REPUBLICAN presidential candidate John McCain has a big decision ahead of him — picking a vice presidential running mate whose presence on the ticket would reassure Americans concerned about McCain’s age.

WITH the White House bracing for guerrilla warfare on the home front politically if Republicans lose control of Congress, President George W Bush is seeking to shift the debate away from Iraq and scandal and boost his reputation for economic competence.

US President George W Bush will stand by his decision to limit federal funding for embryonic stem cell research regardless of what scientific breakthroughs may occur, two administration officials say.