McConnell/Mukasey: Eavesdropping outside of FISA is “illegal”  —  (updated below - Update II)  —  The White House yesterday escalated its most brazen, Orwellian campaign of the last eight years — shrilly accusing House Democrats of jeopardizing the nation's security by allowing …

McCain's Lying Problem  —  It's weird to think of something so random as a ten year-old purchase of a television station in Pittsburgh as posing a major political problem for John McCain, but much more so than other politicians he's made the myth of some kind of preternatural powers of honestness central to his persona.

No Longer in Race, Richardson Is a Man Pursued  —  SANTA FE, N.M. — Lots of people are calling Gov. Bill Richardson these days, “just to check in.”  —  Barack Obama calls every three days or so.  He called on Friday of last week, but Mr. Richardson was tied up with the Legislature …

Obama leading Clinton in Texas, according to Feb. 20 and 21 statewide survey by Decision Analyst  —  Arlington, Texas (Feb 21, 2008)— Barack Obama has a double digit lead over Hillary Clinton in Texas, according to a statewide survey of 678 registered voters planning to vote in the March 4 Democratic Primary.

In Aftermath of Article, McCain Gathers Donations  —  INDIANAPOLIS — Senator John McCain declared the battle over on Friday morning, but by then his lieutenants believed he had already won the war.  —  Conservative radio talk show hosts who had long reviled Mr. McCain …

Homeowners Losing Equity Lines  —  As House Values Fall, Some Banks Withdraw Credit  —  In one brief phone call, Nancy Corazzi's lender yanked away what was left of the $95,000 home equity line of credit that she and her husband took out five months ago.  —  The lender informed …

Rice says no interest in veep spot  —  WASHINGTON - Condoleezza Rice's name on the Republican ticket is a dream to some, but not a reality she can see happening.  —  The secretary of State told reporters Friday she will not be a vice presidential candidate in the upcoming election.

Obama takes heat for skipping State of the Black Union  —  NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) — The annual State of the Black Union forum boasts a number of famous names as it gets under way in New Orleans, but this year's event is getting much more attention for who won't be there.

FEINGOLD: “I VOTED FOR BARACK OBAMA”...  Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, a progressive icon who briefly considered seeking the Democratic presidential nomination himself, said he voted in Tuesday's Wisconsin primary for Barack Obama.  —  Asked directly about his choice, Feingold answered directly.

Michael Moore says insurance industry would love Clinton's healthcare plan  —  Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's (D-N.Y.) proposal to mandate that all people purchase health insurance would be a boon to the industry, filmmaker Michael Moore said Friday.  —  “Can you imagine, every time Sen. Clinton …

BUSH PENTAGON  —  It would appear that we have another case where the Bush Pentagon, particularly the Office of Public Affairs is forcefully inserting itself into the civilian election process.  Earlier today I referenced Barack Obama's anecdote from Thursday night's Democratic debate …

Clinton Soldiers On Despite Setbacks  —  » NO VALEDICTORY |  COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 22 — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton insisted Friday that she had not meant to signal surrender when she shook hands with Sen. Barack Obama during their Democratic presidential debate in Austin the night before.

Demon ethanol  —  I'm almost never censored at the Times.  However, I was told that I couldn't use the lede I originally wrote for my column following the 2007 State of the Union address, in which Bush made ethanol the centerpiece of his energy strategy: “Before the State of the Union address …