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After months of sitting on the sidelines, Texas finally gets its turn to make its mark on the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries Tuesday -- and could have a greater impact than many thought possible.
Four years ago, Texas Republicans attending the national GOP convention in Minnesota landed hotel assignments within easy walking distance of the convention.
If the election were today, President Barack Obama would likely win 247 electoral votes to Mitt Romney's 206, according to an Associated Press analysis of polls, ad spending and key developments in states, along with interviews with more than a dozen Republican and Democratic strategists both inside and outside the campaigns.
Both candidates are aiming at raising about $800 million.
Arizona's secretary of state says that Hawaii's verification of President Barack Obama's birth records meets necessary requirements and that his name will appear on Arizona's ballot in the fall.
Mitt Romney is defending his work at the private equity firm he co-founded and says it's part of why he's qualified to be president.