Battle goes to W. Virginia

Clinton win Tuesday won't help much

Staff reports

May 12, 2008

GRAFTON, W.Va. WASHINGTON ST. PAUL, Minn. - Hillary Clinton toured the birthplace of Mother's Day in rural West Virginia, offering Democrats a subtle reminder Sunday that her fading candidacy remains strong among women and blue-collar, white voters.

That loyal base is expected to carry Clinton to a sizable victory in the primary on Tuesday, though it won't do much to close the gap between her and Barack Obama, her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination. Clinton's lingering candidacy highlights not just her strengths but also how difficult it has been for Obama to make inroads among some key Democratic constituencies.

Clinton made a visit to the home of Anna Jarvis, who is credited with founding Mother's Day 100 years ago. Clinton spoke to reporters afterward and told stories about women who have changed history by pressing for equal rights and breaking into male-dominated careers.

Obama considering joint town meetings

Obama's campaign is considering a suggestion from John McCain's campaign for the two presidential candidates to participate in joint town meetings and debates around the country starting this summer, Obama's chief strategist said Sunday.

McCain is the expected Republican presidential nominee. Obama is closing in on the Democratic nod.

Asked about the suggestion and how seriously it was being considered, David Axelrod, Obama's chief campaign strategist said: "Very seriously."

"We believe that is the most significant election we've faced in a long time," he said on Fox News Sunday.

Convention coordinator quits after junta report

The man picked by McCain's campaign to run the 2008 Republican National Convention resigned after a report that his lobbying firm once represented the military regime in Myanmar.

Doug Goodyear quit Saturday as convention coordinator and issued a two sentence statement:

"Today I offered the convention my resignation so as not to become a distraction in this campaign. I continue to strongly support John McCain for president, and wish him the best of luck in this campaign."

Goodyear, chief executive of lobbying firm DCI Group, resigned a few hours after Newsweek posted a story posted online that the company was paid $348,000 in 2002 and 2003 to represent Myanmar's junta.