AFP - Democrat Barack Obama approves of reaching across party lines to end partisan rancor -- but endorsing a Republican senator's re-election bid is a step too far.

Reuters - Senate progress toward approving a sweeping housing rescue plan was delayed on Wednesday by the objections of a Republican lawmaker who wants to attach an amendment dealing with renewable energy.

AP - A top Democratic senator on Wednesday proposed tripling non-military aid to Pakistan to $1.5 billion a year, while restricting money intended for anti-terrorism operations.

AP - The U.S. has given Pakistan nearly $6 billion to pursue terrorists since the Sept. 11 attacks, but with little to no proof that the money has been used for that purpose, an independent audit has found.

Reuters - Hillary Clinton's fellow Senate Democrats embraced her on Tuesday with a pair of standing ovations, tears and cheers as she returned to the U.S. Capitol from her historic yet unsuccessful presidential bid.

Reuters - The Senate was expected to approve as soon as Wednesday the biggest government program yet to tackle a deep housing market slump feared to be dragging the economy into recession.

AP - She came, she saw, she hugged.