The National Rifle Association has endorsed U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., in this year's senate race.

The NRA cited Santorum's advocacy of Second Amendment rights as one reason for the endorsement.

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The Constitution Party of Pennsylvania elected Hagan Smith chairman at its annual state convention Oct. 21 in Clarion County.

Smith of Penn Township said the state party needs to recruit new members to restore constitutionally limited government and restore the public's trust in elected officials.

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Gov. Ed Rendell, along with other Democratic party candidates, will make a campaign stop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Slippery Rock University Union.

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Republican Sen. Rick Santorum and former Pennsylvania Congressman Pat Toomey will be at the fire hall in Middlesex Township on Sunday. Doors open at 3:15 p.m. and the senator is expected about 4 p.m.