|
(Continued from page 32)
more new voters than the campaign has registered anywhere else in the country.
• It's an eye-popping total in a state that Obama won by just 14,000 votes four years ago. And the flood of new voters -- presumably a chunk of them Democrats -- could help keep North Carolina within the president's reach in a year when everything else here seems to be working in Republican Mitt Romney's favor.
• North Carolina has voted for a Democratic presidential candidate just twice in 40 years. The state's economy is abysmal; its 9.7 percent unemployment rate is among the nation's highest. And the president's embrace of gay marriage put him at odds with a majority of North Carolina voters, including many blacks, who make up the core of his support here.
• ___
Kenyan forces attack last remaining stronghold of al-Qaida-linked militants in Somalia
• MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) -- Kenyan troops invaded al-Shabab's last stronghold in Somalia, coming ashore in a predawn assault Friday. Other African Union forces were traveling overland to link up with the Kenyan forces in the port city of Kismayo.
• Col. Cyrus Oguna, the Kenyan military's top spokesman, said the surprise attack met minimal resistance but al-Shabab denied that the city had fallen and said fighting was taking place. Oguna said that al-Shabab has incurred "heavy losses" but that Kenyan forces have not yet had any injuries or deaths.
• Residents in Kismayo contacted by The Associated Press said that Kenyan troops had taken control of the port but not the whole city.
• "Al-Shabab fighters are on the streets and heading toward the front line in speeding cars. Their radio is still on the air and reporting the war," resident Mohamed Haji told The Associated Press. Haji said that helicopters were hitting targets in the town in southeastern Somalia.
• A U.S. military spokesman, Lt. Cdr. Dave Hecht, said the U.S. Africa Command, known as AFRICOM, is closely monitoring the situation but that "we are not participating in Kenya's military activities in the region."
• ___
Presidential coattails a potential factor in some tight races for control of Senate
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- If Rep. Connie Mack scores an upset over Democratic (Continued on page 34)
|
|
