Former Gov. Charlie Crist: Here's why I'm backing Barack Obama  —  I've studied, admired and gotten to know a lot of leaders in my life.  Across Florida, in Washington and around the country, I've watched the failure of those who favor extreme rhetoric over sensible compromise …

CNN Poll: Which candidate cares more about you?  —  Tampa (CNN) - A new national survey illustrates the challenge Mitt Romney faces at the Republican convention as the GOP presidential challenger gets re-introduced to the American public.  —  While a CNN/ORC International poll indicates …

At RNC, Michael Steele is man who doesn't exist  —  TAMPA — Republicans gathered at the University Club in downtown Tampa Saturday night to honor GOP chairman Reince Priebus.  The event was sponsored by the Wisconsin delegation, which of course represents Priebus' home state …

Paul: I don't fully endorse Romney  —  In an interview with the New York Times, Ron Paul details the ask from GOP officials in return for a convention speaking slot, and explains why he declined. … Paul's refusal to play ball stands in contrast to his son, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul …

Top GOP Operative: Republicans ‘Will Run A Write-In’ To Defeat Todd Akin  —  Republicans are desperate for Todd Akin to drop out of the Missouri Senate race after his controversial comments about legitimate rape.  Nearly every top Republican, including Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, have publicly called for him to quit.

Romney Touts Romneycare: I'm The Guy That Got ‘Health Care For All The Women And Men In My State’  —  Just two weeks after a Romney spokesperson faced a barrage of conservative criticism for highlighting the success of the governor's Massachusetts health care law, Romney himself bragged …

Jeb Bush: GOP ‘Needs To Change... Reach Out To A Much Broader Audience Than We Do Today’  —  This morning on NBC, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush delivered a pointed critique of the modern Republican party.  Bush acknowledged that that the GOP “needs to change” and “reach out to a much broader audience.”

Romney defends Swiss bank account  —  Mitt Romney defended his foreign investments in an interview aired Sunday, noting that his personal finances have followed all U.S. laws and he got no special tax savings from a Swiss bank account.  —  “Well, first of all, there was no reduction …

Dispatch Poll results: Tight races put undecided voters in control  —  10 percent up for grabs in presidential race; Senate struggle has 12 percent of wiggle room  —  The closest Dispatch Poll in modern history shows the races for president and U.S. Senate in a dead heat in battleground Ohio.

Despite working-class image, Ryan comes from family of wealth  —  Paul Ryan was born into one of the most prominent families in Janesville, Wis., and his rise to political power and financial stability was boosted by family money and connections.  —  Paul Ryan, speaking in Ohio …

Romney Adopts Harder Message for Last Stretch  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Mitt Romney is heading into his nominating convention with his advisers convinced he needs a more combative footing against President Obama in order to appeal to white, working-class voters and to persuade them that he is the best answer to their economic frustrations.

Gritty N.J. city of Camden to scrap police department amid budget woes  —  Crime-ridden Camden, New Jersey - often referred to as the most dangerous city in the United States—is getting rid of its police department.  —  In the latest example of a cash-strapped municipality taking drastic measures …

NEWS FLASH  —  ALLEN WEST: OBAMA IS ‘SERVING UP A CRAP SANDWICH WITH A SMILE’ |  During an appearance on Fox News on Saturday morning, Rep. Allen West (R-FL) accused Obama of serving up a “crap sandwich.”  “Let's be very honest and let's put this in military vernacular …