TOPEKA, Kan. - The vice presidential sweeps are in full buzz, and there’s increasing chatter surrounding two rising Democratic stars — Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, two potential running mates who could help expected Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama woo women voters.

John Edwards, John Kerry's pick for vice president, will bring likability, special appeal in the South and a gift for oratory to the Democratic ticket, even if he does have negatives, such as the analytically flawed two-Americas theme he struck in primary contests and relative inexperience.

The future of downtown Mesa entered uncertain territory as its top leaders resigned in the wake of growing tensions.

WASHINGTON — Former vice president Dick Cheney was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains Monday, an aide said. Cheney assistant Peter Long issued a statement that the 69-year-old Cheney was resting comfortably and his doctors were evaluating the situation.

NEW YORK - PBS journalist Gwen Ifill, moderator of the upcoming vice presidential debate, dismissed conservative questions about her impartiality because she is writing a book that includes material on Barack Obama.

After wrapping up the Republican nomination for president Tuesday, Sen. John McCain can get to work picking his running mate. In the past, political reporters and partisan pundits probably have overestimated the effect of vice presidential candidates on the outcome of presidential elections.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's vice president on Monday accused Israel of carrying out "massacres" in Lebanon, the strongest criticism yet of the Jewish state by a top official of the U.S-backed Iraqi government.

WASHINGTON - Jack Kemp, the ex-quarterback, congressman, one-time vice-presidential nominee and self-described "bleeding-heart conservative," died Saturday. He was 73.

The good news for Republicans from the vice presidential debate Thursday night was that Gov. Sarah Palin provided solid answers and went toe-to-toe with Democratic Sen. Joe Biden in verbal exchanges that she peppered with folksy colloquialisms and campaign talking points. Comfort the base? Mission accomplished.

Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden sparred over taxes, energy policy and the Iraq war in a high-profile debate in which Palin sought to reclaim her identity as a feisty reformer and Biden tried to undercut the maverick image of GOP presidential hopeful John McCain.

Chris Wilson has resigned as the Downtown Tempe Community’s vice president of operations. In his resignation letter, Wilson gave no reason for his exit. His last day is Friday.

PHOENIX - Vice President Dick Cheney said Wednesday he will travel to the Republic of Georgia next week as the United States works with allies to help ensure the independence of the embattled country.

WASHINGTON - Hillary Rodham Clinton told colleagues Tuesday she would consider joining Barack Obama as his running mate, and advisers said she was withholding a formal departure from the race partly to use her remaining leverage to press for a spot on the ticket.