The Trail

PALIN INVOKED IN SONG

In Va., Webb Sets Out to Dispel Myths Created About Obama

ROANOKE -- Democratic Sen. Jim Webb, a favorite son of western Virginia, offered a rousing introduction to Sen. Barack Obama and a few choice words about Sarah Palin at an event in Roanoke yesterday.

On Obama, he sought to dispel some myths. "I know what it's like to be involved in a Karl Rove campaign, and it's not fun, folks," said Webb, referring to his bruising battle in 2006 against GOP incumbent George Allen. "And the last several months we have seen that same type of campaign conducted against Barack Obama. What they do is they say: 'That person's not like you. That person doesn't understand you. You can't trust 'em.' "

"Let me tell you," Webb continued. "First of all, Barack Obama is like you. He knows what it's like to struggle."

Moving on to Obama's rival, Sen. John McCain, Webb called the Arizona Republican "a friend" but questioned his leadership skills, citing the GOP nominee's pick as a running mate.

"Do you really think that Sarah Palin is the most-qualified person?" Webb asked, to resounding boos. "How many people here like country music? I like country music. There was a song about two years ago, it was called, 'I Know What I Was Doing, but What Was I Thinking?' "

-- Shailagh Murray

IRS GRANTED FILING EXTENSION

Cindy McCain Paid Uncle Sam $1.13 Million in Taxes Last Year

Cindy McCain, the wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, paid $1.13 million in taxes during 2007 on income of more than $4.1 million.

McCain's campaign released a two-page summary of her tax return on Friday evening, saying in a statement that she had received an extension until Oct. 15 because she had not received all the information needed to file by the April deadline.

The tax return indicates that most of Cindy McCain's income -- about $2.9 million -- came from "rental real estate, royalties, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, etc."

The heir to a beer distributorship, McCain also has several homes, including rental properties.

Cindy McCain also reported $746,000 in capital gains and a $297,000 salary.

The McCains have always reported their income separately. John McCain had previously released his tax returns for 2006 and 2007, showing income of about $500,000, largely from his Senate salary, book royalties and retirement income.

-- Michael D. Shear