Aurora may skip mayoral primary
Call it Mayoral Showdown 2009. Maybe. A new law buried in a lengthy state Senate bill approved last year eliminates the need for election authorities, such as the Aurora Election Commission, to hold primaries in nonpartisan elections where four or fewer candidates are involved. Previously, that number was two.

Obama not overconfident
Barack Obama is trying to win over superdelegates and says he's not taking the Democratic presidential nomination for granted.

Libertarian wants in 14th Dist. race
Voters could be spoiled for choices in the 14th Congressional District race in November. Libertarian Dan Druck announced Monday he plans to run, if he can get the required number of signatures to be on the ballot. If he does, Druck would join Democratic incumbent Rep. Bill Foster, Republican Jim Oberweis and Green Party candidate Robert Hill, who announced his candidacy last month.

Obama, Clinton turn up heat before key elections
INDIANAPOLIS -- Barack Obama likened Hillary Rodham Clinton to President Bush for threatening to "totally obliterate" Iran if it attacks Israel and called her gas-tax holiday a gimmick as he tried to fend off her challenge ahead of two pivotal Democratic primaries.

Kifowit fundraiser is Sunday
The Friends of Stephanie Kifowit will hold a fundraising event to support Alderman Stephanie Kifowit as mayor of Aurora at 5 p.m. Sunday at Long Island Sound, 1920 New York St. Suggested donation is $35 (sponsorships are also available) and seating is limited. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m. and the dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m. there will be a comedic performance by "The Midnight Swinger." Visit www.Kifowit4Mayor or to RSVP, call (312) 315-0296, or e-mail Kifowit@yahoo.com.

Rev. Wright: Black church under attack
WASHINGTON -- In a defiant appearance before the Washington media, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright said Monday that criticism surrounding his fiery sermons is an attack on the black church and he rejected those who have labeled him unpatriotic.

Indiana can require voter photo IDs
WASHINGTON -- The surge of new voters into the 2008 presidential campaign could run up against a Supreme Court-sanctioned barrier next week, a law requiring photo identification before casting a ballot.

Clinton rips Obama on gas tax
GRAHAM, N.C. -- Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized Barack Obama on Monday for opposing proposals to suspend federal gas taxes this summer, a plan she and Republican John McCain have endorsed.

Clinton: Afghan needs more attention
WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Hillary Rodham Clinton said the assassination attempt Sunday on the Afghan president shows that the U.S. has failed to give proper attention to Afghanistan.

Few states allow troops overseas to vote by e-mail
WASHINGTON -- U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan can speak to their families by Web camera and fight insurgents using sophisticated electronic warfare. Yet when it comes to voting, most troops are stuck in the past.

Clinton goes for Pa. win; Obama bids to keep it close

BLUE BELL, Pa. -- Hillary Rodham Clinton invoked Pearl Harbor, the Berlin Wall and Osama bin Laden as she reached for a victory in Pennsylvania's Democratic presidential primary to recharge her comeback effort.

Uncommitted superdelegates just want a winner
WASHINGTON -- Many of the Democratic superdelegates who are still undecided say the most important factor in their decision is simple -- they just want a winner in November.

Clinton endorsed by 'right-wing conspiracy' leader
PHILADELPHIA -- Could it be the "vast right wing conspiracy" is having second thoughts?