Free Republic

<p>NEW YORK -- Former Vermont governor Howard Dean came to Harlem's Mount Olivet Baptist Church seeking to win the faith of African-American politicians. Three weeks later, retired Army General Wesley K. Clark made his own pilgrimage to Harlem, scooping up endorsements. Then, last month, the Rev. Al Sharpton -- clearly unhappy that his competitors were snooping around his turf -- stood on the steps of City Hall surrounded by as many black officials as he could round up.</p>

At one point in the spin session after Monday's Democratic presidential debate in Iowa, Rep. Dick Gephardt referred to something he called "non same-sex marriage." By that, he apparently meant what other people refer to simply as "marriage." But Gephardt's painful locution served to show how flummoxed and tongue-tied the marriage issue has left some of the Democrats who want to be president. During the debate, only non-candidate candidates Carol Moseley Braun and Al Sharpton made clear, unequivocal statements of support for gay marriage. The others hedged and hemmed and hawed. For example, North Carolina Sen. John Edwards said his...

<p>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Republican-led legislatures in five states believe they've found a way to ease the budget crunch - eliminate the costly 2004 presidential primaries.</p> <p>President Bush is unlikely to face any serious opposition in the Republican run-up to the election so any budget-driven change to the primary would affect the growing field of Democratic candidates.</p>