Charleston Gazette

Kerry, Bush Hit Key States in Last Hours

The Associated Press MIAMI - In the closing hours of their bitter campaign, President Bush and challenger Sen. John Kerry charged through the critical battlegrounds of Florida and Ohio on Sunday, going from hushed church services to raucous campaign rallies with promises to keep America safe.

Oxycontin Marketing Tactics Go On Trial Today

tobycoleman@wvgazette.com WELCH - Today, lawyers working for the state and a massive drug maker will begin picking the jurors who may determine the future of the painkiller OxyContin in West Virginia.

Flu Vaccine Summit Called

The Associated Press WASHINGTON - The World Health Organization has called an unprecedented summit meeting next week of flu vaccine makers and nations to expand plans for dealing with the growing threat of a flu pandemic.

Inside

Steelers end Patriots' streak Ben Roethlisberger (above), a rookie quarterback who seemingly doesn't know how to lose, drove the Steelers to four scores following uncharacteristic New England turnovers and Pittsburgh ended the Patriots' long winning streak with a remarkably easy 34- 20 victory Sunday.

Workers Rally for Kerry, Jobs: ; Kennedy Campaigns for Democrats at Capitol Campaign 2004

sfinn@wvgazette.com Jobs, Sen. Ted Kennedy and jobs took center stage Sunday afternoon at a union-sponsored get-out-the-vote rally for presidential candidate John Kerry.

Kerry Vows to Act Fast On U.S Security

The Associated Press MANCHESTER, N.H. - Democratic Sen. John Kerry told The Associated Press Sunday that if he is elected president, he will begin an unprecedented "flurry of activity" to protect national security that will include quick Cabinet appointments.

Hoffa to Speak at Rally for Kerry in City Today

pjnyden@wvgazette.com The president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will visit Charleston this morning, as part of the last-minute campaign flurry around the country.

Democrats Work to Convince W.Va. Sportsmen

The Associated Press In the much-coveted demographic of sportsmen voters, the Democrats have netted at least one convert in West Virginia.

U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq

As of Sunday, at least 1,120 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. At least 848 died as a result of hostile action, according to the Defense Department. The figures include three military civilians. Since May 1, 2003, when President Bush declared that major combat operations in Iraq had ended, 982 U.S. service members have died, according to AP's count. That includes at least 739 deaths resulting from ...

Early Voting Adds: ; 'Ghost' Ballot Woes

The Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. - In what would be her last conscious act, 90-year- old Trixie Porter gripped a pen in her weak, trembling hand, checked the candidates of her choice and scrawled a squiggled signature on her absentee ballot.

War Plays Major Role in Campaign: ; Presidential Issues Defense

rsteelhammer@wvgazette.com Not since 1968, when Hubert Humphrey fought to wrest the presidency from Richard Nixon during the peak of the Vietnam War, has America's role in the world been so fiercely contested by presidential candidates.

Tuesday's Election Certain to Shake Up W.Va. Legislature: ; Gop Hopes to Take Seats From Majority

The Associated Press A spate of scandals and vacated seats has spiced up this election's legislative contests, with both major parties predicting gains in the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate.

Records Fall, Attacks Rise in Governor Races: ; in 11 State Races, About Half Remain Competitive Day Before Polls Open

The Associated Press About half of this year's 11 governors races look fiercely competitive heading into their final hours, with record-breaking amounts of money on hand for the campaigns and harsh attacks and counterattacks by the candidates.

On File: ; Kanawha County

Marriages The following people applied for marriage licenses in Kanawha County between Oct. 25 and 29.

Many States Face Poll-Worker Shortage

The Associated Press A shortage of at least 500,000 poll workers nationwide means many voters could face long lines, cranky volunteers, polling places that don't open or close on schedule and the chance that results won't be known until long after the polls are closed.

State Briefs

Some Huntington-area residents reevacuated HUNTINGTON - Some Huntington residents who had returned to their homes after a hazardous spill Thursday were ordered to reevacuate Sunday evening, an emergency dispatcher said.

Ex-Vfw Chief Pleads Guilty in Federal Vote Fraud Probe

A Logan County man told a federal judge Friday that he skimmed $35,000 from raffle proceeds while president of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post, using some of the money to contribute to political candidates. Ernest J. Stapleton, 81, pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud, admitting he sent false raffle accounting reports to the state Department of Tax and Revenue in 2000 and 2001.

War, Election Are Major Topics at Wvu

For the Gazette MORGANTOWN - Terry Wimmer, a journalism professor at West Virginia University, recalls the political environment on campus more than 30 years ago.

Cabell Huntington Hospital Workers Ratify Contract

HUNTINGTON - About 670 employees of Cabell Huntington Hospital have ratified a new three-year contract. Members of District 1199 of the Service Employees International Union voted Saturday to approve the contract that includes a pay raise, Kathy Cosco, a hospital spokeswoman, said Sunday. She did not know details of the contract.

Sunday's Weather in Charleston: