Presidential politics

AP Interview: NY’s Paterson lashes back at rumors (AP)

AP - New York Gov. David Paterson is lashing back at what he calls an assault on his character that includes accusations about womanizing and drug use.

Obama’s health care summit: Just for show? (AP)

AP - Could this turn into something more than political theater? President Barack Obama's televised dialogue with Republican lawmakers on health care, promised for later this month, has the makings of an entertaining exchange. But the differences between the basic Democratic and GOP ideas are stark mdash; and the two sides have increasingly hardened their positions in this election year.

Rep. John Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77 (AP)

AP - Rep. John Murtha, the tall, gruff-mannered former Marine who became the de facto voice of veterans on Capitol Hill and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq War, died Monday. He was 77. The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering from complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., with his family at his bedside, the hospital said.

Ukraine awaits Tymoshenko concession or legal fight (Reuters)

Reuters - Ukraine waited for Yulia Tymoshenko Tuesday to contest a weekend presidential election or concede defeat and allow the winner, Viktor Yanukovich, to start piecing together a governing coalition in parliament.

Pa. Special Election Likely in May (CQPolitics.com)

CQPolitics.com - State election officials are looking at holding a special election to fill the vacancy created by the death of Democratic Rep. John P. Murtha on May 18, the previously scheduled statewide primary date.

Obama: Murtha ‘tough-as-nails’ leader (AP)

AP - President Barack Obama says he was saddened to hear of the death of Rep. John Murtha and called his fellow Democrat a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years.

Statement by the President on the Passing of Congressman John Murtha

Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack's tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family.

Quinn: Ill. lt. governor hopefuls should speak up (AP)

AP - Democrats in Illinois are getting a political do-over: the chance to pick a new lieutenant governor nominee themselves now that the primary winner dropped out of the race because of revelations about his checkered past.

GOP cool to Obama call for two-party health talks (AP)

AP - Republicans gave a chilly reception Monday to President Barack Obama's invitation to discuss health care in a bipartisan, televised setting later this month, part of the White House effort to revive the stalled legislation.

Latinos say their votes could tip 40 congressional races (McClatchy Newspapers)

McClatchy Newspapers - WASHINGTON mdash; Failing to overhaul the nation's immigration system, currently a backburner issue for Congress and President Barack Obama, could play a pivotal role in key mid-term election races in November, according to a new study on Latino voting patterns.