On this day in 1979 the Soviet Union increased its troop size in Afghanistan, leading to a decade of frustrating occupation, and eventual defeat. On to today's top election stories:

"For McCain, It Could Be State of Resurgence" (Michael Shear, Washington Post) Stories about McCain's resurgence have replaced stories about Huckabee's surprising surge in little more than a week. McCain's touchdown in Iowa yesterday to begin post-Christmas campaigning in a state he had written-off was a clever way to make some headlines and ride the media attention.

"Romney Lashes Out at McCain at N.H. Stops" (Michael Kranish and Michael Levenson, Boston Globe) But for McCain, perhaps the best evidence that his resurgence is real is that he has become a target again after being ignored for much of the summer and fall. While McCain was on Romney's turf in Iowa, Mitt was on McCain's in New Hampshire.

"Obama Ups the Ante in Iowa" (Carrie Budoff Brown, The Politico) One week before the Iowa Caucuses, Barack Obama is declaring victory, or at least "vindication." He also plans on unveiling a refined stump speech for the closing round.

"Edwards Campaign May Have Expected Union Group Plan" (David Kirkpatrick, New York Times) It seems that whenever John Edwards lashes out at some perceived evil in American democracy, it's only a short while before he's found doing the same thing. The new 527 group, Alliance for a New America, which is part of the Service Employees International Union, has being running attack ads that all seem to have one thing in common: Their praise for Edwards. This has forced Edwards to publicly disavow the group, since it sort of gets in the way of his anti-lobbyist image.

"Authenticity is the Word for Republican Hopefuls" (Peter Wallsten and Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times) When Mike Huckabee hoisted a pheasant he had shot and killed yesterday, he was exhibiting more than just his rifle skills. He was also subtly -- or not -- knocking Romney, whose comment that he had been a hunter "all his life" was quickly, um, shot down earlier this year.

"Giuliani Begins Florida Swing, Appeals to Veterans" (Anthony McCartney, Associated Press) While his rivals traded barbs up north, Rudy Giuliani was shoring up his support in a "must-win" state for him down in Florida. Flanked by veterans, Giuliani called for a much larger military while denying rumors that he was shopping for a veep candidate in Gov. Charlie Crist.

"Candidates Avoid Stoking Hispanics' Ire" (Amy Chozik, Wall Street Journal) Whatever the party, a presidential candidate this election cycle has to walk a "fine line," as reporter Chozik puts it, with immigration and Hispanic voters. Certainly in states like Iowa, frustration over illegal immigration runs deep, but a candidate can't come off sounding too restrictionist if he or she wants to attract Hispanic voters.

"Five Election Story Lines to Watch" (Leroy Chapman, The State) Reporter Chapman breaks down internal South Carolina politics in the run-up to next month's important primary.

"Giuliani, Romney to Join Jan. 5 Presidential Debate" (Garry Rayno, New Hampshire Union Leader) Two days after Iowa, which could dramatically alter the GOP race, and three days before New Hampshire, the leading GOP candidates will be on stage once more.

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