Politico.com: Giuliani proves himself Mr. September

With predictions of his impending fall still unrealized and the first contests of the Republican presidential primary inching closer, Rudy Giuliani enjoyed perhaps his best month yet of the campaign in September.

St. Pete Times: It might be tough to hit campaign trail

Jose N. Vazquez apparently has no intention of letting his legal troubles get in the way of his desire to hold public office.

Santa Fe New Mexican: 2008 Presidential election: Richardson won’t use public campaign funds

Although presidential contender John Edwards said this week that he will accept public financing for his campaign, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson doesn’t plan to follow suit.
Edwards announced his decision Thursday, sparking speculation that his fundraising is in trouble. Edwards says he’s using public financing to draw a distinction with his main rivals on the [...]

Washington Post: Forget the Israel Lobby. The Hill’s Next Big Player Is Made in India.

The fall’s most controversial book is almost certainly “The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy,” in which political scientists John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt warn that Jewish Americans have built a behemoth that has bullied policymakers into putting Israel’s interests in the Middle East ahead of America’s. To Mearsheimer and Walt, AIPAC, the main pro-Israel [...]

Louisville Courier-Journal: Unlikely donors give to campaigns

Amber Dufour of London would hardly fit anyone’s concept of a political fat cat.
She is 21, earns $8.50 an hour as a corrections officer at the Laurel County Detention Center — and didn’t even vote in this year’s May primary for governor, according to her state voting record.

NorthJersey.com: Towns, schools, counties want a friend in Washington

Secaucus had an orphaned bridge that was falling apart. Ramapo College wanted a new sports arena. The Bergen County Utilities Authority needed a bigger treatment plant.
To fund those projects, they all turned to politically connected Washington lobbyists. And they are not alone.

Orlando Sentinel: Orange Ban on Biz Political Gifts on Life Support

Orange County’s ethics and campaign task force wrapped up one of its final meetings Thursday night, and the group opted not to bring the issue of banning business campaign contributions to a public hearing next month.

Politico.com: Campaigns get creative in dash for cash

A gonggggggg echoes through drafty, high-ceilinged Exhibit Hall 5 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, signaling that Mitt Romney’s Republican presidential campaign is $5,000 richer.

Politico.com: Edwards had to accept matching funds

John Edwards’ decision to accept public matching funds to finance his campaign is a political blow but it’s probably also the only lifeline he has to stay in the race.

Washington Post: Obama Brings on Top Lobbyist

Former Dick Gephardt presidential campaign adviser Moses Mercado hasn’t even joined the Barack Obama presidential campaign team and already he’s making waves.