Poll: Santorum surges, Obama leads Republicans (AP)

AP - A surging Rick Santorum is running even with Mitt Romney atop the Republican presidential field, but neither candidate is faring well against President Barack Obama eight months before Americans vote, a new survey shows.

GOP 'super PACs' overtaking campaigns' fundraising (AP)

AP - An unmistakable dynamic is playing out in the money game among Republican presidential candidates: New "super" political action committees are growing more powerful than the campaigns they support.

FACT CHECK: Artful swerves on the auto bailout (AP)

AP - Michigan has become squirm central for Republican presidential candidates who are trying to explain their opposition to the auto bailout before the big primary in the home of automakers. Their tale is terribly tangled, and President Barack Obama isn't telling it straight either.

Obama promotes modest American dream (AP)

AP - This time around, President Barack Obama's message can sound decidedly down-to-earth.