AP - Supporters of maverick Rep. Ron Paul who are organizing a rally as an alternative to the Republican National Convention are moving their crosstown event to a larger venue.

AP - Construction crews began removing row after row of Xcel Energy Center seats. Forklift drivers slid load after load of electrical equipment off semi trucks. And the arena's manager handed over a ceremonial key to the building.

AP - Supporters of maverick Rep. Ron Paul who are organizing a rally as an alternative to the Republican National Convention are moving their crosstown event to a larger venue.

AP - Obama says there has been security progress in Iraq but now a political solution is needed ... While Obama basks in overseas attention, speculation rises about a McCain running mate ... Obama vows to work for breakthrough in Israel-Palestinian peace negotiations ... Larger venue secured by supporters of Rep. Ron Paul for event to rival GOP convention ... Obama to bask in Europe's adulation amid hopes for new era in America politics

AP - Obama gets withdrawal support from Iraqis, military briefing, helicopter tour from Petraeus ... McCain releases energy attack ad, questions Obama's credentials as rival tours war zone ... GOP counting on convention planning, venue to lift McCain's prospects in November ... Obama cuts back on spending in June as he builds up cash reserves

AP - Republicans are counting on a glitch-free convention to help lift the party's sagging morale and boost John McCain's presidential prospects when they assemble in this picturesque city on the Mississippi River in six weeks.

AP - Iraq welcomes Obama with common goal: hope of US troops pullout by 2010 ... McCain ad blames Obama for high gas prices, cites opposition to drilling ... GOP counting on convention planning, venue to lift McCain's prospects in November ... Obama cuts back on spending in June as he builds up cash reserves ... League of Conservation Voters latest environmental group to endorse Obama

AFP - Republican White House hopeful John McCain is campaigning this week in states crucial to victory in the November election while the media spotlight shines on Democratic rival Barack Obama's trip abroad.

AP - Republicans are counting on a glitch-free convention to help lift the party's sagging morale and boost John McCain's presidential prospects when they assemble in this picturesque city on the Mississippi River in six weeks.

AP - President Bush, in the second half of a Southwestern fundraising trip Friday, backed the candidacy of Republican Pete Olson, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Nick Lampson in Texas' 22nd congressional district.

AFP - Republican White House hopeful John McCain on Friday predicted a surge of militant attacks in Iraq around the time of the US election in November.

AP - Former Texas Sen. Phil Gramm resigned Friday from his role as GOP presidential candidate John McCain's campaign co-chairman, hoping to quiet the uproar that followed his comments that the United States had become a "nation of whiners" whose constant complaints about the U.S. economy show they are in a "mental recession."

CQPolitics.com - Republican presidential candidate John McCain and the Republican Party are knocking on the door of history when it comes to joint fundraising committees.