"Fine Republican weather," announced New York County's Republican Chairman Kenneth Simpson to a group of reporters at a Manhattan polling place at 5 o'clock one morning last week.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man who bought a tiger skin rug in violation of the federal endangered species act pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor charge, the government said.

Cincinnati man illegally purchased tiger skin, got $100,000 fine and probation. Buffalo man sold mounted leopard, faces $7,500 fine and probation.