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 …

McCain Gathers Support and Donations in Aftermath of Article in The Times  —  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 …

McCain Disputed On 1999 Meeting  —  Broadcaster Lowell “Bud” Paxson yesterday contradicted statements from Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign that the senator did not meet with Paxson or his lobbyist before sending two controversial letters to the Federal Communications Commission on Paxson's behalf.

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.

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.

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.

Michelle Obama thesis was on racial divide  —  Michelle Obama's senior year thesis at Princeton University, obtained exclusively from the campaign by Politico, shows a document written by a young woman grappling with a society in which a black Princeton alumnus might only be allowed to remain “on the periphery.”

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 …

Dems' FISA Thriller: 3, .. 2, .. 1 .. The Constitution Is Saved!  —  House Democrats Save the World! (for now) Dems' Freedom Card v. GOP's Fear Card: Constitution v. Cowardice  —  Who wins this hand may depend on you.  Contacted your Representative yet?  Here's a new C&L video that parodies …

Secret Service defends security at Obama rally in Dallas  —  JLD@STAR-TELEGRAM.COM … FORT WORTH — The U.S. Secret Service on Friday defended its handling of security during a massive rally in downtown Dallas for Barack Obama, saying there was no “lapse” in its “comprehensive and layered security plan …

Earthquakes are caused by gays - MP  —  AN Israeli politician has blamed a spate of recent earthquakes in the Middle East on gays  —  Shlomo Benizri of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish Shas Party said the only way to prevent the earthquakes was for parliament to stop liberalising laws concerning homosexuals, AP reported.

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 …

Official apology after CIA ‘torture’ jets used UK base  —  David Miliband told MPs that two CIA flights landed at the RAF air base on Diego Garcia (above)  —  A British territory in the Indian Ocean was used for American “torture” flights, despite categorical denials of Britain's involvement …

Crooked Timber » » McMuddled  —  Henry Farrell fires back with the delightfully titled McMuddled: … We seem to be talking at cross purposes.  Henry seems to be treating tax revenue, rather than the things it purchases, as the collective action problem.