The Mini-Note

— -- The Note is undergoing some changes. In the meantime, The Mini-Note will provide you an early look at the must-read political stories of the day likely to dominate the political news cycle. If you want to get an early jump on the day in politics, you will want to make The Mini-Note your first stop of the morning.

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MUST-READS:

Washington Post's Dan Balz: "As He Enters Race, McCain Appears to Be Off His Stride"LINK

Chicago Tribune's Bob Secter: "Once seen as skimping, Obama raises his gifts to charity"LINK

2008: Republicans: McCain:

New York Times' Katharine Q. Seelye: "McCain Replaces His Finance Director Just Before Official Tour to Declare Candidacy"LINK

Washington Post's Michael D. Shear: "McCain Campaign Gives Preview of Speech"LINK

Bloomberg's Edwin Chen: "McCain Seeks `Antidote' to Age Concerns as He Launches Campaign"LINK

Politico's Jonathan Martin: "McCain could face a tough N.H. for '08"LINK

Arizona Republic's Dan Nowicki: "McCain takes new tack: Once again the underdog, presidential hopeful courts GOP base"LINK

Arizona Republic's Dan Nowicki: "McCain resume an asset and a risk"LINK

2008: Republicans: Giuliani:

Politico's Roger Simon: "Giuliani warns of 'new 9/11' if Dems win"LINK

Washington Post's Dan Balz: "Giuliani Says Democrats Would Put Nation on 'Defense'"LINK

Associated Press: "Giuliani declines to assess troop hike"LINK

New York Daily News' Celeste Katz: "It's Rude-y again: Ex-mayor erupts over query on rights"LINK

2008: Republicans: Huckabee:

Associated Press' Andrew DeMillo: "Longtime aide Jason Brady leaves Huckabee campaign"LINK

2008: Democrats: Obama:

ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: "Obama Queried about Support for Israel When 'Push Comes to Shove'" LINK

Bloomberg's Jay Newton-Small: "Obama Wins Over Chicago Fed's Canning, a Top Bush Fundraiser"LINK

2008: Democrats: Biden:

ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: "Biden Makes 'No Apologies' for Late-Term Abortion Vote" LINK

2008: Democrats: Dodd: