Sen. Scott Brown's campaign has collected more than 20,000 signatures for ballot

BOSTON (AP) - U.S. Sen. Scott Brown has collected more than twice the number of signatures needed to secure a spot on the GOP primary ballot in September.

Brown's campaign announced it gathered more than 20,000 signatures.

U.S. Senate candidates in Massachusetts need at least 10,000 certified signatures to get on the ballot. The deadline for collecting the signatures is May 8.

Poll shows President Obama benefits from improving economy

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is reaping political benefits from the country's brighter economic mood. A new poll shows that Republicans and Democrats alike are increasingly saying the nation is heading in the right direction and most independents now approve the way he's addressing the nation's post-recession period.

President Obama seeks corporate tax rate cut, loophole limit

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama rolled out a corporate tax overhaul plan Wednesday that lowers rates but also eliminates loopholes and subsidies cherished by the business world. A long-shot for action in an election year, the plan nevertheless stamps Obama's imprint on one of the most high-profile issues of the presidential campaign.

Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum trade charges in possible final GOP debate

MESA, Ariz. - Primed for a fight, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum traded fiery accusations about health care, spending earmarks and federal bailouts Wednesday night in the 20th and possibly final debate of the roller-coaster race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Mitt Romney says President Obama has 'fought against religion'

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said Tuesday that President Barack Obama's administration has "fought against religion" and sought to substitute a "secular" agenda for one grounded in faith.

Obama's campaign seized on the characterization, calling Romney's comments "disgraceful."

Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson 'might' give $100 million to Newt Gingrich

WASHINGTON - The billionaire casino mogul whose massive donations to a 'super PAC' have kept alive the presidential ambitions of Newt Gingrich is finally speaking publicly about his role in this presidential race.

Deval Patrick a cochairman of President Obama's re-election campaign

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick has been picked to serve as a co-chairman of President Barack Obama's re-election campaign.

Obama campaign officials say the co-chairs will serve as ambassadors for the president, offer advice on key issues, host campaign events and leading organizing efforts in all 50 states.

Patrick said he was proud and honored to help the campaign.