AP - John McCain's potential running mates were in what amounted to a high-stakes waiting game Wednesday as the Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting prepared to announce his running mate in the coming days.

AP - When the Republican convention opens Monday night, its prime-time lineup could be missing one of its biggest draws: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

AP - Alaska's Republican old guard talked tough Wednesday after a bruising primary, sounding confident they can prevail in the November general election despite criminal probes.

AP - Republicans are putting John McCain's campaign priorities above some of their pet issues, including drilling for oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and denying citizenship to the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants.

AFP - Republican John McCain has settled on a running mate and will unveil his choice on Friday as he seeks to limit the expected poll surge from Democrat Barack Obama's nomination, reports said.

AP - The Republican "war room" in Denver is not easy to find, tucked away off an alley a mile or so from the convention hall.

AP - Delegates to the Republican National Convention who are traveling into downtown St. Paul next week will be treated to a billboard-sized welcome from the other party.

AP - Don Young, Alaska's lone congressman for the last 35 years, remained locked in a tight race with the lieutenant governor Wednesday, a day after the state's primary election, and the winner may not be decided for days.

AP - Republicans are putting John McCain's presidential prospects above their wish to drill for oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

AP - Obama and Biden plan post-convention bus tour of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan ... GOP 'war room' revs up as high-profile figures hit airwaves to slam Obama ... Democrats plan heavy presence at GOP convention, will greet delegates with Bush billboard