Powell backs Obama...Obama and McCain...Pakistani airstrikes



Washington (AP) Colin Powell, who was President Bush's first secretary of State, is endorsing Barack Obama. Powell told NBC's "Meet the Press" that Obama is a "transformational figure" who is better suited to be president.

WASHINGTON (AP) September was an incredibly lucrative month for the Obama campaign. It raked in more than $150 million. John McCain is raising questions about all the donations below the $200 reporting limit.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) John McCain plans two rallies today in Ohio hoping to make up ground against Barack Obama, who has a slight lead there. McCain will speak in the Columbus suburb of Westerville and also in Toledo. Two of the state's largest newspapers announced their endorsements today, one backing McCain and the other supporting Obama.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) The Taliban says it killed 27 Afghan Army soldiers it seized from a bus Thursday in southern Afghanistan. The Afghan military disputes that, saying its personnel travel in military convoys or by air.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) Pakistan says it used air power to kill at least 30 militants in two engagements near the Afghan border. Pakistani jets reportedly bombed a militant camp and a munition storage facility at one site.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-19-08 0947CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list