On this day in 1946 the United Nations convened for the first time in Westminster Central Hall in London. Here are today's top election stories:

"S.C., Michigan Last Stand for GOP Candidates" (Stephen Dinan, Washington Times) The stage is being set for showdowns in the next several GOP contests. In Michigan, Mitt Romney is battling a surging John McCain for his first major primary victory. In South Carolina, Fred Thompson, who hasn't performed well in either of the first two states, said, "I"m making my stand here."

"Michigan Next, G.O.P. Rivals Turn to the Economy" (Marc Santora and Adam Nagourney, New York Times) With Romney and McCain ready to battle in Michigan, the major issue will likely be the economy. Meanwhile, the Democrats are preparing for a showdown of their own in Nevada.

"Richardson Dropping Presidential Bid" (Nedra Pickler, Associated Press) After what has been a fun, if disappointing run for the New Mexico governor, Richardson will announce the end today.

"Dem Front-Runners Face Urgent Choices" (Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei, The Politico) Twenty-five states in 27 days puts a strain on a campaign's time and money. By Friday, Obama's campaign said it will have staff in place for each of the 22 states to vote on Feb. 5, although Obama hopes to gird himself against Clinton's superior organization with victories in Nevada and South Carolina.

"Romney Homes In on a Message That Will Stick" (Michael D. Shear and Chris Cillizza, New York Times) Following months of oscillating between "Mr. Fix-It" and "Mr. Conservative Values," as reporters Shear and Cillizza phrase it, Romney seems to have finally decided on a campaign theme, which he seems to have pilfered from the Democrats: Change.

"Large Nevada Union Backs Obama" (Nedra Pickler and Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press) Going into what is increasingly looking like a must-win state, Obama was helped by the endorsement yesterday of Nevada's all-important Culinary Worker's union.

"Giuliani Targets Conservatives With Tax-Cut Plan" (Sarah Lueck, Wall Street Journal) Battling for media exposure, Rudy Giuliani unveiled a tax-cut plan aimed at trimming the capital gains tax, eliminating the estate and alternative-minimum tax and reducing the corporate tax rate. The plan has received favorable reviews from fiscal conservative groups.

"South Carolina Primary Will Be a 'Turning Point,' Huckabee Says" (Perry Bacon Jr. and Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post) Despite Mike Huckabee's impressive victory in Iowa, his hopes for the nomination are still tenuous and rest mainly on winning South Carolina. But several other GOP candidates need to win there as well, making tonight's Fox News debate in Myrtle Beach one of the most important yet.

"Immigration Reform a Hot-Button Issue" (Gina Smith, The State) Some more background into the local issues that might come into play in tonight's GOP debate.

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