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The huge issue in the Fresno mayoral race no one is talking about is the city budget.

With the economy faltering, the foreclosure rate climbing and housing starts at near-record lows, Fresno will need a mayor who can trim the fat at City Hall, negotiate effectively with employee unions and jump-start efforts to move the city toward a green, technology-based economy.

If you want a prime example of a bureaucracy failing to address its budget woes, check out Fresno County, which is releasing prisoners while the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Margaret Mims play a dangerous game of political chicken.

Based on what you know about the candidates, who is better equipped to deal with Fresno's future budget issues -- Ashley Swearengin or Henry T. Perea?

Presidential sweepstakes

John McCain is betting that his character will trump Barack Obama's issues. Read the Slate analysis here.

Also from Slate: even-handed answers to questions about Gov. Sarah Palin and her political record.

Arianna Huffington is on the mark. She says Democrats must ignore Palin and make the presidential race a contrast between McCain and Obama. Read her analysis here.

Meanwhile the data gatherers at Rasmussen Reports say their polling shows that Gov. Palin is more popular with the public than McCain, Obama and Joe Biden.

Finally, the latest CBS Poll indicates that McCain and Obama are tied in the national vote.

Sports Beat

Several Olympic softball players from the Valley will get face time with Oprah. Read the story from The Bee's Jeff Davis here.

Laugh of the Day

"This week, John McCain was endorsed by the gay group known as the Log Cabin Republicans. That's true, yeah. They endorsed McCain not so much because he supports gay rights, but because he was actually born in a log cabin." --Conan O'Brien

Quote of the Day

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." -- Abraham Lincoln

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