Republican presidential hopeful John McCain holds a forum event in Hudson, Wis. to hear about the challenges women face in this economy.

State Rep. Ron Erhardt of Edina says he has left the Republican Party and will run for a 10th term as an independent.

Republican presidential candidate John McCain held a town hall meeting today in Hudson, Wis., where he talked to an audience made up of mostly women about his plans to boost a sagging economy.

Republican presumptive presidential nominee John McCain will be in Hudson, Wis. for a women-only forum. Midday broadcasts McCain's Hudson talk, then Carleton College political scientist Steven Schier provides political analysis and takes listener calls.

With September's Republican National Conventionapproaching, Ramsey County court officials are preparing to holdround-the-clock hearings for arrested protesters.