AP - Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday backed away from rival John McCain's challenge for a series of joint appearances, agreeing only to the standard three debates in the fall.

AP - Republican candidate John McCain's presidential campaign is cynical, not racist, in its efforts to distract voters from real issues, Democratic rival Barack Obama said Saturday.

AP - The Democratic-controlled Congress is working to overcome years of neglect by the Bush administration of agencies intended to safeguard the health of the public, especially children, a leading Democrat said Saturday.

AP - Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday backed away from rival John McCain's challenge for a series of joint appearances before the political conventions, agreeing only to the standard three debates in the fall.

AP - Obama calls for $1,000 energy rebates to be paid with windfall profits tax on the oil industry ... McCain depicts Obama as too close to teachers unions ... Obama's fundraisers helping finance Democratic convention ... McCain and Obama campaigns trade barbs on who brought race, negative tone to campaign

AP - Obama calls for $1,000 energy rebates to be paid with windfall profits tax on the oil industry ... McCain says Obama opposes education policies that would help underprivileged students ... McCain and Obama campaigns trade barbs on who brought race, negative tone to campaign ... Ludacris tribute to Obama more likely to inspire dance than outrage among voters

AP - Barack Obama and John McCain traded old-school political jabs Thursday, with McCain contending that he had been wrongly accused of planning a racial attack and Obama countering that his opponent was inventing a controversy to avoid talking about the issues.

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 - 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.