Latest CBS/NY Times poll shows President Obama opens a big lead in three key states. Anthony Salvanto is the director of elections for CBS News.

State Representative Cole McNary — the Republican nominee for Missouri State Treasurer — on public pensions, downsizing state government.

East St. Louis Mayor Alvin Parks calls for extreme crime-fighting measures to save teens in the city — after a violent 36 hour period.

Local Italian Americans don’t like the effort to change the name of Columbus Day to Exploration Day. Rio Vitale is the head of the Italian American Heritage Corporation.

Jeff Coen is the co-author of the new book, “Golden: How Rob Blagojevich Talked Himself Out Of The Governor’s Office