AFP - US President George W. Bush's speech to the Republican convention will not define his legacy, will not bid farewell to the US public, and will not attack Democratic nominee Barack Obama, the White House said Friday.

AP - The Republican National Committee on Friday made its penalties stick against South Carolina, New Hampshire, Florida and Michigan for holding primaries earlier than rules allowed.

AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain plans to air television commercials in Minnesota, at least during the Republican National Convention here, establishing a strong presence in a state that has not been a focus of his ad campaign.

AP - There's no room at the Xcel Energy Center for maverick Ron Paul, so his acolytes have packed their cars, hitched rides on "Ronvoys" and will pitch tents at Ronstock '08 in Minneapolis in defiance of next week's GOP convention in St. Paul, Minn.

AP - The focus of the presidential campaign shifts to Republicans on Friday as GOP candidate John McCain is set to introduce his running mate at a rally in Ohio.

AP - Republican John McCain shook up the presidential race with his surprise choice of little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate on Friday. Democrat Barack Obama, entering a crucial stage of the campaign fresh off his historic nominating convention, began a tour of battleground states.

AP - John McCain tapped little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate on Friday in a startling selection on the eve of the Republican National Convention.

AP - John McCain tapped little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate on Friday in a startling selection on the eve of the Republican National Convention.

AP - John McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, a maverick conservative with less than two years in office, as his vice presidential running mate Friday in a startling choice as the Republican National Convention drew near.

AFP - The rumor mill went into overdrive Thursday as Republican White House hopeful John McCain appeared poised to unveil his vice-presidential pick.

AP - On Barack Obama's big night, Republicans in Denver pushed an alternative convention narrative: Sure he can thrill a crowd of Democrats, but is he ready to be president?

AFP - Republican White House hopeful John McCain has picked his running mate to stand with him against the Democrats in the November election, his campaign said Thursday.