Here are today's top political and election stories:

"The Democratic Target in Tuesday's Debate" (Jeff Zeleny, New York Times) With the Democratic candidates set to debate tonight, yesterday's University of Iowa poll showed Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in a virtual tie. Will we see sparks fly as in the last Republican debate?

"Fred Thompson's Southern Strategy" (Amy Schatz, Wall Street Journal) He's been battered by the press in early primary states like New Hampshire and Iowa, but Fred Thompson is following his own game plan and it starts in South Carolina.

"Giuliani Still Working at Firm He Promised to Leave" (John Solomon, Washington Post) Having said he would leave his security consulting firm earlier this year, Rudy Giuliani continues to work part time, perhaps giving his rivals political ammunition.

"Hillary Backed Lab of Donor" (Jim McElhatton, Washington Times) Two days after Dr. James Watson, co-founder of the DNA helix, donated money to Hillary Clinton's campaign, a Senate committee report showed that Clinton and Sen. Chuck Schumer earmarked $900,000 to Watson's lab. Watson has since had to retire from his lab following controversial comments he made on race.

"Romney Scores Big Win With Gregg Endorsement" (Klaus Marre and Sam Youngman, The Hill) Hanging on to a 6-point lead in New Hampshire over Giuliani in the RCP Average, Romney scored a major win with the endorsement of Sen. Judd Gregg.

"Memories of Obama in New York Differ" (Janny Scott, New York Times) As a young college graduate in New York, Barack Obama wrote about how those early years helped shaped the man he would become. Some, however, say Obama took a few literary licenses in telling his story.

"Rising in Polls, Huckabee Could Be GOP's Dark Horse in 2008" (Nicholas Wapshott, New York Sun) A recent Iowa poll has put Mike Huckabee in a statistical tie with Rudy Giuliani, but success comes with criticism and the former Arkansas governor is learning what it means to be contender.

"Romney: U.S. at Critical Juncture; Experience Key" (John Distaso, New Hampshire Union-Leader) In a wide-ranging inteview, Romney worries that the United States is at an "absolutely critical time" in its history.

"Iowans Grill Obama Over His Position on Gay Marriage" (Jason Clayworth, Des Moines Register) Beset with criticism from gay rights groups for inviting Donnie McClurkin to sing at a campaign event, Obama is also contending with criticism from younger voters angry with his opposition to gay marriage.

"Libertarian Paul Wins Young Minds" (Ben Adler, The Politico) Obama isn't the only candidate with a large youth following.

Get these and today's other election stories at RCP's Politics and Election Page.