AFP - Texas has executed a rapist and murderer, the US state's first execution since a death penalty moratorium ended after the Supreme Court found the lethal injection constitutional.

AP - Lawmakers worry that a U.S.-Russian deal on civil nuclear power could undermine efforts to rein in Iran's nuclear program.

AP - Some Democrats vowing to stay neutral in presidential race ... When Obama's advisers go astray, some stay, some go and some wait in limbo ... McCain to give speech on free trade during visit to Canada next week

AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain will give a speech next week in Canada about free trade, which could pull the country into the presidential debate once again.

AP - A former CEO leading Barack Obama's search for a vice presidential candidate resigned abruptly Wednesday after questions about his home mortgage deals became a distraction for a candidate who argues he's not influenced by special interests.

AP - One was gone within hours. Another lasted a few days. The most famous hung on for weeks. In dealing with associates who have dragged him into controversies, Barack Obama has shown great patience with a longtime friend, but much less forbearance with those whose ties are weaker.

AP - Two political rivals on a stage, unfiltered questions from undeclared voters, thoughtful answers, no soundbites. Democracy at its best or risky politics?

AP - Nothing personal, Sen. Obama, but our re-election comes first. Barack Obama, for all his attention and primary successes, does not go over so well in a fair number of Democratic lawmakers' home districts. So it seems there is little chance that some will endorse him for president.

AFP - The world must not allow the rush to help Myanmar with relief efforts after a deadly cyclone overshadow the struggle for political change in the military-run nation, an EU envoy said Tuesday.

AP - Housing tracts in farm fields aren't the only odd sights showing up in spreading exurbs like this one north of Columbus. Democrats are venturing out here, too, giving the party hope it can win battleground states by at least diluting these local Republican strongholds they know they can't win outright.