DEVELOPMENTS
ADS EMPHASIZE OBAMA'S RELIGION
Barack Obama's campaign has ramped up its efforts to emphasize his Christian faith in a series of radio and television ads, as well as in a flier that volunteers have distributed. Kentucky Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, who endorsed Obama on Sunday, narrated a radio spot that highlights the Illinois senator's upbringing and values, including how Obama is "a strong Christian." He said he felt compelled to make the ad after constituents contacted his office with what he called "misconceptions" about Obama.
EDWARDS' BACKING QUICKLY PAYS OFF
Barack Obama collected the support of four of John Edwards' delegates on Thursday, then gained the backing of four superdelegates and a large labor union -- the United Steelworkers -- as he marched steadily toward the party's presidential nomination. The fresh support brought Obama's overall delegate total to 1,895, compared to 1,718 for Hillary Rodham Clinton. It takes 2,025 to clinch the nomination at the party convention in Denver this summer. The Steelworkers had endorsed Edwards.
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