AP - A new set of potential problems in Rep. Charles Rangel's financial papers has prompted the tax-writing lawmaker to decide to hire a forensic accounting expert to try to unravel the mess.

AFP - Wall Street's meltdown sent shockwaves through the White House race, as Barack Obama and John McCain sought a decisive political dividend from the fast-moving crisis just 50 days from the election.

Reuters - The House of Representatives plans to debate legislation this month to inject another $50 billion of stimulus into the faltering U.S. economy, mostly with the goal of creating new jobs, a senior House Democratic aide said on Monday.

AFP - Barack Obama's campaign announced Sunday a record fundraising haul of 66 million dollars in August, amassing a big advantage over John McCain in the closing stretch of the White House race.

Reuters - John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate has given Republican lawmakers new hope of minimizing anticipated losses in the November 4 congressional elections.

AP - Democrats have the money and reach to add substantially to their House majority in November, but public sentiment is moving in Republicans' direction, according to a poll that suggests the GOP could limit those gains.

AP - Even when Rep. Charles Rangel tries to explain how he got into his tax mess, he mangles the facts so much it's easy to see how his accounts — and accountants — are muddled. And this from the lawmaker who has such a big say in determining who pays taxes and how much.

AP - Democrats sought on Saturday to drum up support for compromise legislation on offshore drilling, challenging Republicans to break from Bush administration policies that neglect development of alternative energy sources.

Reuters - Detroit automakers are not seeking a government rescue, but need quick congressional action to free $25 billion in federally backed loans to help them retool plants and meet new fuel efficiency targets, the chief executive of General Motors Corp said on Friday.

AP - Testy lawyers on Friday battled over what to call Sen. Ted Stevens' house, what pictures jurors will see of that house and how documents are being shared between sides as the Alaska legend's corruption trial nears.

Reuters - The U.S. government should not back $25 billion or more in loans to help General Motors Corp and the other domestic auto companies, the top Republican on the Senate Banking Committee said on Friday.

AP - When word surfaced this week that Gov. Brian Schweitzer suggested in a speech this summer that he influenced Montana's 2006 U.S. Senate race to help a fellow Democrat, Schweitzer apologized and said he was joking.