Reuters - Fox News Channel said Thursday that it had hired former GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee as a contributor.

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 - Johnson resigns from team vetting possible vice presidential candidates for Obama ... McCain: Reducing casualties in Iraq more important than withdrawing troops ... Obama says McCain unwilling to crack down on credit card companies

Reuters - Democrats accused John McCain on Wednesday of being confused and unsympathetic for saying it's "not too important" when U.S. troops leave Iraq, attacking the Republican presidential candidate on an issue he has made key in the November election.

Reuters - Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday blocked an effort by Democrats to quickly pass an extension of jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed.

AP - A leader of Democrat Barack Obama's vice presidential research team has resigned amid criticism over his personal loan deals.

AP - Record high prices for gasoline probably won't drop before the November election, Republican John McCain said Wednesday.

AP - McCain: Gas prices won't drop and could rise higher by Election Day ... Strategists say Obama begins general election campaign as favorite to win Iowa ... National Dems send help into traditionally GOP territories to trim losses, build bench

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.

AP - South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham easily won his Republican primary but won't know his November opponent until state officials finish a recount.

AP - Prodded on the campaign trail to talk about his compelling personal story, John McCain usually demurs. "I'm very reluctant to do so, as you know," the presumed Republican nominee told a donor at a small fundraiser here this week.

Reuters - Democrats accused John McCain on Wednesday of being confused and unsympathetic for saying it's "not too important" when U.S. troops leave Iraq, attacking the Republican presidential candidate on an issue he has made key in the November election.

AP - Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is planning a daylong rally in Minnesota during the Republican National Convention that could draw attention from the presumed nominee John McCain.

AP - Barack Obama is considering former top Pentagon leaders among his possible running mates, which would address his lack of foreign policy experience and balance the military bonafides of a GOP ticket led by a war hero.