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The Morning Grind / Political Hot Topics |
Kerry's nomination means federal funds
 |  Sen. John Kerry with his wife Teresa Heinz in Nantucket, Massachusetts, on Sunday. |
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 VIDEO |
 CNN's Kelli Arena on President Bush and the 9/11 commission.
 CNN's Heidi Collins, Franken and Jeffrey Toobin on Samuel Berger.
 CNN's Bill Schneider on John Edwards and Hillary Clinton.
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Check out the links below to hot political stories around the country this morning.
CAMPAIGN CASH: John Kerry is poised to take federal campaign money once he is nominated for the presidency next week, according to top campaign finance advisers, a move that will allow him to disburse millions of dollars in leftover campaign cash to Democratic Party operations, effectively augmenting the $75 million he will receive in U.S. funds. The Boston Globe: Kerry set to disburse millions, get US funds
LUCKY CHARM: John Kerry's running mate charms crowds with his intimate style. But Republicans and some analysts suggest charisma isn't enough. The Los Angeles Times: Edwards plays well to party faithful
ELECTORAL VOTES: Despite its mere five electoral votes, New Mexico has become a focus of both parties. President Bush and Kerry have both been here several times this year, and Mr. Kerry and Mr. Edwards included the state in their first joint campaign swing. The New York Times: A Hispanic electorate with many variations
NO APOLOGIES: Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking some heat this week for mockingly calling Democratic lawmakers "girlie men" in a speech, but a spokeswoman for the governor said he wouldn't apologize. The zinger was tossed out at a rally on Saturday, where the Republican governor blamed state Democrats for delaying the state budget by catering to special interests.The Washington Times: Schwarzenegger stands by 'girlie men' comment
AD BLITZ: The Democratic Party, with $63 million in the bank, plans to launch a massive ad campaign against President Bush as John Kerry crosses the United States by bus, train and boat after next week's nominating convention. The Associated Press: Democrats plan post-convention ad blitz
YOGA VOTERS: A Sunday fund-raiser urges L.A. yoga enthusiasts to actualize their spirituality by supporting the Democratic ticket. The Los Angeles Times: Going to the mat for Kerry
POLICE PICKETS: Besides the threat of a terrorist attack at the Democratic National Convention here later this month, the police will have to deal with at least 70 sets of demonstrators, including opponents of abortion, particularly passionate in this heavily Roman Catholic area; Quakers who want to protest the war in Iraq with 800 pairs of empty combat boots and a plowshare forged from 10,000 spent bullet casings; anarchists; Buddhists - and even themselves. The New York Times: Threat of police pickets adds to Boston's worries
CHENEY'S CHARGE: Vice President Dick Cheney charged Monday that Kerry and Edwards opposed changes to the medical malpractice insurance system because they were too close to trial lawyers. The Associated Press: Cheney says rivals too cozy with lawyers
DATABASE DUEL: The 2004 election will be the first presidential election in which both national parties use their database and number-crunching skills to shape their organizing and get-out-the-vote strategies. The Washington Post: Parties square off in a database duel
Compiled by Heather Riley
