By Media General News Service
WASHINGTON-Can the federal government bring down the high cost of gasoline anytime soon?

John McCain thinks so. Barack Obama, and most economists, are deeply skeptical.

With the price of fuel stuck above $4 a gallon, short-term relief for drivers has emerged as one of the most hotly debated issues in the presidential campaign.

“We’re not going to bring gas prices down easily (or) quickly,” Obama told supporters in New Mexico last month. “I try to be honest with people. It’s going to take some time.” (more…)

By BILLY HOUSE
Media General News Service

WASHINGTON - John McCain’s view that states ought to make their own decisions about off-shore drilling and gay couple adoption is part of his pattern to move politically sensitive issues off the federal table. States’ rights? Historically, it’s a legitimate conservative-federalist position.

But some say candidates can use the “states’ rights” mantra in calculated or selective ways to satisfy multiple, even competing, constituencies — or to duck issues.

“I think it can be a legitimate political view or an evasive tactic,” explains Michael Heaney, assistant professor of political science at the University of Florida.

On social issues such a gay marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, a states’ rights position could work to assuage the sensibilities not only of conservatives in red states like Kansas but also liberals in New York. (more…)

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Tuesday that security in Iraq has improved and that the United States urgently needs to turn its attention to Afghanistan.

“There is security progress, but now we need a political solution” in Iraq, Obama said in the first news conference of his
highly publicized trip abroad. Afghanistan is now the “central front in the war against terrorism,” he added.

“The situation in Afghanistan is perilous and urgent,” he said. “We must act now to reverse a deteriorating situation.” (more…)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Supporters of maverick Rep. Ron Paul who are organizing a rally as an alternative to the Republican National Convention are moving their crosstown event to a larger venue.

The Rally for the Republic featuring Paul - the Texas conservative failed in his bid to win the GOP nomination for
president - is scheduled for Minneapolis’ Target Center, home of basketball’s Minnesota Timberwolves. (more…)