On this day in 1870 the first appearance of the donkey representing the Democratic Party appears in Harper's Weekly, drawn by Thomas Nast. Now for today's top election stories:

"Down to Wire in GOP: Romney, McCain Look For Edge as Huckabee Makes Quick Plea" (Todd Spangler, Kathleen Gray and Dawson Bell, Detroit Free Press) Nearly neck-and-neck, both John McCain and Mitt Romney have much to gain, and lose, in today's Michigan primary. Reporters Spangler, Gray and Bell ask some of the questions influencing the race.

"Feb. 5 Primaries to Pose A Super Test of Strategy" (Dan Balz, Washington Post) Depending on the party, the delegates awarded on Feb. 5 will make up between 41% and 52% of total delegates. Considering the prize, candidates will have to make strategic decisions on where to focus resources in both advertising dollars and time on the ground. This obviously favors wealthier candidates like Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney, but momentum gained in earlier primary states could make up what a candidate lacks in money.

"Clinton, Obama Seek Truce on Race Row" (Mike Allen, The Politico) Following comments Clinton made about Martin Luther King, she is scrambling to ensure that it doesn't become a full-blown scandal. Not wanting to appear ungracious, Barack Obama is also not pursuing the matter intensely, which is not to say some of his supporters aren't.

"Campaigns Clash Across U.S." (Amy Chozick, Wall Street Journal) The absence of a clear frontrunner in either party is leading to some particularly clever campaign styles, where candidates are picking and choosing where to make a stand -- for some a final stand.

"In California, It's Clinton and McCain" (Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times) In the delegate-rich state of California a new LAT/CNN/Politico poll shows a substantial lead for Clinton, and a slim lead for McCain.

"In Obama's Pursuit of Latinos, Race Plays Role" (Adam Nagourney and Jennifer Steinhauer, New York Times) While blacks have been drawn to Obama's campaign, Clinton is assumed to have the loyalties of most Latinos. Obama is trying to appeal to the Latino electorate, especially populous in California, despite a history of tension with blacks.

"GOP Rivals Reverse Roles" (Joseph Curl, Washington Times) Campaigning in Michigan, McCain became the values candidate while Mike Huckabee transitioned into the tough-sounding hawk.

"Giuliani Bus Tour Rolls Through Area" (William March, Tampa Tribune) Despite Rudy Giuliani's Feb. 5 national strategy, his focus right now is on a single state. And if he doesn't pull out a win in Florida, everything else is thrown into doubt.

"Nevada's Democratic Caucus Stirs Lawsuit" (Brendan Riley, Associated Press) A lawsuit filed by the Clinton campaign argues that rules enabling Las Vegas Strip waitresses, dishwashers and bellhops to caucus inside nine resorts violate state law and federal equal protection guarantees. It is fueling the recent racial row between Obama and Clinton.

"BET Founder Johnson Defends His Recent Criticisms of Obama" (Frank Ahrens, Washington Post) After controversial comments billionaire Robert Johnson, a Clinton supporter, made, he sits down with reporter Aherns to defend his views.

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