Dismissing Nader...Voting under way...Call for change

Washington (AP) The two remaining Democrats are making it clear that they don't think much of Ralph Nader's decision to enter the presidential race as a third-party candidate. Hillary Rodham CLinton says it won't be helpful to the Democratic nominee. Barack Obama says Nader "did not know what he was talking about" when he found no difference between Al Gore and George W. Bush eight years ago.

HAVANA (AP) A day of balloting is under way in Havana, where lawmakers are choosing a new head of state for the first time in nearly half a century. Parliament members gave a standing ovation to Fidel Castro's 76-year-old brother Raul, who's expected to be named to replace him as president.

WASHINGTON (AP) The Bush administration is outlining some changes it would like to see in Cuba, as a new president is chosen by the country's lawmakers today. A statement from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice calls for the release of political prisoners, a respect for human rights, and a path toward free elections.

WASHINGTON (AP) A senator who met with Pakistan's president on the morning after last week's elections in that country says he thinks Pervez Musharraf "accepts completely" the results. And Chuck Hagel tells CNN he thinks Musharraf wants a "graceful" way to turn over power to the opponents who defeated his party in that election.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Another burn patient has died from injuries suffered more than two weeks ago in an explosion at a Georgia sugar refinery. That brings to 11 the number of people killed by the explosion. The latest victim died at a hospital in Augusta that's been treating 15 patients from the explosion. Twelve of the remaining patients are in critical condition.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-24-08 1240CST | save this article / add to your favorites list