LOS ANGELES - Despite his liberal leanings, Republican Rudolph Giuliani is the choice for U.S. president among white conservative Christians, a Los Angeles Times poll says. A poll conducted this month found 26 percent of white conservative Christians favor Giuliani. That is more than double the number of those who favor his top rivals, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the Times reported Monday. Giuliani, a former New York mayor, holds ... [full story]

You may have heard people refer to "good debt" and "bad debt." Ideally, we'd have no debt at all because we'd be rich enough to never need a loan. But few of us belong to that exclusive club, so sometimes we take on debt out of necessity. One key to achieving financial stability is to minimize bad debt wherever possible, while looking for opportunities where so-called good debt works to your advantage. A simple distinction: ... [full story]

An Interview with  Christopher Cox, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Bankrate, Inc. announced this week the release of an interview with Christopher Cox, Chairman, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mr. Cox shared his thoughts on the topic of retirement, including investment scams directed at seniors and the government's role in retirement security. A transcript of the interview follows. Interview: Christopher CoxBy Sheyna Steiner   Christopher Cox, Chairman of the SEC Christopher Cox, Chairman of the Securities and ... [full story]

Bankrate, Inc. released a new poll this week which found that nearly one out of five individuals plan to work until death. Another key finding shows that 28% of those surveyed save less than 5 percent with 16 percent saving nothing at all for retirement. Nearly one out of five individuals expects to work until they die.That's among the most startling findings of a recent Bankrate-sponsored survey of Americans' attitudes toward retirement. The poll of nearly 700 ... [full story]

MIAMI - The U.S. judge overseeing the Miami trial of terrorism suspect Jose Padilla said the indictment against Padilla is "very light on facts." U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke appeared to agree with defense attorneys who complained at a pretrial hearing about the vague nature of the evidence against Padilla, the alleged "dirty bomber" accused of "conspiracy to murder, kidnap and maim," The Washington Post reported. Legal experts said the government is trying to ... [full story]

The revolving door to the CEO’s office at the American Red Cross has spun yet again, and the selection of the new top executive may be the most puzzling to date. On April 18, the agency announced the appointment of IRS chief Mark Everson as its newest President and CEO, taking over from interim executive Jack McGuire.   Mark Everson “The IRS hardly inspires thoughts of selfless volunteerism, generosity, efficient and compassionate service, collaboration, and full transparency” ... [full story]

May a physician legally refuse to treat a former patient because of an unpaid bill?  May a physician ethically refuse to treat a former patient because of an unpaid bill? May a Catholic-sponsored, non-profit clinic refuse to schedule a visit by a former patient because of an unpaid bill?  May the clinic’s collection agency stack interest expense totaling $1,181, plus costs of $70, upon a clinic bill of $1,251? Those questions were posed by a ... [full story]

Judge Alta Brady will speak May 1st The League of Women Voters invites the public to hear Judge Alta Brady discuss the new court which was started to hear drug cases in a family court environment. The luncheon will be on Thursday, May 3rd, at the Hong Kong Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. with the speaker beginning at noon.  The Hong Kong Restaurant is located on the Corner of SE Third and Wilson in Bend.  Purchasing ... [full story]

Oregon statewide average gas prices set a new record high today at $3.123 per gallon, according to AAA Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. The previous record of $3.111 was set on May 28, 2006.  All major metro areas in Oregon have surpassed previous records, set in late May or early June of last year, Eki said. At $3.174, Eugene-Springfield surpassed their previous record of $3.164. Portland has topped their old record by one and one-half cents, reaching $3.112. The Medford-Ashland ... [full story]

BOISE, Ida. - A 41-year old Nampa woman is suspected of driving drunk when she hit two horses on the side of the road and continued on for another one-half mile before driving off a 75-foot embankment and landing upside down in the river.  Both she and a three-year old child were injured, Idaho State Police (ISP) reported. Troopers said Ganette Rainey was traveling south on the Old Emmett Highway near Hoseshoe Bend, Idaho about 25 ... [full story]