But on Thursday, Anderson may have picked up some bipartisan support. Before the governor spoke, state Sen. Regina Thomas of Savannah, a Democrat, told the crowd to expect "the status quo" after the dust has settled.

The cable network had predicted the alliance, after several political blogs, included one by the Washington Post, had quoted U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a McCain ally, as saying he was in the midst of lobbying both Isakson and Chambliss.

Residents upset that Pittsburgh suburb may tweak pet quota

MONROEVILLE, Pa. - Some residents in the Pittsburgh suburb of Wilkins Township are upset that council wants to change one word of its pet ordinance.

Oh Kei, Roddick up next for teen

SAN JOSE — Consider Kei Nishikori's position for just a minute.

First, the soft-spoken 18-year-old stuns the tennis world with last week's surprising defeat of James Blake in the final of the Delray Beach International, making him the first Japanese player to win an ATP event in nearly 16 years.

The feat sent his stock rising so rapidly even a stay at a San Jose hotel required a quick name change on the room in order to avoid getting besieged with phone calls.

And now he has Andy Roddick, the world's sixth-ranked player, waiting at his door.

Nishikori insists he doesn't have to pinch himself, but there was a point during Wednesday's 7-5, 6-3 victory over Diego Hartfield at the SAP Open where he had to remind himself to keep going.

"I want to play Roddick; that's why I won today," Nishikori said.

The Chronicle Sports Columnist Blog

Tulowitzki has been the Rockies' heart and soul all season, a vocal, hustling leader who immediately felt comfortable in the role. He leads the league in fielding percentage. He's got 23 homers, a record by N.L. rookie shortstops. The clincher, though, was that unbelievable play he made against the Dodgers Wednesday night, going deep into the hole and making a strong, jump-pass throw for the out. Braun, whose raw power was a revelation all year, has been a defensive liability at third for Milwaukee. The vote goes to Tulowitzki.

4. Cole Hamels. Watch that fancy delivery, the finishing leg kick, all of it -- have you ever seen a right-handed pitcher look like that? It's strictly a lefty thing, and don't ask why; it just is. This guy came back just in time for the Phillies, and if they can finish the job, he'll be a treat to watch in the playoffs.

Yahoo! teams up with US newspapers

Check out the Editor's Blog for the silicon.com chief's take on the hot tech issues of the moment.

The consortium of seven newspaper groups consists of 176 local newspapers across 38 states. These include major dailies like The Dallas Morning News, The San Francisco Chronicle and The New Haven Register.

Weekend options: Science of Toons

"Animation," the new exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota, invites visitors to step into the world of their favorite cartoons. Featuring characters from the Cartoon Network, the exhibit teaches about early animation and why art and math are important parts to creating shows such as "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends." Other highlights include an animation studio, sound and stage area and cartoon museum. (Through April 27. $8.50-$11. 651-221-9444.)