
McCain offers tougher criticism of Bush economics: Republican John McCain delivered his toughest criticism so far of President Bush's economic policies as he unveiled a new campaign stump speech that promised an energetic fight to reverse his slide in the polls. WASHINGTON, 4:27 p.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
McCain: Lewis' remarks on campaign tone are unfair: John McCain said Monday that it was unfair for Rep. John Lewis to compare the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign to the atmosphere a segregationist fostered in the 1960s. WASHINGTON, 1:50 p.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
Parties jockey for advantage on economic aid: House Democrats and Republicans pushed dueling economic aid plans Monday as they jockeyed for political advantage on addressing a crisis that is shaping the last weeks of a high-stakes election. RICHMOND, Va., 1:52 p.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
Palin mistakes fans for protesters at Va. rally: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin mistook some of her own fans for hecklers Monday as a rally that drew thousands. ROCHESTER, N.H., 2:01 p.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
Biden: McCain attacks attempt to distract voters: Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden said Monday that Republican John McCain is falsely attacking Barack Obama to distract voters from the economy while lurching from one bad idea to another.
WASHINGTON, 11:03 a.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
Opponents of gun violence back Obama for president: Barack Obama and Joe Biden won the endorsement Monday of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
PHILADELPHIA, 10:18 a.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
Hillary says economic crisis breaks her heart: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that seeing the U.S. in an economic crisis eight years after Democrats left the nation in sound fiscal shape is heartbreaking.
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, Oct. 12
Blue-collar vote could give Ohio to Obama: For DeAnna Wiley, reading her local paper is almost unbearably sad these days. A Realtor, she pointed to three full pages in the Chillicothe Gazette detailing the foreclosures in her hometown.
7:36 a.m. Oct. 13 (AP)Where McCain, Obama stand on the issues: A look at where Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain stand on a selection of issues:
ARLINGTON, Va., 7:38 a.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
Today on the presidential campaign trail: Republican John McCain's campaign is sending mixed signals about whether the candidate will offer new proposals to address the financial crisis.
7:24 a.m. Oct. 13 (REUTERS)
SCENARIOS-How candidates are faring in key U.S. states: – The U.S. presidential election Nov. 4 hinges on a handful of battleground states where opinion polls show Democrat Barack Obama making significant gains against his Republican rival, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
WASHINGTON, 10:47 p.m. Oct. 12 (REUTERS)
McCain seeks to revive campaign, reassure supporters: Republican presidential nominee John McCain, scrambling to overcome Barack Obama's lead in the polls, will assure supporters Monday he will bounce back even though his Democratic rival is already “measuring the drapes” at the White House.
WASHINGTON, 10:00 p.m. Oct. 12 (REUTERS)
Long-time pals Biden and McCain now spirited foes: On becoming the Democratic vice presidential nominee in August, Joe Biden called Republican White House rival John McCain “my friend.”
WASHINGTON, 9:59 p.m. Oct. 12 (REUTERS)
Obama leads McCain by 10 points-Wash Post/ABC poll: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is leading his Republican rival John McCain 53 percent to 43 percent among likely voters, according to a Washington Post-ABC News opinion poll released Monday.
NEW YORK, 9:00 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
Schieffer set to moderate last debate: The debate season that has chewed up its moderators comes to a close Wednesday when John McCain and Barack Obama meet for the third time, with CBS News' Bob Schieffer directing the discussion.
ARLINGTON, Va., 6:59 a.m. Oct. 13 (AP)
McCain camp offers mixed signals on economic plan: Republican John McCain's campaign is sending mixed signals about whether the candidate will offer new proposals to address the financial crisis.
SACRAMENTO, Oct. 13 U-T SACRAMENTO BUREAU
Prop. 8 vote could harm domestic partners: If California voters take a stand in favor of same-sex marriage Nov. 4, it could ignite a fresh debate over another hard-won gay right – domestic partnerships.
SCRANTON, Pa., 4:54 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)Biden decries 'unbecoming personal attacks': Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden on Sunday accused the McCain campaign of trying to distract Americans from their economic woes by launching “unbecoming personal attacks” at Barack Obama. ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio, 5:20 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
Palin talks economic worries in Appalachian Ohio: Sarah Palin told voters in southeastern Ohio on Sunday that she and running mate John McCain would bring jobs back to this economically depressed piece of Appalachia. ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 6:58 a.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
Palin has mixed record as fiscal conservative: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican nominee for vice president, bills herself as a fiscal conservative. But that can be a relative term when you're governor of a state gushing with oil money. WASHINGTON, 12:52 p.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
McCain weighs proposal to cut taxes on investments: A top adviser to Republican John McCain said Sunday the presidential hopeful is weighing new economic proposals to help the nation weather the financial crisis. NEW BRIGHTON, Pa., 6:46 a.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
Several lawmakers face same opponent again: When it comes to choosing who represents them in Congress, many voters are experiencing deja vu. NEW YORK, 7:48 a.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
All is forgiven; McCain returning to Letterman: David Letterman and Sen. John McCain will get a chance to make up. The Republican presidential candidate is scheduled to appear on Letterman's “Late Show” on Thursday. SPRINGFIELD, Ill., 8:30 a.m. Oct. 12 (AP)
Fact Check: Camps highlight foes' old associates: Scraping for any advantage in the presidential campaign's waning days, John McCain and Barack Obama are introducing voters to a new cast of characters.
PHILADELPHIA/ DAVENPORT, Iowa, 12:42 p.m. Oct. 11 (REUTERS)
Obama thanks McCain for remarks, presses attack: Democrat Barack Obama praised his rival John McCain for toning down the vitriol of the U.S. presidential race on Saturday but pressed an effort to cast him as out of touch on the economy.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Deposition of Aguirre is window into views: San Diego's city attorney, Michael Aguirre, was always the one firing questions at others Perry Mason style – until another lawyer's turn of the tables this summer forced Aguirre to parry.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Terminal deck point man undaunted by opposition: With public officials lined up against his proposal from Imperial Beach to Washington, D.C., Frank Gallagher has been spending several days a week talking to groups large and small about the virtues of Proposition B.
Oct. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Road to White House: Where they stand :One in a series on the presidential candidates' positions on issues.
Oct. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Geography gives hint to winner of election:If you want to know the state of a presidential contest, don't listen to what the candidates say. And don't look at the polls. Look instead at where the candidates go.
Oct. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Election may shift balance of power:Candidates challenging the three Encinitas City Council incumbents running for election on Nov. 4 say the community has lost faith in City Hall because of “dysfunctional” leadership.
ENCINITAS, Oct. 12 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Tourist tax would pay for sand replacement: Encinitas residents on Nov. 4 will have a second chance to vote on a measure that would tax tourists to replace beach sand lost to erosion.
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Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Measure would end bump up in sales tax: NATIONAL CITY – A measure on the November ballot aims to end a 1 percentage point sales-tax increase approved by National City voters two years ago to boost the city's general fund.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
For the record: A front-page story Tuesday overstated contributions to the campaign opposing Proposition 8, the measure on the November ballot that would ban same-sex marriage.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
GOP has numbers on its side in 50th District: When Nick Leibham looks at the 50th Congressional District, he doesn't see a Republican stronghold. He sees a Democratic beachhead.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Hanson-Cox, Wells lead in contributions: EL CAJON – El Cajon council member Jillian Hanson-Cox and challenger Bill Wells have raised the most money among 11 candidates vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Difficult choices on finances are looming, candidates say: EL CAJON – Candidates for the El Cajon City Council agree that the city's leaders will have to make some tough decisions with a budget deficit and a declining economy.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
District 7 opponents expecting close tally: Marti Emerald's face and arms are covered with freckles, evidence that she's been hitting the pavement a lot to court votes in San Diego's City Council District 7.
PHILADELPHIA, 12:44 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Riding high, Obama nods to McCain, rallies fans: His backers feeling increasingly confident, Democrat Barack Obama made a slight nod to his Republican rival on Saturday and asked voters to have faith in him as the next president.
DANVILLE, Va., 12:03 p.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
McCain drops Va. GOP county chairman over column: Republican presidential candidate John McCain's campaign has ousted a prominent Virginia GOP figure who wrote a newspaper column mocking a potential Barack Obama administration.
DAVENPORT, Iowa, 11:31 a.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
McCain shies away from recent days' attacks: Republican John McCain, the clock ticking down on a chance to narrow Democrat Barack Obama's lead in polls, turned away Saturday from visceral attacks on his rival to pivot back toward policy differences.
WASILLA, Alaska, 9:58 a.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
As governor, Palin at times bonds church and state: The camera closes in on Sarah Palin speaking to young missionaries, vowing from the pulpit to do her part to implement God's will from the governor's office.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa., 9:34 a.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Palin drubs Obama on abortion during Pa. rally: Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin is attacking Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's position on abortion.
CHICAGO, 8:27 a.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Obama fundraiser, convicted of fraud, spills beans: Jailed political fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko, the Chicago real estate developer who helped launch Barack Obama on his political career, is whispering secrets to federal prosecutors about corruption in Illinois and the political fallout could be explosive.
WASHINGTON, 7:19 a.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Financial woes boost Democrats in Congress races: The financial turmoil that has devastated the stock market is also battering Republicans in congressional races, giving Democrats a chance to topple GOP incumbents once considered safe and wrest seats in pivotal districts and states.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 12:17 a.m. Oct. 11 (AP)
Report stings Palin over Troopergate flap: The politically charged investigation into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is over, and its conclusions are stinging. But the fallout, if any, might not come until Election Day.
LOS ANGELES, 10:00 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Friday's late-night TV wrap-up: Late-night TV show hosts found humor in the presidential debate. A sampling from Friday night:
LAKEVILLE, Minn., 4:39 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Raw anger in McCain's crowds as Obama strengthens: The anger is getting raw at Republican rallies and John McCain is acting to tamp it down. McCain was booed by his own supporters Friday when, in an abrupt switch from raising questions about Barack Obama's character, he described the Democrat as a “decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.”
WASHINGTON, 4:29 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
McCain TV ad raises Obama's links to ex-radical: Republican John McCain, trailing in polls and searching for a way to gain ground, assailed Democratic rival Barack Obama on Friday in a sharply worded TV ad that said: “When convenient, he worked with terrorist Bill Ayers. When discovered, he lied.”
CLEVELAND, 4:14 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Palin says supporters want tougher attack on Obama: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said more than one person has whispered in her ear in Ohio that John McCain needs “to take the gloves off” in his campaign against Democrat Barack Obama.
3:47 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Voter fraud accusations mar presidential campaign: Accusations of voter fraud have hurled a giant mud ball into an already messy presidential campaign, with Republicans alleging that Democrat Barack Obama has close ties to an activist group accused of compiling fake registration forms, including ones for the starting lineup of the Dallas Cowboys – submitted in Nevada.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
GOP has numbers on its side in 50th District:When Nick Leibham looks at the 50th Congressional District, he doesn't see a Republican stronghold. He sees a Democratic beachhead. Leibham, an attorney from Rancho Santa Fe, is the Democrat trying to unseat Republican Brian Bilbray, who was elected to succeed the disgraced Randy “Duke” Cunningham in 2006.
EL CAJON, Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Difficult choices on finances are looming, candidates say: EL CAJON
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Candidates for the El Cajon City Council agree that the city's leaders will have to make some tough decisions with a budget deficit and a declining economy.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
District 7 opponents expecting close tally:Marti Emerald's face and arms are covered with freckles, evidence that she's been hitting the pavement a lot to court votes in San Diego's City Council District 7. Her opponent, April Boling, said she's well into wearing out her fifth pair of shoes canvassing precincts.
NATIONAL CITY, Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Measure would end bump up in sales tax: NATIONAL CITY
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A measure on the November ballot aims to end a 1 percentage point sales-tax increase approved by National City voters two years ago to boost the city's general fund.
EL CAJON, Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Hanson-Cox, Wells lead in contributions:
El Cajon council member Jillian Hanson-Cox and challenger Bill Wells have raised the most money among 11 candidates vying for three seats on the El Cajon City Council, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.
Oct. 11 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
For the record:
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 3:49 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Leading in polls, Obama plays it safe: Barack Obama is playing it safe. Leading in polls with 25 days to Election Day, the Democratic nominee is offering careful proposals to address the economic crisis while letting allies respond to John McCain's sharpest charges.
NEWNAN, Ga., 3:15 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Georgia sued over voter citizenship verification: Voting rights groups asked a federal judge Friday to stop Georgia's attempts to verify the identities and citizenship of new voter applicants, arguing they amounted to a “systematic purging” of rolls just weeks before the election.
3:05 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Obama leads McCain solidly in two national polls: THE POLL: Fox News/Opinion Dynamics, national presidential race among registered voters THE NUMBERS: Barack Obama 46 percent, John McCain 39 percent
2:59 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Economy is overriding issue in governors' races: In his bid to become the next governor of Missouri, Rep. Kenny Hulshof survived a bitter primary that at one point saw the candidates bashing each other for supporting public funding for drugs such as Viagra.
PHOENIX, 2:37 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Half sister of Cindy McCain dies: A half sister of Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, has died of Alzheimer's disease, the family announced.
WASHINGTON, 1:50 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
McCain, Obama offer dueling ideas to save economy: John McCain and Barack Obama outlined modest steps to counter the faltering economy and plummeting stock market on Friday, fresh evidence of the dominant role of pocketbook issues in their race for the White House.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 1:48 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Judge orders state to preserve Palin's e-mails: A judge has ordered the state of Alaska to preserve any government-related e-mails that Gov. Sarah Palin sent from private accounts.
CORAL GABLES, Fla., 1:48 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Bush raises $2 million in Florida, South Carolina: President Bush worked to allay fears about the financial crisis on Friday then left the White House and headed south to raise nearly $2 million for the Republican Party in South Carolina and the battleground state of Florida.
WASHINGTON, 1:45 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Watchdog seeks probe of 2 political groups' TV ads: A campaign finance watchdog group on Friday filed a complaint with federal regulators against two groups – one pro-Republican and the other pro-Democrat – alleging they violated the law by airing political ads during the presidential contest.
LAS VEGAS, 12:25 p.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
McCain missing the mark with Hispanics: Cindy Florez can't always remember the name of the man who will get her vote for president, but she knows his party and that's enough.
Oct. 10 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Governor tries again with redistricting bid: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger does not like to take “no” for an answer. So he's back on the ballot with one of his pet issues – taking the power to redraw legislative district boundaries away from the Legislature.
Oct. 10 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
4 candidates running for three seats on Palomar board: Two incumbents and two challengers are vying for three open seats on the Palomar College board of trustees.
ENCINITAS, Oct. 10 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Candidates take stands on land swap, charter schools: Candidates for the Encinitas Union School District board of trustees are staking out positions on such issues as preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment; boosting revenue to augment art, physical education and other programs; and determining the role of charter schools.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., 10:57 a.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Biden says McCain trying to distract voters: Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden says Republican candidate John McCain is trying to distract voters from the nation's financial problems.
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, 8:28 a.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Obama says McCain trying to stoke anger, division: Democrat Barack Obama accused Republican John McCain of trying to divide the country Friday, but he let other Democrats handle harsher attacks while he kept his message mostly upbeat.
WASHINGTON, 7:47 a.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Today on the presidential campaign trail: Republican John McCain on Friday hammered his Democratic rival Barack Obama over his association with former 1960s radical William Ayers in a new TV ad.
KITTANNING, Pa., 7:26 a.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
McCain losing ground with working-class whites: The steel mills and coal mines of western Pennsylvania helped fuel the nation's economic engine. Today, old factory shells and boarded-up storefronts stand as bleak reminders of those once-prosperous times.
NEW YORK, 6:24 a.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Thursday's late-night TV wrap-up: Late-night TV show hosts found humor in the presidential debate, the candidates and the economy.
WASHINGTON, 4:49 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Obama plans half-hour TV ad days before election: Already advertising at record levels, Barack Obama has scheduled a half-hour commercial for prime time on Oct. 29, six days before Election Day.
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, 8:28 a.m. Oct. 10 (AP)
Obama says McCain trying to stoke anger, division: Democrat Barack Obama accused Republican John McCain of trying to divide the country Friday, but he let other Democrats handle harsher attacks while he kept his message mostly upbeat.
WASHINGTON, 10:00 p.m. Oct. 9 (REUTERS)
POLL-Obama opens 5-point lead on McCain: Democrat Barack Obama has opened a 5-point lead over Republican rival John McCain in the White House race and expanded his support among women voters, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released Friday.
DALLAS, 10:00 p.m. Oct. 9 (REUTERS)
Iraq war fades from U.S. election: Many Americans seem to have forgotten the Iraq war in this election cycle. Joe Luccioni is not one of them.
NEW YORK, 9:19 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Elections officials deny illegally purging voters: A newspaper report Thursday said tens of thousands of eligible voters have been removed from rolls or blocked from registering in at least six swing states. Election officials lined up to defend their registration procedures and said they had done nothing wrong.
EAST COUNTY, 10:43 p.m. Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)El Cajon council candidates debate economic future: Candidates for the El Cajon City Council agree that the city's leaders will have to make some tough decisions with a budget deficit and a declining economy. WASHINGTON, 5:36 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Palin suggest wrongly Congress bans oil exports.: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, touted by GOP presidential candidate John McCain as his expert on energy, seemed to have problems Thursday explaining whether the government bans oil exports – especially from her state's North Slope fields. WAUKESHA, Wis., 5:18 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
McCain: Obama link to ex-radical is honesty issue: Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Thursday that questions about Democratic rival Barack Obama's association with a former war protester linked to Vietnam-era bombings are part of a broader issue of honesty. DAYTON, Ohio, 5:11 p.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Obama calls McCain mortgage plan ill-advised: Democrat Barack Obama told Ohio voters Thursday that Republican John McCain's mortgage buyout plan would cost them billions of dollars and reward bad behavior by lenders.
Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
2 challengers aim attacks at 2 incumbents at forum:The Grossmont Union High School District board election is turning negative. At a candidates forum in La Mesa this week, challengers Meg Jedynak and Gary Woods verbally attacked the two incumbents in the race, Larry Urdahl and Priscilla Schreiber, before about 100 audience members.
CHULA VISTA, Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Attorney would be elected if plan OK'd: CHULA VISTA –
Chula Vista activists and politicians, who often don't agree on the simplest issues, are aligned on whether to turn the city attorney into a political office.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Five seek 3 seats as school trustees: SAN DIEGO – Three superintendents have been at the helm of San Diego schools in a little more than three years, while the board steering California's second-largest district has remained the same.
Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Board rivals quizzed about fiscal oversight and goals:The Sweetwater Union High School District has three candidates running for seat No. 2 on the five-member board and four candidates seeking seat No. 4.
Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
2 incumbents, 2 challengers seek seats on college board: Four candidates are running for two seats on the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District's governing board in races that lack the drama of the hard-fought 2006 election but still have plenty at stake.
LEMON GROVE, Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
6 hopefuls square off for 2 seats on council: LEMON GROVE
– Redevelopment and civic involvement are among the top issues framing the race for two Lemon Grove City Council seats this year.
SAN MARCOS, Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Opponents of Prop. O far outspend supporters: SAN MARCOS
– A group opposing Proposition O, the growth-management initiative on the ballot next month in San Marcos, has far outspent those supporting the measure.
ESCONDIDO, Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Council race fundraising picking up speed: ESCONDIDO –
The money gap among the front-runners in the Escondido City Council race is closing. Olga Diaz, 32, a coffee shop owner, has raised the most money this reporting period, July 1 to Sept. 30, topping her five rivals with $20,400.
NORTH COUNTY, Oct. 9 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
San Dieguito candidates clash over call for change: NORTH COUNTY – School board candidates for the San Dieguito Union High School District had few sharp words for one another – until the last two minutes – at a forum Wednesday night.
8:58 a.m. Oct. 9 (REUTERS)Scenarios: How candidates are faring in key U.S. states: – The U.S. presidential election hinges on a handful of battleground states where opinion polls show Democrat Barack Obama making significant gains against Republican rival John McCain.
WASHINGTON, 8:39 a.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Bush signs order to ease switch to next president: A piece of paper that President Bush signed Thursday helps ease his way out of the White House when his term ends and clears the way for his successor.
WASHINGTON, 7:51 a.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Today on the presidential campaign trail: Barack Obama spent $3.3 million in TV advertising on Monday. At that rate the Democrat will spend more than $90 million on ads through Election Day – more than all the money Republican rival John McCain has to spend on his entire fall campaign.
WASHINGTON, 6:44 a.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Wednesday's late-night TV wrap-up: Which late-night comedian poked fun at the presidential candidates' debate performance? That one.
SALT LAKE CITY, 2:30 a.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Mormons renew calls for Calif. gay marriage ban: Mormons are being asked by their church leaders to step up their already considerable efforts to pass a ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage in California.
BOSTON, 2:07 a.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
GOP candidate challenges Sen. Kerry on AIG bailout: Sen. John Kerry's GOP challenger called on him to sell any stock he has in insurance giant AIG and donate all campaign contributions from officials at the company to taxpayers.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 1:10 a.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
Todd Palin had unusual access to wife's staff: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin remained in the dark while her husband repeatedly asked top state officials to help get his former brother-in-law kicked off the state police force, Palin's husband and top aides said in affidavits provided to The Associated Press.
RALEIGH, N.C., 12:04 a.m. Oct. 9 (AP)
GOP finds plucking off House Democrats difficult: By all rights, Asheville city councilman Carl Mumpower should be a rare political specimen this year, a Republican with a plausible shot at ousting a Democrat from Congress, Rep. Heath Shuler.
NEW YORK, 10:07 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Report: Voter purges in 6 states may violate law: Tens of thousands of eligible voters have been removed from rolls or blocked from registering in at least six swing states, and the voters' exclusion appears to violate federal law, according to a published report.
WASHINGTON, 10:00 p.m. Oct. 8 (REUTERS)
POLL-Obama has 4-point lead on McCain: Democrat Barack Obama has built a 4-point lead over Republican rival John McCain in the race for the White House, aided by growing support from women and independent voters, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released Thursday.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 7:22 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)Todd Palin: Contacts with wife's staff were proper: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband defended his role as a close adviser to his wife Wednesday but was adamant that he didn't meddle in her administration to try to settle a family dispute. WASHINGTON, 6:04 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Obama says McCain camp trying to score points: Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said Wednesday that Republicans are highlighting his association with a former 1960s radical in an effort to “score cheap political points” in the final weeks before the election. STERLING, Colo., 5:49 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Obama campaign on 3-day tour to woo rural voters: Former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer rolled through the Eastern Plains on an RV wrapped in logos for Barack Obama's presidential campaign Wednesday, launching a three-day tour to talk to voters about the Democrat's policies for rural America. NEW YORK, 5:42 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
A Fey-Palin comedy summit? Stay tuned: It seems like the inevitable comedic summit of this fall's presidential campaign: the real Sarah Palin coming on “Saturday Night Live” to meet her look-alike impersonator, Tina Fey. INDIANAPOLIS, 5:09 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Obama rejects McCain's plan to buy mortgages: Democrat Barack Obama's campaign criticized John McCain's mortgage bailout plan Wednesday, saying it would cause the government to lose money by paying too much for bad loans. WASHINGTON, 5:07 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Report: Both candidates would increase health coverage: John McCain's health plan would reduce the ranks of the uninsured by about 21.1 million people if fully put in place by 2010, while Barack Obama's would reduce the number by 26.6 million, an analysis predicts. WASHINGTON, 5:04 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Candidates competing for voters' trust on economy: With the deepening U.S. economic crisis rippling around the globe, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain seem to agree the question facing anxious voters is: Who do you trust? WASHINGTON, 5:00 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
NRA ad uses Clinton's words against Obama on guns: The National Rifle Association is turning to Hillary Rodham Clinton to bolster its criticism of Barack Obama's positions on gun issues. TAMPA, Fla., 3:59 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Biden calls McCain a sidekick, not a maverick: Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden called Republican John McCain an angry man making ugly attacks against the Democratic ticket to cover up his support for President Bush. WASHINGTON, 3:25 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Esquire backs Obama in its first endorsement: Esquire is backing Democrat Barack Obama for president – its first endorsement in the magazine's 75-year history.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., 12:06 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Post-debate polling favors Obama over McCain: John McCain dismissively called rival Barack Obama “that one,” Obama mocked McCain's “Straight Talk Express,” and both left the debate stage to return to the campaign trail Wednesday.
BETHLEHEM, Pa., 1:24 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)McCain renews harsh criticism of Obama over policy: Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin questioned on Wednesday whether Barack Obama's record matched his rhetoric as they sought to sow doubt about the Democratic presidential candidate. NEW YORK, 1:39 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Foo Fighters tell McCain to stop using song: Yet another band is complaining about John McCain's use of their song to promote his campaign. This time, it's the Foo Fighters. NEW YORK, 2:04 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
So far, debates lack the memorable lines of past: Late in their debate, Sarah Palin looked over at Joe Biden and channeled the memory of Ronald Reagan's famed putdown of Jimmy Carter in 1980. “There you go again,” she said. JASPER, Ind., 2:34 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Polygraphs proposed for Ind. congressional debate: Two challengers for an Indiana congressional seat have agreed to be hooked up to lie detectors during a debate, but an official with the incumbent's party dismisses the idea as “bizarre.” SALT LAKE CITY, 2:50 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Mormons recruit out-of-state for gay marriage ban: Mormons living outside California have been asked to volunteer for a telephone campaign to help pass a ballot initiative on marriage there.
MADISON, Wis., 10:08 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Study: Nearly all recent McCain ads were negative: Nearly every TV ad Republican John McCain ran last week was negative, compared to just 34 percent of those by Democrat Barack Obama, according to an analysis released Wednesday.
BETHLEHEM, Pa., 12:33 p.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
McCain rally speaker refers to Obama's middle name: For the second time in three days, a rally for the Republican presidential ticket invoked Democrat Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein, in an attempt to add to doubts about his background, faith and campaign.
WASHINGTON, 11:46 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
McCain would buy bad homeowner mortgages: John McCain's proposal to buy up bad home mortgages would use nearly half the $700 billion from the recent Wall Street bailout package to assist Americans directly, instead of indirectly by rescuing the nation's financial markets.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., 11:34 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Son of Tenn. Democrat indicted in Palin hacking: The son of a Democratic Tennessee state lawmaker pleaded not guilty Wednesday to hacking the e-mail account of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
11:18 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Poll: Obama up by 10 points in Wisconsin: Results of a Research 2000 poll done for WISC-TV in Madison, Wis., which asked likely voters in Wisconsin for their views on the presidential race.
7:02 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
McCain and Obama support cut in interest rates: Statements by presidential candidates Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama on the Federal Reserve's action Wednesday to cut interest rates.
LOS ANGELES, 6:01 a.m. Oct. 8 (AP)
Campaign Comedy: Tuesday's late-night TV wrap-up: Political debates inform voters – and provide material for late-night TV show hosts.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 8 (UNION-TRIBUNE)
Prop. C is praised, panned:
San Diego collects about $27 million a year from hotel and business leases in Mission Bay Park, but the city spends less than 10 percent of that on the 4,235-acre playground. That disparity has led supporters of the park, which attracts approximately 15 million visitors a year, to put a measure on the city's Nov. 4 ballot that would dedicate a bigger chunk of lease revenue to maintaining it.
9:50 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)Debate watchers divided over Obama, McCain: Some praised Barack Obama's “vision” while others were impressed with John McCain's promise of victory in Iraq, but Americans watching the second presidential debate, whether in a crowded tavern in McCain Country in Arizona or a quiet Midwestern living room, said they saw no knockout punch. NEW YORK, 9:40 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Town hall debate keeps Brokaw busy: After Gwen Ifill seemed frustrated at losing control of last week's vice presidential debate, Tom Brokaw seemed determined not to let that happen Tuesday with John McCain and Barack Obama. NASHVILLE, Tenn., 9:44 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Gore toasts Obama at fundraiser: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama switched from debater to fundraiser Tuesday night, making a brief appearance at a late-night gathering at Al Gore's Tennessee home. WASHINGTON, 9:02 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
McCain would buy bad homeowner mortgages: Republican presidential candidate John McCain announced Tuesday he would order the federal government to spend $300 billion in federal funds to buy up bad home mortgages and allow financially troubled homeowners to keep their houses. WASHINGTON, 8:57 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Fact check: Obama, McCain twist records: Republican John McCain expressed incredulity in the presidential debate Tuesday that Democrat Barack Obama would tip off the enemy by saying publicly that he'd attack al-Qaeda in Pakistan under certain conditions. “Remarkable,” McCain said during the presidential debate, meaning remarkably irresponsible. WASHINGTON, 8:46 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Analysis: Obama gains, McCain seeks game-changer: Barack Obama made strides toward easing voters' concerns about his candidacy in Tuesday night's debate. John McCain, despite raising pointed questions about his rival's readiness, didn't create the game-changing moment he'll need between now and Election Day.
SACRAMENTO, Updated with new figures: 10:40 a.m.
Personal beliefs fuel Prop. 8 fundraising: California ballot measure campaigns are usually money magnets, drawing huge sums from special interests that often have a financial stake in the outcome.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., 4:44 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)Palin stretches truth in campaign speeches: Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin tells audiences the election is about the “truthfulness and judgment” needed to be president. But the Alaska governor often stretches the truth herself. SAN FRANCISCO, 2:56 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Schwarzenegger to candidates: Get back to issues: Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Tuesday that the presidential candidates should end the smear campaigns and get back to the issues. NEW YORK, 4:10 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Obama wishes he had more time for staying fit: Barack Obama says he wishes he had more time for staying fit. And the Democratic presidential candidate admits that he still occasionally smokes a cigarette. ANCHORAGE, Alaska, 4:26 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
State reviewing per diem payments to Palin: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's practice of charging the state when she stays in her home must be reviewed to determine if she should pay taxes on the payments, state Finance Director Kim Garnero said Tuesday. WASHINGTON, 4:52 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
McCain linked to group in Iran-Contra affair: Barack Obama has his William Ayers connection. Now John McCain may have an Iran-Contra connection. In the 1980s, McCain served on the advisory board to the U.S. chapter of an international group linked to ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America. 12:16 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Palin pledges of Alaska sunshine marred by secrets: Sarah Palin's promise for a new era of government openness as the reform governor of Alaska started to crack even before Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign built a wall of protectiveness around her. 12:54 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Gay candidates anticipate breakthroughs on Nov. 4: In his liberal Colorado district, it's no big deal that Jared Polis is gay. Yet his expected victory Nov. 4 in a congressional race would be a historic milestone and, he hopes, send an encouraging message to gay and lesbian young people nationwide. WASHINGTON, 1:50 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Analysis: McCain's contrition ends over Keating: Nearly 20 years of John McCain's contrition over his role in a 1980s banking scandal vanished this week in 17 minutes and 30 seconds. NEW YORK, 1:39 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
NYC mayor's try for 3rd term goes to City Council: Mayor Michael Bloomberg's bid to change the term-limits law so that he can campaign for another four years rests in the hands of the City Council, where two competing bills were introduced Tuesday. SAN FRANCISCO, 12:44 p.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Cindy Sheehan, the 'Peace Mom,' now a candidate: The audience at San Francisco State University clapped generously – and no one booed.
HARRISBURG, Pa., 8:46 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Record Pa. voter registration pads Democrats' edge: Democratic registration has surged by 13 percent and Republican ranks have shrunk by 1 percent as a record 8.6 million people registered to vote in battleground Pennsylvania in the 2008 presidential election.
WASHINGTON, 1:49 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Debate stakes higher for McCain: Running short on time, John McCain has the most riding on the second presidential debate, though Barack Obama will be out of his scripted comfort zone in the town hall-style confrontation. It could be ugly if Monday's tussling is any indication.
RICHMOND, Va., 8:08 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
Hagel's wife to back Obama: The wife of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel plans to endorse Democrat Barack Obama. Lilibet Hagel has scheduled a 10 a.m. news conference in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday with Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of Republican President Eisenhower. Susan Eisenhower also is an Obama supporter.
8:03 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Polls: Obama leads in Ohio and Wis., tied in Ind.: THE POLL: Washington Post-ABC News poll of 772 likely Ohio voters (20 electoral votes). THE NUMBERS: Barack Obama, 51 percent; John McCain, 45 percent.
NEW YORK, 5:56 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Campaign Comedy: Monday's late-night TV wrap-up: You'd hardly know the Democrats have even chosen a presidential candidate, judging from late-night comedy monologues. It was Republican John McCain and – oh, by the way – his vice presidential running mate, Sarah Palin, who claimed most of the jokesters' attention.
SANTA FE, N.M., 2:52 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Officials find, fix glitch in NM voting machine: A glitch that would have kept votes from being counted in the presidential and other top-of-the-ticket races was discovered during a pre-election check of a voting machine in Santa Fe County, officials said.
HELENA, Mont., 1:44 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Montana governor's race features old foes: Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and his Republican challenger have both called for increased energy development, lower taxes and a more open state government.
BOSTON, 12:21 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Tax-cutting questions appear on ballots next month: For years, Massachusetts was known derisively as “Taxachusetts.” But voters could help shed that label in November by completely eliminating the state's income tax in a single stroke.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., 10:00 p.m. Oct. 6 (REUTERS)
POLL-Obama has 3-point national lead on McCain: Democrat Barack Obama has a narrow 3-point lead in the U.S. presidential race on Republican John McCain less than a month before the election, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released Tuesday.
CLEARWATER, Fla., 9:34 p.m. Oct. 6 (REUTERS)
Palin warns Florida voters of 'rough' campaigning: Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin told Florida's voters Monday to expect “rough” campaigning as she seeks to halt a slide in opinion polls in a state that could make or break Sen. John McCain's White House bid.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 12:13 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
McCain's stance against pork a balancing act: It's one of Republican presidential candidate John McCain's most surefire applause lines, a vow to veto pork barrel spending like the road and bridge projects that lawmakers hold dear.
ASHLAND, Va., 12:12 a.m. Oct. 7 (AP)
Ex-DNC chief stumps for Obama but eyes Va. race: Barnstorming Virginia to fire up Democrats for Barack Obama's presidential bid is something Terry McAuliffe says comes naturally for him.
NEW YORK, 8:17 p.m. Oct. 6 (AP)
NYC council takes up term limit change this week: Mayor Michael Bloomberg's crusade to change term limits law so he can run again gets its first official test this week with a