AP - The McCain campaign is defending Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's much-criticized inquiry into banning books at her hometown library, saying her questions were only hypothetical.

AP - President Bush played the role of invisible man on the campaign trail Friday, headlining a closed-door fundraising luncheon for John McCain and the Republican Party with tickets costing as much as $25,000.

AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Friday defended two debunked television ads attacking Democrat Barack Obama and claimed erroneously that running mate Sarah Palin never sought money for lawmakers' pet projects as Alaska governor. Palin has sought nearly $200 million in earmarks this year alone.

AP - Palin declares readiness for high office as she takes small step out of protective bubble ... Biden says 9/11 showed world what it means to be an American ... Palin: "I didn't hesitate" when McCain offered spot on Republican ticket ... Former GOP Sen. Lincoln Chafee calls Palin a 'cocky wacko' ... Bill Clinton predicts Obama will defeat McCain 'pretty handily' ... Poll: McCain gains support in 2 swing states

AP - Gov. Sarah Palin switched roles Thursday, shifting from Republican candidate for vice president to anxious mom sending her son off to war in Iraq.

AP - The head of the House tax-writing committee admitted Wednesday that he owes about $5,000 to the Internal Revenue Service for failing to report income on his returns.

AP - Sarah Palin was a relative newcomer to politics when she took on Alaska's Republican boss and quietly challenged his ethics. From the outside, though, it looked as if she might be part of cover-up, and Palin feared her once-promising political future was over almost before it began.

AP - Republican Rep. Ron Paul, the libertarian-leaning Texas lawmaker who attracted a devoted following in the GOP primaries, said Wednesday he rejected an appeal to endorse John McCain's presidential bid.