And no discerning political campaign is worth its salt without a launch video.

BBC: Scotland politics

No doubt every political campaign has competing fiefdoms.

FORBES: How Bain Would Fix Mitt Romney's Campaign

At least five, including Republican Senator George Allen of Virginia - no stranger to political controversy - have returned campaign contributions from Foley, who had his own political action committee dispensing money to colleagues.

NPR: With Election Looming, GOP Distracted by Foley

It forced Obama to do something unusual and difficult for a candidate: he needed to separate politics and governance in the midst of a political campaign in which there was often no distinction.

NEWYORKER: Battle Plans

Following a weekend imbroglio over Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's claim that a former Romney associate told him Romney paid no taxes in past years, the campaign has veered into a political mud pile that emphasizes dirtying the opponent first.

CNN: Presidential campaign gets even dirtier

Obama aides say the president-elect and Mr. Blagojevich had no real political relationship beyond a few Obama statements supporting the governor's campaign.

WSJ: Obama Ties in the Spotlight