* Former Young Democrats leader Jay Ottivore officially announces he's running for the nomination to face U.S. Rep. Howard Coble. (Capital Beat)

* U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole says Gov. Mike Easley's request for more alternatives to a Navy landing field is "bizarre." (New Bern Sun Journal)

* U.S. Rep. Mel Watt says the fact that no one likes a bill cracking down on mortgage lenders "may be the best tribute of all." (AP)

* At debate, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton says John Edwards' attacks are "throwing mud" and "right out of the Republican playbook." (NYT)