Romney Talks the Talk, But Where Are the Votes?

(NEWSER) - The Boston Phoenix drew up its “Unsexiest Men” list in March, but the election season produced some new contenders, while others earned a reprieve.

• John Edwards: The perennial Dem also-ran wasn't on the first list, but his very public dalliance earns him a spot after a recount of sorts.
• Mike Huckabee: Though on the earlier list, the "sweet-natured creationist" receives a pardon for his success as a TV host.

Insiders speak as GOP prepares for a losing November

(NEWSER) - Six months before an election in which some estimate Republicans could lose 20 seats in the House and five in the Senate, insiders tell Politico how the GOP can pick itself up:

• Write some policy. “It’s critical that our candidates have a very clear set of principles,” says Mitt Romney. Think tax-cutting and spending-slashing.

Lawyer Kmiec disagrees on most issues, backs candidate anyway

(NEWSER) - The former legal counsel to Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush is siding with Barack Obama, calling the Democrat “a person of integrity, intelligence and good will.” Doug Kmiec disagrees with the candidate on gay marriage, abortion, states’ rights, and the place of religion in the public sphere, but he says Obama’s ability to engage opposing viewpoints won him over. More»

'41,' Barbara to announce support of senator Monday

(NEWSER) - George H. W. and Barbara Bush will endorse John McCain next week, making the announcement in Texas in an effort to enlist voters there to support the presumptive nominee against a formidable rival. Mike Huckabee is optimistic about his prospects in the state, where social conservatives has taken issue with both Bush presidents, CNN reports. More»

...Without actually mentioning his former nemesis by name

(NEWSER) - George W. Bush never mentioned John McCain by name this morning, but he nonetheless sought to give the presumptive GOP nominee a boost among the party's conservative base, the Washington Post reports. "Soon, we will have a nominee who will carry a conservative banner into this election and beyond," he told the Conservative Political Action Conference. More»