<><>NH POLLS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Poll: Obama makes gains, is even with Clinton in N.H.

By Susan Page
USA Today
December 21, 2007

PELHAM, N.H. — Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are locked in a dead heat among New Hampshire voters in a statewide USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, underscoring the volatility of the race less than three weeks before the nation's first primary…

<><>2008/CONGRESS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Congress: After a year, Democrats make limited strides

By Gail Russell Chaddock
Christian Science Monitor
December 21, 2007

They probed contractors' role in Iraq and US attorney firings, but had setbacks on spending and changing the war's course…

Sentiment Aside, Bush Scores Wins

By John D. McKinnon
Wall Street Journal
December 21, 2007

WASHINGTON -- President Bush is ending the year with the approval of just one in three voters, according to the Wall Street Journal/NBC poll, but he is enjoying a string of legislative successes in Congress, on matters from Iraq-war funding and the federal budget to energy policy, tax increases and mortgage relief…

One-Man Gridlock: Meet Tom Coburn, Senate's 'Dr. No'
Oklahoma Conservative Specializes in the 'Hold'; Stopping 90 Bills in 2007

By Sarah Lueck
Wall Street Journal
December 21, 2007

WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday afternoon, when most senators were preparing to leave Washington for the holiday recess, Tom Coburn was declaring his intention to stick around…

<><>DEM<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE FIELD

Democrats Zero In on Chinese Toys
Presidential Hopefuls Question Safety Procedures; Obama Takes Tough Line

By Christopher Cooper and Nicholas Casey
Wall Street Journal
December 21, 2007

Democratic presidential candidates are stepping up their attacks on Chinese manufacturers of dangerous toys, with Sen. Barack Obama vowing to ban all Chinese toys unless government inspectors there and in the U.S. can ensure their safety…

Chinese Toys Redux

By Michael Falcone
New York Times
December 21, 2007

The Obama campaign went to work qualifying his remarks on banning toys imported from China, a pledge that a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry called “unwise.”

Richardson Accuses Clinton of ‘Flip-Flop’ on Iraq

By Patrick Healy
New York Times
December 21, 2007

Bill Richardson blasted Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for saying she would withdraw nearly all American troops from Iraq within a year of beginning redeployment…

BIDEN

She only has ayes for Biden

By Louise Roug
Los Angeles Times
December 21, 2007

Teri Hawks Goodmann of Dubuque, Iowa, has 'never felt as strongly about any candidate.' It's a loyalty that's lasted more than two decades…

CLINTON

Bill’s Message This Week: Hillary Gets Results

By Katharine Q. SeelyeNew York Times
December 21, 2007

Bill Clinton almost exclusively touts his wife's experience, at least for now and at least for Iowa. He stays away from the warm and fuzzy…

Clinton toeing the line of campaign negativity

By Peter Nicholas
Los Angeles Times
December 21, 2007

With voting starting in two weeks, she and aides are taking subtle digs at Obama…

DODD

But did Dodd feel her pain?

Los Angeles Times Top of the Ticket
December 21, 2007

Kids can say the darndest things especially at times like that…

EDWARDS

On the Road: Chasing Edwards

By Julie Bosman
New York Times
December 21, 2007

The traveling press corps had a tough time battling the weather — and other obstacles — in following the Democratic candidate from one early nominating state to the other…

RICHARDSON

Personal Touch for Richardson in Envoy Role

By Jodi Kantor
New York Times
December 21, 2007

Bill Richardson, who made his name as a dealmaker in the world’s hot spots, argues that no Democratic candidate has as much international experience…

<><>REP<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>>

GIULIANI

Giuliani, After Treatment at Hospital, Says He Feels Fine

By Michael Cooper
New York Times
December 21, 2007

Rudolph W. Giuliani canceled an appearance in New Hampshire set for Friday, but was expected to be back on the campaign trail over the weekend…

Giuliani's Pollster Says He's Still Very Much in the Race

By Michael D. Shear
Washington Post
December 20, 2007

Ed Goeas wants everyone to know that Rudy Giuliani is doing just fine…

HUCKABEE

Huckabee, Back in Iowa, Brings Christmas Message

By Paul Vitello
New York Times
December 21, 2007

Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, was received by supporters as he returned to Iowa this week like the second coming of Santa Claus…

Huckabee's Faith-Based Views Find Critics, Fans in Both Parties

By Perry Bacon Jr.
Washington Post
December 21, 2007

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- When the idea for a proclamation declaring Christian Heritage Week came up in 1994, Jim Guy Tucker, the Democratic governor of Arkansas, would not sign it. His aides said he did not think it was appropriate to honor a particular faith…

McCAIN

Boston papers endorse McCain, not Romney

Associated Press
December 21, 2007

Republican presidential contender John McCain has been endorsed by both of Mitt Romney's hometown newspapers, a blow to the former Massachusetts governor who often taunts his opponents with negative e-mails titled, "Those who know him best."

McCain Says Allegations That He Did Favors for D.C. Lobbyist Are Untrue

By Howard Kurtz
Washington Post
December 21, 2007

Sen. John McCain said yesterday that he has "never done any favors for anybody -- lobbyist or special interest group," as his presidential campaign issued a statement denouncing allegations of legislative favoritism as "gutter politics."

PAUL

Wag the Blog Redux: Making Sense of Ron Paul's Money

By Chris Cillizza
Washington Post
December 21, 2007

We asked the Fix community what Ron Paul's financial success said about the state of the Republican Party and the American political landscape. And boy did you respond!

THOMPSON

Thompson finds a winning line

Los Angeles Times Top of the Ticket
December 21, 2007

Most think he still needs a winning formula…

<><>FIRST CONTESTS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Voters' questions increase as N.H. primaries near

By Susan Page
USA Today
December 21, 2007

As the Jan. 8 primary draws closer, more political questions seem to be getting raised than answered. The results from New Hampshire likely will propel some candidacies and end others. But the contests in both parties are tightening, making predictions perilous, and more than 40% of those surveyed in a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll this week say they may change their minds…

<><>NATIONAL POLLS<><><><><><><><><><><><><

America's Mood: Time to Shake Up Political Scenery

Wall Street Journal
December 21, 2007

In new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, 46% plurality calls for "major reforms and a brand new and different approach" in government. "The mood is for more than small incremental changes," says Democrat Peter Hart, who conducts WSJ/NBC surveys with Republican counterpart Bill McInturff…

<><>OTHER NEWS AND VIEWS<><><><><><><><><><><><>

Bush Is Upbeat About Economy's Prospects
But Some Experts Urge Steps to Avert Recession

By Michael Abramowitz and Neil Irwin
Washington Post
December 21, 2007

The White House is betting that the steps it has taken to address the housing and financial crises will be enough to avert a recession without resorting to a major tax cut or new spending, as leading economists in both parties have urged, senior administration officials said…