Pickering eyes Coos Bay council seat
 D. Stephen Pickering is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Business owner Johnson campaigns for Coos Bay council
Joanie Johnson is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Baumann campaigns for Coos Bay council
Danial Baumann is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Pundt brings business background to Coos Bay campaign
John Pundt is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Eck looks for another Coos Bay council term
Jon Eck is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Engholm in race for Coos Bay council
David Engholm is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This candidate has not yet returned answers to questions provided by the newspaper, other than to attend an editorial board meeting.

Kramer seeks seat on Coos Bay council
Thomas Kramer is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Melton campaigns again for Coos Bay council
Gene Melton is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Forte campaigns for Coos Bay council
Howard Forte is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Coos Bay City Council race crowded this season
Here is an abbreviated look at the candidates for Coos Bay City Council. There are four open seats and nine candidates. For longer answers to questions, see the related links.

Ore. Sen. Smith touts record as bipartisan leader
WASHINGTON (AP) — Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith was for the Iraq war before events turned him against it. A key leader in Senate efforts to extend gay rights, Smith supported a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Low-key Democrat pulls even with Ore. GOP senator
TIGARD, Ore. (AP) — At a farmers market here, Jeff Merkley stops to chat with several women. He tells them the U.S. needs “an energy policy that will provide a foundation for the future.”

Third parties oppose state open primary measure
PORTLAND — As two former Oregon Democratic secretaries of state, Barbara Roberts and Phil Keisling don’t disagree on much. But a ballot measure that would upend the state’s current primary system and replace it with one open to any voter has the two at odds.

U.S. looks to act fast on bailout
WASHINGTON — The Bush administration said today it is moving quickly to implement a $700 billion rescue program, including consulting with private law firms on how to buy ownership shares in banks to help thaw frozen lending and get the economy moving again.

NW Natural asks for 14 percent rate hike
PORTLAND (AP) — Starting next month, customers of the state’s largest natural gas utility could see rates increase by 14 percent.

Don’t panic, state officials tell college plan investors
SALEM (AP) — Oregon officials are urging families who invested in Oregon’s college savings plans not to panic.

 Titan barges leave North Spit
EMPIRE — The New Carissa has left the ocean. So has Titan Salvage, the company hired to remove the wreck from the North Spit.

Coos Bay mayor's race a two-way contest
Two candidates are vying for the top seat to lead the Coos Bay City Council. Here is a look at the candidates and their take on the issues. This information was provided by the candidates.

 Pro-lifers oppose anti-abortion bill
LA JUNTA, Colo. — Church hasn’t been out but a couple hours, and there are free sandwiches in the fellowship hall for anyone interested in hearing why Colorado should become the first state where voters say life begins at conception.

Iraq calmer, but copycat kidnappings spread
WASHINGTON — Five years ago, retired U.S. Air Force intelligence officer Kirk von Ackermann became the first of 39 Americans to be kidnapped in Iraq. He’s still missing, his wife fearing she’ll never see him again.

Independents are divided between Obama, McCain
WASHINGTON — Jack Marshall says he’s voting for Barack Obama this year. That’s ominous news for John McCain.

 Resale shop fights breast cancer
COQUILLE — It could be just a pair of pants, a purse, maybe even a skirt that someone buys at Bree’s Upscale Resale clothing store. But the sale could help save a woman’s life.