AP - A Republican senator blocking President Bush's nominee for U.S. ambassador to South Korea lifted his objection Thursday, removing a key obstacle to the confirmation of D. Kathleen Stephens.

Reuters - Republican Sen. Ted Stevens pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of concealing more than $250,000 in gifts from an oil services company, and he will get a chance to clear his name at trial before the November election.

AP - Obama seizes on record oil profit to criticize McCain over tax breaks for big oil companies ... Despite endorsing McCain, Schwarzenegger hedges with praise for Obama on environment, energy ... Country star John Rich writes anthem for Republican candidate titled 'Raising McCain' ...

AP - John McCain's campaign accused Barack Obama on Thursday of playing racial politics a day after the Democratic candidate predicted Republicans would try to scare voters by pointing out "he doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills."

Reuters - Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges of concealing more than $250,000 in gifts from an oil services company, and his lawyer asked for a quick trial in an effort to clear his name before the November election.

AP - Obama says 'reckless' GOP economic policies hammer middle class, would continue under McCain ... On the campaign trail, McCain not always sure of the details of policies he supports ... Analysis: McCain eager to reassure anxious conservatives he won't raise taxes ... Richardson to hold fundraisers Aug. 17 to help Sen. Hillary Clinton retire campaign debt

AP - Anne Armstrong, a powerful Republican in the 1970s and '80s who advocated a greater role for women and served as U.S. ambassador to Britain in the Ford administration, died Wednesday. She was 80.

AP - Presumptive GOP nominee John McCain distanced himself from Sen. Ted Stevens Wednesday, a day after his longtime rival was indicted on charges of lying about more than $250,000 in gifts he got from an oil services company.

AP - Democrat Barack Obama, the first black candidate with a shot at winning the White House, says John McCain and his Republican allies will try to scare them by saying Obama "doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills."

AP - Dueling delegations pitting Ron Paul's Nevada supporters against those of John McCain vow to take their fight to the Republican National Convention.

AP - Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe looks strong in his bid for a third term. The Democratic nominee, on the other hand, has a lot of work to do if he wants to pull off an election upset in November.

AP - Anne Armstrong, a longtime powerful Republican who served as U.S. ambassador to Great Britain in the Ford administration, died Wednesday, her office said. She was 80.