AP - Sordid bribery allegations and jokes about "cold cash" hidden in Rep. William Jefferson's freezer apparently did not matter much to voters two years ago when the New Orleans Democrat won a runoff election for his long-held congressional seat with a surprising 57 percent.

AP - Congress is putting the short-term future of renewable energy companies in jeopardy even as the presidential candidates and most lawmakers hail windmills, solar panels and biofuels as long-term solutions to high gasoline prices and global warming.

AFP - Republican White House hopeful John McCain Saturday warned Hurricane Gustav could force the suspension of his nominating convention, as the rival campaigns dueled in battleground states.

AFP - John McCain tossed a huge but risky surprise into the US race for the White House Friday when he unveiled the little-known governor from Alaska, Sarah Palin, as his vice presidential running mate.

AP - Republican John McCain introduced first-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate Friday, a stunning selection of a little-known conservative newcomer who relishes fighting the establishment.

AP - U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens' political fate could be up to his colleagues if a jury decides the Senate's longest-serving Republican has violated the law.

AFP - Energized by a historic Democratic convention, Barack Obama Friday plunged back onto the campaign trial as his Republican rival John McCain shook up the White House race with a surprise VP pick.

AFP - Republican John McCain unveiled a major surprise in the White House race Friday by picking a little known governor from the oil-rich state of Alaska, Sarah Palin, as his running-mate.