Strategist: Obama Could Raise Up To Half A Billion!
Barack Obama's decision to forego public financing might just net him a whole lot more than the $80 million the government would have given him, with Dem strategist Tad DeVine saying that his small-donor base could bring in as much as $500 million. Even half that amount would allow him to fight in states previously considered off-limits for Democrats, and to really overpower John McCain if the Republican is unable to match it.

Is Obama's Decision The End Of Public Finance?
The New York Times writes this morning that Barack Obama's decision to opt out of public finance may just be the end of the system as we know it. "Mr. Obama has made the argument that he has achieved online what the public finance system has been unable to do," the paper says. "And he has been freed from the necessity of spending countless hours fund-raising."

Obama And McCain To Hold Dueling Press Conferences Today
Barack Obama will be holding a 4:30 p.m. ET press conference today in Jacksonville, Florida, where the subject of campaign finance is sure to come up with some very pointed questions -- and perhaps some very pointed answers. John McCain will hold his own 1:40 p.m. ET presser from Ottawa, Canada, where he's making a speech on the virtues of free trade.

Obama Calls Two Muslim Women, Apologizes For Snub At Rally
Barack Obama yesterday personally called two Muslim women who were refused the honor of sitting behind him at a Michigan rally, due to volunteers not wanting their headscarves in view of the cameras. We both immensely appreciate the senator's phone call and his commitment to remedy this issue," one of the women told the Detroit Free Press.

Jeb Bush Changes Position, Defends McCain On Offshore Drilling
John McCain's position on offshore drilling is causing very prominent Florida Republican Jeb Bush, to change his long-held opposition. "You can protect the natural resources and the coastline of the state and also be part of national effort to deal with a national security crisis that our country faces right now," Jeb told reporters.

Pennsylvania School District Might Sue Hillary Campaign For Unpaid Bills
The Erie, Pennsylvania, school district is still waiting on a $3,887 bill from the Clinton campaign, for a rally with Bill Clinton held way back on March 12. If it's not paid soon, an administrator told the Erie Times News, it will be referred to their lawyers.

Dem Incumbent Leads In Top-Tier House Race
A new SurveyUSA poll of Indiana's 9th House District gives incumbent Democrat Baron Hill a 51%-40% lead over Republican opponent Mike Sodrel, in a district that went for President Bush by nearly 20 points in 2004. This year's contest is their fourth consecutive match-up, with Hill winning in 2002, losing to Sodrel in 2004, then coming back in 2006.