<><>DEMOCRATS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

THE FIELD

 

In final contests, it's all about momentum

 

By Martha T. Moore

USA Today

May 16, 2008

 

When South Dakota scheduled its primary to be dead last of the 56 Democratic nominating contests, no one thought the vote would matter much…

 

CLINTON

 

Clinton scolds McCain for opposing farm bill

 

Associated Press

May 16, 2008

 

BATH, S.D. (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton scolded John McCain Thursday for opposing the farm bill, attempting to maintain the sense that she is already competing against the certain Republican presidential nominee even as her chances for winning the Democratic nomination dim…

 

OBAMA

 

Obama: President Bush used 'false political attack'

 

USA Today

May 16, 2008

 

Barack Obama's presidential campaign Thursday accused President Bush of using a speech in Israel to launch a "false political attack" involving the appeasement of terror threats — a claim the White House said was not true…

 

Obama Courts Christian Voters in Kentucky

 

By Amy Chozick and Suzanne Sataline

Wall Street Journal

May 16, 2008

 

CHICAGO -- Sen. Barack Obama plans to roll out a new nationwide faith effort to make it clear to voters that the presidential candidate is a Christian who reflects the values of the electorate…

 

Naral Picks Obama, and Uproar Breaks Out

 

By Katharine Q. Seelye

New York Times

May 16, 2008

 

Some of the group’s affiliates and other abortion-rights advocates said that there was no need to take sides in the Democratic primary…

 

Edwards Supporters Start to Swing to Obama

 

By Shailagh Murray

Washington Post

May 15, 2008

 

Former Democratic candidate John Edwards has joined the Barack Obama bandwagon, but will his small band of delegates and superdelegates follow his lead?

 

<><>REPUBLICANS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

McCAIN

 

McCain Names Drawdown Date

Troop Withdrawal Predicted by 2013 Amid Victory in Iraq

 

By Laura Meckler

Wall Street Journal

May 16, 2008

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- John McCain said that if elected president, he would win the Iraq war and bring most U.S. troops home by January 2013, offering his first date for withdrawal and refuting Democratic charges he would keep the U.S. mired there indefinitely…

 

McCain Vision Has Most G.I.’s Out of Iraq by 2013

 

By Elisabeth Bumiller

New York Times

May 16, 2008

 

John McCain’s comments were a striking departure from his usual refusal to set a date for American withdrawal…

 

McCain action helped Ariz. land developer

 

By Matt Kelley

USA Today

May 16, 2008

 

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain secured millions in federal funds for a land acquisition program that provided a windfall for an Arizona developer whose executives were major campaign donors, public records show…

 

<><> PRIMARY CONTESTS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

<><>RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE<><><><><><><><><><><>

 

In the South, a Force to Challenge the G.O.P.

 

By Adam Nossiter and Janny Scott

New York Times

May 16, 2008

 

The surge in black turnout Barack Obama has helped to generate could signal a threat to the Republican dominance of the South…

 

 

<><>WAR/TERROR<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

House Rejects More War Funding

Senate Approves Sweeping Farm Bill That Bush Opposes

 

By Sarah Lueck and Greg Hitt

Wall Street Journal

May 16, 2008

 

WASHINGTON -- The House rejected $163 billion in funding for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- the first time the House has voted against funding for the Iraq war -- as Republicans held back support as a protest against domestic-spending items Democrats added to the legislation…

 

<><>CONGRESS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

Lawmakers Fault Bush Team on Housing Bill

Complaints Cite Mixed Signals; Progress in Senate

 

By Damian Paletta and Henry J. Pulizzi

Wall Street Journal

May 16, 2008

 

WASHINGTON -- In the national debate about a housing rescue, there is a surprising wild card: the lame-duck White House…

 

Senate Takes Step On Energy Oversight

 

By Ian Talley

Wall Street Journal

May 16, 2008

 

Federal regulators would have greater oversight of energy markets as part of the massive farm bill passed by the Senate Thursday…

 

<><>OTHER NEWS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

Ruling Returns Gay Marriage to Stage in Presidential Bids

 

By Adam Nagourney

New York Times

May 16, 2008

 

The three candidates oppose same-sex marriage, but say couples should be entitled to the legal protections afforded married couples…

 

California Court Affirms Right to Gay Marriage

 

By Adam Liptak

New York Times

May 16, 2008

 

The ruling, striking down laws limiting marriages to unions between a man and a woman, would make California the second state to allow same-sex marriage…

 

Calif. Supreme Court Overturns Ban on Gay Marriage

 

By Ashley Surdin

Washington Post

May 15, 2008

 

LOS ANGELES, May 15 -- The California Supreme Court overturned a ban on same-sex marriages Thursday, potentially creating the second state in the nation to allow same-sex couples to wed…

 

California high court overturns gay marriage ban

Thursday's ruling makes it the second state to legalize same-sex marriage.

 

By Ben Arnoldy

Christian Science Monitor

May 16, 2008

 

Oakland, Calif. - California joins Massachusetts as the second state to legalize gay marriage following a decision Thursday by the state's highest court…

 

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban

In a 4-3 decision, the justices rule that people have a fundamental right to marry the person of their choice and that gender restrictions violate the state Constitution's equal protection guarantees.

 

By Maura Dolan

Los Angeles Times

May 15, 2008

 

SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court decided today that same-sex couples should be permitted to wed, ruling that gay unions must be given the "respect and dignity" of marriage…

 

Opponents of gay marriage see hope in ballot measure

A proposed constitutional amendment could go before voters in November. It would say that 'only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.'

 

By Molly Hennessy-Fiske

Los Angeles Times

May 15, 2008

 

Opponents of same-sex marriage in California expressed dismay after the state's Supreme Court ruled in favor of the unions today, but said the decision likely would galvanize supporters of a November ballot measure that would bar such marriages…

 

Bush Assails ‘Appeasement,’ Touching Off Storm

 

By Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Jim Rutenberg

New York Times

May 16, 2008

 

A remark seen as a rebuke to Barack Obama likened those who would negotiate with “terrorists” to Nazi appeasers…

 

 

<><>DEMOCRATS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

THE FIELD

 

Clinton's Win Brings Little Reward

Delegates Gained In West Virginia Offset by Obama

 

By Jackie Calmes

Wall Street Journal

May 14, 2008

 

Hillary Clinton trounced Barack Obama in West Virginia's Democratic presidential primary, as expected. But her negligible payback in convention delegates illustrates why her rival and her party are turning away from her candidacy to begin the fight against Republican John McCain…

 

Clinton Beats Obama Handily in W. Virginia

 

By Patrick Healy

New York Times

May 14, 2008

 

Racial considerations emerged as an unusually salient factor in Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s lopsided victory over Senator Barack Obama…

 

Clinton Handily Defeats Obama in West Virginia

Victory Does Little to Tighten the Delegate Race

 

By Dan Balz

Washington Post

May 14, 2008

 

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton routed Sen. Barack Obama in the West Virginia primary yesterday, scoring one of her most lopsided victories of the long campaign even as she continued to battle overwhelming odds in her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination…

 

W.Va. blowout bolsters Clinton's resolve

 

By Susan Page

USA Today

May 14, 2008

 

Hillary Rodham Clinton crushed Barack Obama in the West Virginia primary Tuesday — a victory that was surely personally satisfying but came as the Democratic presidential nomination is nearly in the grasp of her rival…

 

CLINTON

 

Repaying debt hard for losing side

 

By Fredreka Schouten

USA Today

May 14, 2008

 

WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton faces some tough choices on erasing more than $20 million in campaign debts if she doesn't become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee…

 

OBAMA

 

Obama Has to Start From Scratch in Michigan

State's Democrats Remain Polarized; An Economic Focus

 

By Douglas Belkin

Wall Street Journal

May 14, 2008

 

Barack Obama unofficially kicks off his campaign against John McCain Wednesday in Michigan, a state the Democrats have barely held onto in recent years and where they start at a big disadvantage…

 

Obama May Have His Work Cut Out for Him to Draw Independents

 

By Jackie Calmes

Wall Street Journal

May 14, 2008

 

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Barack Obama can't rest should he soon win Democrats' presidential-nomination marathon. His next big challenge: to introduce himself to the independents who may well decide the November election, and dispel the doubts and misinformation that have taken hold among many…

 

Obama to Receive Endorsement Of 3 Former SEC Chairmen

 

By Christopher Cooper and Kara Scannell

Wall Street Journal

May 14, 2008

 

Three former chairmen of the Securities and Exchange Commission will publicly endorse Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's bid for the presidency Wednesday, including one who served under President Bush…

 

‘Almost Nominee’ Status Keeps Obama in Limbo

 

By Jim Rutenberg

New York Times

May 14, 2008

 

As Senator Barack Obama prepared for defeat in West Virginia, his aides said he was still feeling like a winner — but not quite like a nominee…

 

<><>REPUBLICANS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

McCAIN

 

Pastor Backing McCain Apologizes to Catholics

 

By Elizabeth Holmes and Suzanne Sataline

Wall Street Journal

May 14, 2008

 

The Rev. John Hagee, the fiery evangelical pastor who endorsed John McCain, issued an apology to Catholics for disparaging remarks he made, including accusing the Roman Catholic Church of supporting Adolf Hitler…

 

McCain Backer Regrets Comments on Catholics

 

By Laurie Goodstein

New York Times

May 14, 2008

 

The Rev. John C. Hagee, whose endorsement John McCain greeted with fanfare, has issued a letter expressing regret for “any comments that Catholics have found hurtful.”

 

McCain Backer Apologizes For Anti-Catholic Remarks

 

By Michael D. Shear

Washington Post

May 14, 2008

 

While Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has struggled with the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., GOP foe John McCain's own pastor problem has festered…

 

Stumping on Climate, McCain Faults Bush

 

By Elisabeth Bumiller

New York Times

May 14, 2008

 

John McCain intensified his criticism of President Bush, asserting that in the effort to stem climate change, “America can lead and not obstruct.”

 

<><> PRIMARY CONTESTS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

<><>RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE<><><><><><><><><><><>

 

In the Tracks of Ron Paul, a Candidate Goes Forth

 

By Michael Luo

New York Times

May 14, 2008

 

Former Representative Bob Barr’s candidacy for the Libertarian Party nomination could give Senator John McCain’s campaign fits…

 

Obama, McCain Aim to Curb '527s'

 

By Jonathan Weisman and Michael D. Shear

Washington Post

May 14, 2008

 

Sen. Barack Obama's top fundraisers have asked his campaign donors to refrain from contributing to liberal independent political organizations in hopes of controlling the tone and message of the general-election campaign…

 

<><>WAR/TERROR<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

<><>CONGRESS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

Mississippi Democrat Wins House Run-Off

 

By Susan Davis

Wall Street Journal

May 14, 2008

 

Democrat Travis Childers won an election for a Mississippi House seat Tuesday, completing a hat trick of recent victories for congressional Democrats now further emboldened by their prospects in November…

 

Democrat Wins House Seat in Mississippi

 

By Adam Nossiter

New York Times

May 14, 2008

 

Travis Childers pulled off a remarkable upset victory in a conservative district, a sign of problems ahead for Republicans…

 

Democratic Victory May Be a Bellwether

GOP Loses House Seat in Mississippi

 

By Paul Kane

Washington Post

May 14, 2008

 

A Democrat won the race for a GOP-held congressional seat in northern Mississippi yesterday, leaving the once-dominant House Republicans reeling from their third special-election defeat of the spring…

 

<><>OTHER NEWS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

<><>DEMOCRATS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

THE FIELD

 

Carrying Fight Into Convention Can Bruise Party in November

 

By June Kronholz

Wall Street Journal

May 13, 2008

 

It was 1976. Gerald Ford, the sitting president, had won 16 of 27 Republican primaries and led in the party's delegate count. But Ronald Reagan carried the nomination battle into the convention anyway…

 

Obama Braces for West Virginia Setback

 

By Amy Chozick

Wall Street Journal

May 13, 2008

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Barack Obama has conceded he will likely lose the West Virginia primary Tuesday, but as the Illinois senator shifts his focus to the general election, he must prove he can win over the state's working-class white voters…

 

Democrats' Colorado Dilemmas

 

By Stephanie Simon

Wall Street Journal

May 13, 2008

 

DENVER -- A labor-union campaign in Colorado to tighten restrictions on layoffs and crack down on corporate fraud could put Democrats in an awkward position as they gather here in August for their presidential convention…

 

Democrats say let the contest go on

 

By Susan Page

USA Today

May 13, 2008

 

On the eve of the West Virginia primary, most Democrats nationally say Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton should continue the campaign, but more now say that it's time for Clinton to quit…

 

CLINTON

 

Post-Crucible Clinton

 

By E. J. Dionne Jr.

New York Times

May 13, 2008

 

Hillary Clinton still has a lot to win this year, but not the presidency and not the vice presidency…

 

Clinton Running Hard in Campaign’s Last Laps

 

By Patrick Healy

New York Times

May 13, 2008

 

Hillary Rodham Clinton is determined to rack up two victories in the next eight days as she seeks to prove her continued political viability, aides say…

 

Legal but Controversial, It Helped Get Out the Vote

 

By Mike McIntire and Michael Luo

New York Times

May 13, 2008

 

Needing help in Texas, the Clinton campaign paid locals to round up votes, a legal but controversial tool known as “street money.”

 

Women for Hillary Clinton in West Virginia haven't (quite) given up the dream

They can't get over the irony that the first woman to be a viable candidate for president appears to have lost at the height of her game.

 

By Faye Fiore

Los Angeles Times

May 12, 2008

 

BRIDGEPORT, W.VA. — It seems like only a few days ago, right after Hillary Rodham Clinton's big win in Pennsylvania, that Margaret Hamrick was on the phone with one of her bank customers, rejoicing at what appeared so possible -- a woman, at last, in the White House. Hamrick wasn't supposed to talk politics on work time, but the enthusiasm for Clinton was infectious…

 

OBAMA

 

Confronting Questions, Obama Assures Jews of His Support

 

By Larry Rohter

New York Times

May 13, 2008

 

Since the beginning of his campaign, Senator Barack Obama has combated rumors and e-mails suggesting he was a Muslim or was hostile to Israel…

 

Republicans Use Obama as Weapon in House Contest in Mississippi

 

By Adam Nossiter

New York Times

May 13, 2008

 

Hoping to hang on to a seat in a tight special election, Republicans are trying to make the vote into a referendum on Barack Obama…

 

Racist Incidents Give Some Obama Campaigners Pause

 

By Kevin Merida

Washington Post

May 13, 2008

 

Danielle Ross was alone in an empty room at the Obama campaign headquarters in Kokomo, Ind., a cellphone in one hand, a voter call list in the other. She was stretched out on the carpeted floor wearing laceless sky-blue Converses, stories from the trail on her mind. It was the day before Indiana's primary, and she had just been chased by dogs while canvassing in a Kokomo suburb. But that was not the worst thing to occur since she postponed her sophomore year at Middle Tennessee State University, in part to hopscotch America stumping for Barack Obama…

 

For Obama, the General Election Is Calling

With Clinton Poised To Win W.Va., He Turns To Battleground States

 

By Peter Slevin and Anne E. Kornblut

Washington Post

May 13, 2008

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va., May 12 -- Sen. Barack Obama will make it clear on Tuesday that he has turned his attention to the general election, traveling to the November battleground states of Missouri and Michigan…

 

<><>REPUBLICANS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

McCAIN

 

McCain Picks Climate Words With Delicacy

Tough Warming Talk Softens on Matter Of Foreign Penalties

 

By Stephen Power in Washington and Laura Meckler in Portland, Ore.

Wall Street Journal

May 13, 2008

 

In a last-minute move highlighting the delicacy of climate-change politics, John McCain on Monday decided not to utter a line in a prepared speech suggesting he would as president penalize industrializing countries that refuse to commit to reducing their greenhouse-gas emissions…

 

McCain Differs With Bush on Climate Change

 

By Elisabeth Bumiller and John M. Broder

New York Times

May 13, 2008

 

Senator John McCain called for a limit on greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S…

 

<><> PRIMARY CONTESTS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

<><>RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE<><><><><><><><><><><>

 

Bob Barr Announces Run as Libertarian, Offers Criticism of Both Major Parties

 

By Susan Davis

Wall Street Journal

May 12, 2008

 

Former Georgia Republican Rep. Bob Barr said Monday that he will run for president as a Libertarian…

 

Bob Barr to run for president as Libertarian

The former GOP congressman from Georgia accuses the government of irresponsible spending. He says McCain can't call himself a true conservative. Clinton and Obama campaign in West Virginia.

 

By Johanna Neuman

Los Angeles Times

May 12, 2008

 

WASHINGTON — Bob Barr, a former congressman from Georgia and a former Republican, today announced his candidacy for president as a Libertarian who would rein in federal spending and foreign wars…

 

<><>WAR/TERROR<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

<><>CONGRESS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

Senate Seeks Bipartisan Support For Housing -Rescue Package

 

By Michael R. Crittenden and Damian Paletta

Wall Street Journal

May 12, 2008

 

WASHINGTON -- The Senate Banking Committee is expected to vote Thursday on a housing-rescue package similar to a measure that passed the House last week, but efforts by Democrats and Republicans to broker a bipartisan deal have failed so far…

 

<><>OTHER NEWS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

U.S. Outlook Is Worst Since '92, Poll Finds

Results Give Democrats Edge

 

By Jon Cohen and Dan Balz

Washington Post

May 13, 2008

 

Americans are gloomier about the direction of the country than they have been at any point in 15 years, and Democrats hold their biggest advantage since early 1993 as the party better able to deal with the nation's main problems, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll…

 

 

<><>DEMOCRATS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

THE FIELD

 

Edwards Raises Doubts About Clinton’s Chances

 

By Brian Knowlton

New York Times

May 12, 2008

 

John Edwards cautioned that Hillary Rodham Clinton “has to be really careful that she’s not damaging our prospects” by staying in the contest…

 

It's not just Barack Obama vs. Hillary Clinton; it's husband vs. wife

Forget the Democratic Party -- what's the campaign doing to households split between the two candidates?

 

By Doug Smith and Dan Morain

Los Angeles Times

May 11, 2008

 

Bob Marshalla made a $100 contribution to his choice for president last summer. As the Democratic primary season rolled out, he upped that with $200, $300 and $500 donations…

 

West Virginia savors moment in spotlight

 

Associated Press

May 12, 2008

 

MADISON, W.Va. (AP) — When former president Bill Clinton bounded onto the makeshift stage in the volunteer fire department of this coalfields town, the crowd shrieked like they were about to hear an Elvis Presley concert, rather than listen to a 40-minute speech about health care and the economy…

 

CLINTON

 

U.S. Criminal Probe Eyes Clinton Donor

 

By John R. Wilke and Brody Mullins

Wall Street Journal

May 10, 2008

 

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into a Washington-area donor to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, investigating whether he illegally reimbursed other contributors…

 

Clinton Team Acknowledges $20 Million Debt

A Top Aide Denies Rumors That She Is Seeking VP Slot

 

By Anne E. Kornblut

Washington Post

May 12, 2008

 

CLARKSBURG, W.Va., May 11 -- With her campaign falling ever deeper into debt, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton spent a rainy Mother's Day seeking votes ahead of Tuesday's primary here, turning a deaf ear to calls for her to leave a Democratic presidential contest she has little hope of winning…

 

As Rivals Rest on Mother’s Day, Clinton Pushes On

 

By Katharine Q. Seelye

New York Times

May 12, 2008

 

No breakfast in bed for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton: She rose early and spent a 16-hour day slogging through a cold rain in West Virginia…

 

Unfazed, Hillary Clinton presses on

The candidate and her supporters remain energetic and hopeful for an upset that could sway superdelegates.

 

By Bob Drogin

Los Angeles Times

May 10, 2008

 

PORTLAND, ORE. — With deep concern etched on her face, Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton listened intently Friday morning as Jordan Kokich, a willowy 22-year-old cancer survivor, described her heart-rending history of debilitating health problems…

 

OBAMA

 

Obama Gains in Party's Top Ranks

Candidate Wrests Lead From Clinton In Superdelegates

 

By Jackie Calmes

Wall Street Journal

May 12, 2008

 

Barack Obama's new edge in endorsements from Democratic leaders not only signals the party's establishment is solidifying behind him, but also could allay concerns among party liberals and his supporters that these superdelegates might throw the presidential nomination to Hillary Clinton…

 

Upside of Being Knocked Around

 

By Mark Leibovich

New York Times

May 11, 2008

 

Maybe a hard-hitting Hillary Rodham Clinton has been the best thing that could have happened to Barack Obama…

 

Barack Obama faces an untested set of hurdles

If he's chosen as the Democratic nominee, his race might be an issue, but experience and social issues loom much larger.

 

By Doyle Mcmanus and Peter Wallsten

Los Angeles Times

May 11, 2008

 

WASHINGTON — For the first time, a major political party is on the brink of choosing an African American as its candidate for president, but when Democratic strategists and other analysts look ahead, they don't see race as Barack Obama's biggest challenge…

 

<><>REPUBLICANS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

McCAIN

 

McCain Woos Democrats on Environment

 

By Laura Meckler and Stephen Power

Wall Street Journal

May 12, 2008

 

WASHINGTON -- After spending several weeks staking out positions on taxes, Iraq and judges designed to appeal to conservatives, John McCain is shifting his attention to independents and Democrats, with proposals on climate change…

 

Leader of GOP Convention Quits After Myanmar Ties Reported

 

Associated Press

May 11, 2008

 

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The man picked by the John McCain campaign to run the 2008 Republican National Convention resigned Saturday after a report that his lobbying firm used to represent the military regime in Myanmar…

 

Environmental Stances Are Balancing Act For McCain

 

By Juliet Eilperin

Washington Post

May 12, 2008

 

In December 2005, Republicans were poised to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, an achievement they had sought for decades. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) had attached the provision to a must-pass defense spending bill and threatened to keep lawmakers in Washington until Christmas if they tried to strip it. Desperate to remove the provision, leaders from national environmental groups turned to a handful of key GOP senators for help…

 

McCain to pitch climate-change plan in Oregon

 

By David Jackson

USA Today

May 12, 2008

 

WASHINGTON — John McCain heads to the Pacific Northwest today to propose a climate-change plan, addressing an issue integral to his presidential bid in a region that could be crucial…

 

<><> PRIMARY CONTESTS<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

<><>RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE<><><><><><><><><><><>

 

Obama, Clinton Adjust Aim, Target McCain

 

By Matt Phillips And Joel Millman

Wall Street Journal

May 12, 2008

 

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton stepped up their criticism of John McCain and aimed fewer potshots at each other amid signs the nomination fight is winding down and the Democratic Party is coalescing around Sen. Obama…

 

America's Race to the Middle

After Years of Gridlock, Campaign '08 May Yield A New Political Center

 

By Gerald F. Seib and John Harwood

Wall Street Journal

May 10, 2008

 

The long, fascinating spectacle of the presidential primaries has all but obscured their potential impact on American politics: Campaign 2008 may break Washington's gridlock by reviving the long-dormant political center…

 

Voter ID Battle Shifts to Proof of Citizenship

 

By Ian Urbina

New York Times

May 12, 2008

 

Supporters of a measure in Missouri cite concerns about illegal immigrants voting, but critics say tens of thousands of legal residents could be disenfranchised…

 

Already, Obama and McCain Map Fall Strategies

 

By Adam Nagourney and Jeff Zeleny

New York Times

May 11, 2008

 

Even before the Democratic nomination fight ends, the candidates are focusing on independent voters, Latinos and about a dozen states…

 

In Dixie, Signs of a Rising Biracial Politics

 

By Jack Bass

New York Times

May 11, 2008

 

The South went solidly red state in the ’90s, but that tide may be receding…

 

Obama shifts sights to McCain and the general election

The nomination isn't his yet, but his aim now is to unify Democrats.

 

By Peter Grier

Christian Science Monitor

May 12, 2008

 

WASHINGTON - Hillary who? OK, Barack Obama has not yet gone that far. But as the lengthy, tiring, roller-coaster race for the Democratic presidential nomination enters its (possible) homestretch, the senator from Illinois increasingly is ignoring the competitor from his own party to focus on presumptive GOP nominee John McCain…

 

Barack Obama doesn't object to ally's gibe on John McCain, Keating Five

Obama says McCain's record is germane. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton loses the superdelegate lead.

 

By Robin Abcarian

Los Angeles Times

May 11, 2008

 

BEND, ORE. — As he closes in on the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Barack Obama, who has staked much of his campaign on changing the tenor of American politics, signaled that he had no objection to having voters reminded that the presumptive Republican nominee had admitted to a serious ethical breach…

 

<><>WAR/TERROR<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

As Pakistan changes, should U.S. policy?

The US is increasingly out of sync with Pakistan's newly-elected government, say analysts.

 

By Gordon Lubold

Christian Science Monitor

May 12, 2008

 

Washington - The Bush administration's focus on military solutions against extremists in Pakistan has analysts concerned that the US is persisting in a failed policy with a critical ally at a time when changing circumstances in the region – including a newly elected government in Pakistan and heightened conflict in Afghanistan – demand a strategy shift…

 

<><>CONGRESS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

Democrats Face Rescue Backlash

Some Voters Oppose Having to Bail Out Homeowners at Risk

 

By Sudeep Reddy and Elizabeth Holmes

Wall Street Journal

May 12, 2008

 

Democrats may be risking a backlash at the polls in November by pushing hard to use taxpayer money to rescue homeowners who can no longer afford their mortgages in the face of stiff resistance from President Bush and many other Republicans…

 

In congressional races, Republicans are losing ground

GOP leaders urge a new agenda after several key losses.

 

By Gail Russell Chaddock

Christian Science Monitor

May 12, 2008

 

Washington - The prospect of a special-election loss in yet another seat this week is fueling calls for House Republicans to radically shift course – or face losses in November that could lock their party in the minority for a generation…

 

<><>OTHER NEWS<><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>