So far, it looks like the big politics story of the day will be a speech Mitt Romney will give in Hobbs, N.M., on energy.

Romney will unveil a plan that would give states the power to determine whether drilling and mining should occur on federal lands within their borders as part of a larger effort to increase domestic oil, coal and natural gas production and achieve energy independence. Under current law, the federal government controls oil, coal and gas permits for federal lands.

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A policy paper released ahead of the candidate's speech by the Romney campaign argues President Barack Obama "has intentionally sought to shut down oil, gas and coal production in pursuit of his own alternative energy agenda."

Paul Ryan will campaign Thursday in North Carolina, with the highlight being a defense roundtable in Fayetteville.

On the buzz front, a Quinnipiac University/CBS News/New York Times poll out Thursday shows Obama holding his lead in Ohio, but he now faces tighter races in Florida and Wisconsin.

Also worth noting on Thursday: First lady Michelle Obama will meet in Oak Creek, Wis., with family members of those killed and injured in the Aug. 5 shootings at the Sikh temple.

And then there is this: Thursday marks the 4th anniversary of Obama naming Joe Biden as his vice presidential nominee.

And this: Will Rep. Todd Akin remain in the Senate race in Missouri, or give in to criticism and pressure to drop out?

Sources: Yahoo! News reporter Holly Bailey, Associated Press