Maryland: Justin Ready

The state Democratic Party says voter registration numbers are soaring in its favor because it's assembled the right team, but the state GOP argues Democrats may be playing the game with an unfair advantage.

For each presidential election since 1992, Democratic registration has remained relatively steady in the 53 percent to 57 percent range according to new figures released by the State Board of Elections.

The Maryland Democratic Party is pointing to a new poll as proof that Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) is taking Maryland in the right direction.

A survey paid for and conducted by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies shows 45 percent of those polled statewide approved of O'Malley's performance as the state's chief executive: an 8 point increase since March.

Maryland Republican Party executive director Justin Ready had only one thing to say after Gov. Sarah Palin's (R-Alaska) speech at the Republican National Convetion:

"You've got your hands full now boys."

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Top Republican officials say Sarah Palin's 17-year old daughter's pregnancy should have little effect on the race for the White House.

Many thought John McCain's pick of Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska), an outspoken conservative, as a running mate would squash some concerns from social conservatives that a McCain presidency would be far to moderate. But, as news of her unmarried daughter's pregnancy broke, opponents began to question Palin's effectiveness as a conservative anchor for the Republican ticket.