McCain back to work

Monday John McCain returned to his day job in the Senate as reporters waited for hours outside his office for Dan Rather's sloppy seconds. According to the New York Times, McCain began planning appearances in support of Republican candidates across the country. CBS reports that McCain says he'll support George W. Bush's presidential campaign.

Gore in the chips

The impact of McCain's campaign may have left its biggest dent in the Bush war chest. The Washington Post reports that the Al Gore campaign had $1.5 million more than the Bush campaign ($9.3 million vs. $7.8 million) at the beginning of the month. Bush did have a huge advantage in total money raised -- $74 million compared with Gore's $37 million. But because he burned through money on advertising ($13 million a month, according to the Post) to stamp out the McCain insurgency, he has lost his financial edge.

NRA claims public support

Reuters reports that major gun manufacturer Glock will decide soon whether to abide by manufacturing and sales restrictions in order to avoid lawsuits. The government dropped a threat of legal action against Smith & Wesson on Friday after it agreed to abide by the new restrictions.

Meanwhile the Washington Post reports that the National Rifle Association has been heartened by recent polls showing strong support for its message that more stringent enforcement of existing gun laws should come before more gun control legislation.

Shooting gives Hillary some ammo

The recent killing of an unarmed black man by a policeman has provoked contrasting responses from Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Rodham Clinton. According to the New York Times, Clinton accused Giuliani of a "a rush to judgment" after he authorized the release of shooting victim Patrick Dorismond's criminal records.

Buchanan and Reform Party alienated, again

The Washington Post reports that Pat Buchanan and the Reform Party have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission over current rules that exclude from presidential debates any candidate who does not obtain at least 15 percent in polls.

The return of Chappaquiddick

The Boston Herald reports that Ted Kennedy's opponent in his bid for re-election to the Senate, Jack E. Robinson, will make Chappaquiddick an issue. The Herald quotes Robinson as saying, "There is a candidate that's actually been convicted of a crime and that's not me."

Talking heads

(All EST)