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Republicans cross partisan divide join Democrats in mourning loss of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

BOSTON — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was a Democrat’s Democrat, so much so that he became a rallying point for those in his party and an object of derision for Republican opponents.

Texas governor ready to raise campaign cash, Hutchison ready to raise a ruckus

AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry is ready to raise campaign cash, while Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison may finally be ready to raise a ruckus as the Republican heavyweights begin combat for the governor’s office next year.

SC Gov. Mark Sanford admits affair, resigns as chairman of Republican Governors Association

COLUMBIA, S.C. — After going AWOL for seven days, Gov. Mark Sanford admitted Wednesday that he had secretly flown to Argentina to visit a woman with whom he was having an affair. Wiping away tears, he apologized to his family and gave up a national Republican Party post, but was silent on whether he would resign.

GOP nominee for NJ governor will testify before House panel on settlement oversight contracts

TRENTON, N.J. — The Republican candidate for governor will tell a congressional subcommittee about white-collar crime settlements he approved as a federal prosecutor, including a deal potentially worth $52 million to his one-time boss, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

SC Gov. Mark Sanford says he’s been unfaithful to his wife with friend from Argentina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — After going AWOL for seven days, Gov. Mark Sanford admitted Wednesday that he’d secretly flown to Argentina to visit a woman with whom he’d been having an affair. He apologized to his wife and four sons and said he will resign as head of the Republican Governors Association.

Attorney General Holder says there could be 50 or more trials of Guantanamo detainees

WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday there may be 50 or more trials of Guantanamo Bay detainees as the Obama administration works to shut the detention center by early next year.

Democrats want higher taxes, fewer cuts to close California’s $24.3 billion deficit

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An emerging Democratic plan to address part of California’s $24.3 billion deficit appears unlikely to win support from the governor and GOP lawmakers, raising the prospect of another prolonged deadlock that could jeopardize the state’s finances.

First Guantanamo detainee pleads in US court in NY, will test Obama’s plan to close prison

NEW YORK — Under heavy guard, a Guantanamo Bay detainee walked into a civilian U.S. courtroom for the first time Tuesday, underscoring the Obama administration’s determination to close the Cuban prison and hold trials here despite Republican alarms about bringing terror suspects to America.

War funding bill gets sidetracked over IMF funding, detainee abuse photos

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama’s penchant for last-minute demands, and a rebellion by liberal allies over his efforts to block the release of detainee abuse photos, have combined to sidetrack his bill to pay for an expanded war in Afghanistan as well as continuing military operations in Iraq.

GOP says Palin will attend fundraiser, ending will-she-or-won’t she mystery

WASHINGTON — Republicans said Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will attend a major congressional fundraiser Monday night, ending a will-she-or-won’t-she mystery that has overshadowed the event and frustrated the GOP.

GOP senators on key committee underscore opposition to public plan

WASHINGTON — Republicans on a key Senate committee are warning President Barack Obama that he’s making a mistake on health care by supporting a government insurance option for the middle class.

Disinvited for second time, ‘miffed’ Palin may skip GOP gala fundraiser altogether

WASHINGTON - After being invited and disinvited a couple of times, Sarah Palin may not appear at the gala GOP fundraising dinner at all.

AP News in Brief