On this day in 1879 Albert Einstein is born in Germany. On to today's top stories:

"Will a Democratic Yoda Please Step Up" (Naftali Bendavid, Chicago Tribune) An interesting look into the Democrats' mess and the absence of "wise men" to lead the party through tumultuous times. Unless of course you consider Al Gore wise.

"McCain Touts Earmark Opposition on Hill" (Elizabeth Holmes, Wall Street Journal) The talk of the Hill yesterday was all earmarks and John McCain was leading the charge, with Hillary and Obama hurrying to catch up. But to no avail, the ban on earmarks was defeated.

"Obama Tries to Allay Jewish Concerns" (Philip Elliott, Associated Press) With Louis Farrakhan and "old uncle" Jeremiah Wright singing your praises -- and damning everyone else -- Obama is facing a growing chorus concerned about some of his associations.

"Maverick Wants to Paint Blue States Red" (Jonathan Martin, The Politico) Despite 2008 being a "Democratic Year," McCain certainly has a chance to put some blue and purple states in play.

"Mail-in vote idea: Dead on arrival?" (Martin Merzer, Lesley Clark and Mary Ellen Klas, Miami Herald) If it wasn't a knockout, then we'll call it a TKO -- The Florida Democratic congressional delegation is against the do-over; both campaigns have expressed concerns; and state law prohibits the party from authenticating voter signatures. Back to the drawing board.

"Obama's Budget Vote Could Come Back to Bite Him" (Stephen Dinan, Washington Times) Republicans senators played a trick yesterday when they introduced a spending plan they said was taken from Obama's own list of spending proposals he's made on the trail. Obama voted against it, as did the GOP senators who introduced it.

"A Free-Spirited Wanderer Who Set Obama's Path" (Janny Scott, New York Times) A bio of Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham Soetoro, who died of ovarian cancer in 1995.

"Clinton Opens Her Home to Woo Unaligned Lawmakers" (Shailagh Murray and Anne Kornblut, Washington Post) Politicians of course are about as prone to free lunches as journalists. Clinton invited a host of them to her home in Washington in an attempt to bring some uncommitted superdelegates to her side.

"Obama Says Illinois Earmarks Are Public" (Christopher Wills, Associated Press) Having opened access to his spending while in the Illinois legislature, Obama said that there was nothing left to report since he became disenchanted with the free-reeling ways of government and requested no further spending.

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