Palin character attack on Obama may hurt McCain

WASHINGTON — John McCain is once again trying to dress the political wound that never heals: his role in a 1980s banking scandal that is featured in a new Barack Obama attack video.

Hagel's wife to back Obama

RICHMOND, Va. — The wife of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel plans to endorse Democrat Barack Obama.

Debate stakes higher for McCain as insults mount

WASHINGTON — Running short on time, John McCain has the most riding on the second presidential debate, though Barack Obama will be out of his scripted comfort zone in the town hall-style confrontation. It could be ugly if Monday's tussling is any indication.

Turnout light in Ohio early voting window

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A weeklong period in which Ohioans could register to vote and immediately cast a ballot ended Monday with turnout that didn't quite match the expectations of election officials - or the campaign predictions that preceded it.

Character attacks emerge in McCain-Obama race

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The two men who supposedly exemplified a different kind of politics are engaged in an increasingly bitter campaign as character attacks are emerging to compete with issues like the troubled economy.

Obama awarded Illinois grants to relative's group

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As a state senator, Democrat Barack Obama awarded $75,000 in government grants to a Chicago social service organization led by a rabbi who is also his wife's cousin, records show.

Palin ethics probes beset by secrecy and lawsuit

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin says she's an open book regarding an abuse-of-power investigation. Apparently her staff doesn't feel the same way.

GOP files FEC complaint about Obama's fundraising

WASHINGTON — The Republican National Committee filed a complaint Monday alleging that Democrat Barack Obama's presidential campaign has received illegal contributions from foreigners and donations that exceed federal limits.

T-shirt story gets a stretch in McCain hands

WASHINGTON — Republican John McCain on Monday raised the specter of illegal foreign contributions to rival Democrat Barack Obama by suggesting that a bulk purchase of T-shirts was sinister.

Out of Bounds: McCain distorts Obama's words on subprime loans

Throw the flag against: The McCain-Palin campaign.