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Mark Z. Barabak writes about politics for the Los Angeles Times. He has been a newspaper reporter for more than 30 years, covering campaigns and elections in 48 of the 50 states, including all or part of the last eight presidential contests and seven California gubernatorial races. He joined the Times in 1997 after stints at UPI, the San Francisco Chronicle and Copley News Service.

Recent commentary

Oct. 12: With just about three weeks left in the campaign, Republican John McCain faces an increasingly steep and narrow path to the 270 electoral votes he needs to win the White House. The third and final presidential debate Wednesday night may be the Arizona senator's last best chance to reverse the momentum that has shifted strongly toward the Democratic nominee, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

Oct. 7: Story: John McCain's options narrow on the electoral college map.