McCain unlikely to rely on donations

Sen. John McCain's campaign remains publicly undecided about accepting public money for the November election, but indications are he has given up on a privately financed run.

At stake is about $84 million in public money available to McCain once the Republican Party formally nominates him in September.

McCain raised $65 million through February, much of it for the primary-election season. He reportedly collected an additional $15 million in March.

Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama each have raised more than double McCain's total.

Records show McCain has refunded $143,000 in campaign contributions in the first two months this year. And donors are being told to supplement the public money with gifts to the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Public financing severely limits the amount of money candidates can raise and spend. Unlike contributions to a candidate, which are capped at $2,300 for the general election, the RNC could accept up to $28,500.

McCain now favors aid for homeowners

NEW YORK — Sen. John McCain called for federal aid for well-meaning homeowners who can't pay their mortgages, an attempt to fend off criticism that he has been indifferent to the housing crisis and the market upheaval it has spawned.

McCain sketched out a plan Thursday to help 200,000 to 400,000 homeowners trade burdensome mortgages for manageable loans in a speech in Brooklyn. Aides said the plan could cost from $3 billion to $10 billion.

Still missing were details on who would be eligible for help; McCain said he wants to aid those who borrowed sensibly but now can't handle their mortgages.

"There is nothing more important than keeping alive the American dream to own your home," the likely GOP presidential nominee said in a speech before joining in a round-table discussion at a Brooklyn company.

Last month, McCain said he preferred only limited intervention and letting market forces play out.

Obama: Security trumps gay policy

WASHINGTON — Sen. Barack Obama said that, if elected president, he won't require that his appointees to the Joint Chiefs of Staff support allowing gays to serve openly in the military.

The Democratic presidential candidate favors repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays, which was instituted during the Clinton administration. He said his priority for the Joint Chiefs will be that they make decisions to strengthen the military and keep the country safe, not their position on the policy.

"I would never make this a litmus test for the Joint Chiefs of Staff," Obama said in an interview with The Advocate, a gay newsmagazine.

"But I think there's increasing recognition within the armed forces that this is a counterproductive strategy," he said.

Seattle Times news services