McCain gets more backing from state

WASHINGTON — All three Republican congressional members from Washington state have endorsed Arizona Sen. John McCain for president.

Reps. Doc Hastings and Cathy McMorris Rodgers announced their endorsements Friday, six days after McCain defeated former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in the state's closely contested GOP caucuses. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., who had backed former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, endorsed McCain before the caucuses.

McCain narrowly won the caucuses, with about 25 percent of the vote, just ahead of Huckabee's 24 percent and 21 percent for Texas Rep. Ron Paul.

State Republicans allocated 18 national-convention delegates in the caucuses and will award 19 more in the state's primary Tuesday. Democrats are ignoring the primary and divvied up all their delegates through the caucuses.

Clinton, Obama turn up heat in Wisconsin

OSHKOSH, Wis. — The battle between Democratic rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama escalated Friday as Clinton launched two TV ads criticizing Obama sharply while his campaign blasted her as a no-show.

With the Wisconsin primary three days away, Obama is looking to maintain his momentum and Clinton, who will begin campaigning in the state today, is trying to stay close in the delegate count.

Gov. Jim Doyle, who is campaigning with Obama, said Clinton's "negative campaign ads" and sending of surrogates, such as former President Clinton, were not a substitute for campaigning in his state.

Yet, Clinton's presence has been felt through TV commercials that have attacked Obama for not agreeing to debate her in Wisconsin as well as ads that contend he has run "false attack ads" in response.

McCain chides Obama on funding

OSHKOSH, Wis. — Republican John McCain admonished Democrat Barack Obama on Friday for hedging on whether he would accept public funding as promised if he wins his party's nomination or use his prolific fundraising operation.

"I made the commitment to the American people that if I were the nominee of my party, I would accept public financing," McCain said. "I expect Senator Obama to keep his word to the American people as well."

Obama spokesman Bill Burton on Thursday called public financing "an option that we wanted on the table," but said "there is no pledge" to take the money and the spending limitations that come with it.

Huckabee campaign off-key with tune?

CONCORD, N.H. — The chief songwriter and founder of the band Boston has more than a feeling that he's being ripped off by Mike Huckabee.

In a letter to the Republican candidate, Tom Scholz complains that Huckabee is using his 1970s smash hit song "More Than a Feeling" without permission. Former band member Barry Goudreau has appeared with Huckabee at events, and they have played the song with Huckabee's band, Capitol Offense.

Scholz, who said Goudreau left the band more than 25 years ago after a three-year stint, objects to the implication that the band and one of its members has endorsed Huckabee's candidacy.

Ex-President Bush due to back McCain

WASHINGTON — Former President George H.W. Bush will endorse John McCain in Texas on Monday, Republican officials said.

The current President Bush has not endorsed McCain formally because Mike Huckabee in still in the race.

Also

As expected, the 1.9 million-member Service Employees International Union endorsed Barack Obama.

Seattle Times news services