By RON FOURNIER / AP Political Writer KERRY WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush versus John Kerry. What promises to be a contentious eight-month battle for the White House opened Wednesday with the incumbent buffeted by dangers in postwar Iraq and the loss of jobs at home, yet holding the upper hand on money and Electoral…

“Military Women in World War II: Inspiring Hope and Possibility” is the subject of a panel discussion set for 4-6 p.m. Monday, March 8 in MTSU’s Hazelwood Dining Room in the James Union Building.This event will feature a lecture, a reading, and a panel discussion on women’s military service in the United States armed forces…

Fifty talented young pianists from throughout the state will gather Saturday, March 6, in the Wright Music Building’s music hall to compete in the final round of competition in this year’s Clavierfest event.The day’s final contest will get under way at 7 p.m. in the music hall and will feature the competition’s 12 top finalists.…

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By SHARON THEIMER / Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Fund raising by House and Senate candidates reached record levels last year, with $390.1 million collected, according to a Federal Election Commission analysis released Wednesday. The record amount was due in part to the campaign finance law that doubled the individual contribution limit to $2,000…

By JENNIFER LOVEN / Associated Press Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — President Bush marked his first campaign appearance after John Kerry’s ascension as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee with a humor-tinged yet bare-knuckled critique of the Massachusetts senator. “He spent two decades in Congress; he’s built up quite a record,” Bush said to laughter at…

By NEDRA PICKLER / Associated Press Writer ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Nomination well in hand, Democrat John Kerry took the initial steps Wednesday toward selecting a No. 2 for his ticket, with options that include governors from the Midwest and Southwest, members of President Clinton’s economic team and a larger-than-life former first lady. Kerry chose…

By LIZ SIDOTI / Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — With a huge $10.5 million downpayment, President Bush’s re-election committee rolled out its first campaign commercials on Wednesday, using images of the destroyed World Trade Center to claim “steady leadership in times of change.” “What sees us through tough times? Freedom, faith, families, and sacrifice,”…

By ROB MAADDI / AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Reunited in Philadelphia, Alexei Zhamnov and Tony Amonte have formed a dominant line. Zhamnov and Amonte each had a goal and two assists, leading the Flyers to a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night. Zhamnov has seven points in six games with…

By ROB MAADDI / AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles wasted little time filling their biggest need on defense. The Eagles and three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jevon Kearse agreed to a $66 million, eight-year contract on Wednesday, the first day of the NFL’s free agency period. “Jevon is excited to agree…