AP - The request befuddled Leah Daughtry. The experienced political hand in charge of planning next month's Democratic National Convention — a self-described "black chick from Brooklyn" and ordained Pentecostal minister who keeps a Bible in her purse — didn't know what to tell the atheists.

AP - Democrats are climbing out of the political graveyard in Texas where George W. Bush buried them. But winning local and legislative races is a far cry from delivering the state for their presidential nominee.

AP - Obama's trip to Mideast, Europe: Campaign-season audition for pledge of new era in diplomacy ... Obama campaign raised $52 million last month, has $92.3 million in bank with DNC ... Evangelicals quietly worry about McCain ... Barack Obama says criticism of his wife is 'infuriating,' blames conservative news media ... NYC mayor offers to ease Clinton's transition back to senator

AP - The Democratic National Committee plans to target Republican John McCain and help Democrat Barack Obama with an independent ad campaign run by veteran Democratic strategist Jonathan Prince, Democrats familiar with the decision said Thursday.

AP - Seeking to blunt GOP efforts to permit oil exploration off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, House Democrats Thursday pressed legislation they say would spur drilling on already available lands in Alaska, the West and the western Gulf of Mexico.

AP - Obama campaign raised $52 million last month, has $92.3 million in bank with DNC ... Evangelicals quietly worry about McCain ... Barack Obama says criticism of his wife is 'infuriating,' blames conservative news media ... Gore challenges nation to produce all electricity with clean fuels within 10 years

AP - Seeking to blunt GOP efforts to permit oil exploration off Atlantic and Pacific coasts, House Democrats are pushing legislation they say would spur oil drilling on already available lands in Alaska, the West and the western Gulf of Mexico.