By Emily Banks,

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama touched on nearly all the key issues in the upcoming presidential election - the economy, energy, education, health care, national security and Iraq - during his stop in Eau Claire Sunday, but he focused most of his 30-minute speech on the troubles faced by the working class. Times are tough, he said, to about 300 people who were invited to the "BBQ with Barack Obama" at Eau Claire's Rod and Gun Park. "I don't need to tell you that, 'cause you're living it," the Illinois senator said, adding that the average family income has decreased $1,000 under President Bush and families have been pushed to their limits financially.

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By BERNARD SCHOENBURG,

Like a team of sprinters who will run a relay to Nov. 4, U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden announced their partnership to an adoring — but sweaty — crowd Saturday at the Old State Capitol. Half a day after news broke that Obama had chosen Biden of Delaware as his running mate, the two faced the nation for the first time as a pair in front of the Old State Capitol.“For months, I’ve searched for a leader to finish this journey alongside me and to join me in making Washington work for the American people,” Obama said.

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By Rex Bowman

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama opened up a campaign swing through Virginia today by visiting the state's most economially beleaguered city, Martinsville, to promote his economic agenda. "We've got to recognize we can't do things the way we've been doing them over the last eight years," Obama told a hand-picked crowd of 300 people at Patrick Henry Community College. Obama said the country needs to invest more money in roads, rail and broadband to help communities like Martinsville and surrounding Henry County. "We can't always stop companies from moving but we sure as heck don't have to give them incentives to move," he said. "We don't have to give them tax breaks to move."

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By Diana M. Alba

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama said Monday he backs continued funding for the state's military and research installations, including White Sands Missile Range. Obama, in a phone interview with the Sun-News, also said he believes defense-related research facilities in New Mexico will play a role in the nation achieving energy independence by helping develop alternative energy technology. The Democratic candidate campaigned in Albuquerque on Monday, speaking to supporters at Rio Grande High School and to a group of about 50 women at a city library. Obama spoke to the Sun-News about his plan for immigration reform. That plan includes boosting border security, cracking down on employers who hire undocumented immigrants, improving the immigration system and creating a legal pathway for undocumented immigrants already in the United States to gain citizenship.

Read the full article from The Las Cruces Sun News

By KATHARINE Q. SEELYE

Under a scorching sun, hundreds of people lined up recently in a parking lot here to pick up free back-to-school supplies being distributed by a local radio station. Bobbing among the shade umbrellas were a handful of workers for Senator Barack Obama, carrying clipboards and voter registration forms. On Monday night, others fanned out at a movie screening for surfers in Wrightsville Beach. They descended on a street festival in Asheville. When oil companies posted record profits, Obama supporters showed up at gas stations here with registration forms. Despite the relentless heat, and midsummer lull, the Obama campaign is mobilizing in North Carolina. The state is one of half a dozen once-solid Republican bastions, including Georgia, Indiana and Virginia, where Democrats now sniff opportunity to expand the electoral map.

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By NEDRA PICKLER

Senate candidate and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is scheduled to deliver the Tuesday night keynote address at this year's Democratic National Convention - the same role that launched Barack Obama to national prominence four years ago..."Mark Warner is not afraid to challenge the status quo to bring people together and get things moving," Plouffe's statement read. "It's that kind of spirit and innovation that resulted in his selection as keynote speaker on a night when the convention program will focus on renewing America's economy." The focus on Warner could help boost his prospects in Virginia, where he is trying to win an open Senate seat and Obama is also campaigning hard. Virginia went to George W. Bush in the last two elections, and the Obama campaign considers it one of its best opportunities to turn a red state blue.

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By Staff

Democrats announced the nightly themes for their Denver convention today, stressing unity, security and change. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, co-chair of the convention, said the theme for the August 25th opening night will be "One Nation," with a speech by Michelle Obama...On August 27th, the theme is "Securing America's Future" with an acceptance speech by Obama's still-unannounced vice presidential candidate. Party officials also said elected leaders, policy experts and convention speakers will respond to voter questions during an "America's Town Hall" segment on each of the convention's first three nights.

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By Josh Weinhold

Sen. Barack Obama outlined his energy and economic policy in response to an audience question about tough economic times in the Elkhart area. In the short-term, Obama said an additional round of economic stimulus checks are needed. He also said the government should invest in "fast-track" infrastructure, including roads, schools, sewer lines and bridges. "That would put people back to work right away," Obama said. "But it would also spur on economic activity for people who supply contractors. In the long-term, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said the country needs an entirely new economic engine. That includes investing in development of electric and hybrid cars, as well as wind turbines and solar panels.

Read the full article from The Elkhart Truth