WASHINGTON — A former lobbyist has decided to plead guilty and cooperate in a Justice Department probe of campaign donations to members of Congress who directed hundreds of millions of dollars to defense contractors without competitive bidding.

Former GOP congressional committee treasurer pleads guilty to embezzling more than $800,000

Ex-NRCC treasurer pleads guilty to embezzlement

Advocacy group sues after Illinois State Police revoke first Muslim chaplain’s appointment

Group sues Ill. police over Muslim chaplain flap

Pending Blagojevich retrial makes ousted governor renewed distraction for Illinois Democrats

Republican newcomer’s own millions buy commercials, credibility in Fla. governor’s race

Wealthy newcomer gains the edge in Fla. GOP race

Kentucky GOP Senate candidate Rand Paul denies suggestions that he kidnapped anyone

GOP candidate Paul denies kidnapping suggestions

GOP Senate candidate Rand Paul denies suggestions that he kidnapped anyone

Paul denies suggestions of kidnapping

WASHINGTON — Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul of Kentucky on Tuesday denied suggestions he ever kidnapped anyone or forced them to use drugs, and said he hasn’t ruled out a lawsuit against a magazine that ran an article describing events from his college days.

For now, ex-lobbyist chooses to fight charges rather than cooperate with federal prosecutors

Lobbyist: What stories does he have to tell?

Lobby firm owner charged with making hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal contributions

Lobby firm owner charged with illegal donations

House Republican fundraising committee pays fine to settle case over alleged embezzlement

House GOP committee pays fine to settle fraud case

NRCC pays fine to settle case over treasurer embezzlement

NRCC pays fine to settle FEC case

WASHINGTON — The National Republican Congressional Committee has agreed to pay a fine to settle a case involving alleged embezzlement by a former treasurer.

45 people gunned down in Pakistan’s Karachi city in revenge attacks after lawmaker’s killing

45 die in revenge attacks in Pakistan’s Karachi

Michigan voters face many choices on election day but want only 1 thing: a better economy

Michigan voters search for economic savior

Dallas-based Wyly brothers, big GOP donors, rose together from rags to riches to SEC lawsuit

Wealthy Dallas brothers become SEC fraud target

Arizona immigration flap poses opportunities, pitfalls, for Democrats and Republicans

Democrats catch break with Blagojevich trial’s early end, no big-name witnesses

SPIN METER: In prospect of a public trial, peril for both veteran chairman and his party

U.S. President Barack Obama joins Martha Coakley

GOP Senate front-runner in New Hampshire in tougher-than-expected primary battle

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Terror watchdog: dissident Irish Republicans could mount first attacks in years on UK mainland

Watchdog warns over rogue Irish Republicans

Greek journalist killed by gunmen in Athens, political parties condemn attack

Greek journalist gunned down in Athens

ATHENS, Greece — A Greek journalist was gunned down Monday outside his home in Athens, in an attack broadly condemned by political parties.

Federal appeals court throws out part of Connecticut’s public campaign financing law

Court tosses part of Conn. campaign funding law

Judge offers to help compel Edwards testimony in sex tape lawsuit

Judge offers to help compel Edwards testimony

Resurgence eludes Mexico’s old rulers in state elections that show no party is on top

Vote shows Mexicans have little faith in any party

Bucking the GOP establishment, Colorado hopeful challenges party-backed Senate candidate

Suspects in Russian spy ring had interests in finance and science, knack for networking

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Ex-Fla. GOP executive escapes prison, must repay $65K to party; testified against boss

Ex-Fla. GOP executive avoids prison time

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The former executive director of the Republican Party of Florida won’t be going to prison if he stays out of trouble.

State Department says busting of Russian spy ring won’t derail US-Russian relations

Illinois State Police dismiss Muslim chaplain following criticism from terrorism think tank

Ill. police revoke 1st Muslim chaplain’s post

Detention system often sends immigrants far away from family, friends, and legal help

Immigrant detainees moved miles from home and help

SC Dem Party nixes protest of US Senate primary, upholds nomination of unknown, unemployed vet

SC Dems uphold US Senate primary shocker

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Democratic Party officials have upheld a surprising U.S. Senate primary win by an unemployed military veteran, nixing a protest lodged by their favored candidate that could have required a new vote.