After marathon negotiations and despite warnings of dire consequences should the economic rescue plan fail, the House voted it down 228 to 205 Monday. 133 Republicans and 95 Democrats voted no. The stock market plunged on the news, with the Dow closing down more than 750 points. Supporters hope to regroup, but how was unclear. | New York Times

Political finger-pointing followed the vote. A switch of 12 would have changed the outcome, but party leaders could not muster the votes. | Politico

More than 3,000 out-of-town media, plus dozens of political operatives from both parties, will be descending on St. Louis for the vice presidential debate at Washington University Thursday. Here are some local facts, figures and advice so they can make their way around town like a local.

John McCain is facing a perfect storm: voter frustrations with the economy and the party in power plus indications that voters trust his opponent to better handle domestic issues. So why might Barack Obama lose? Saint Louis University professor Ken Warren looks at the polls and sees that "to a critical minority of voters, his race is a problem."

State Rep. Judy Baker of Columbia is the Democratic candidate for the 9th congressional district, an open seat that is one of the most hotly contested in the country. Baker gives her views on the most pressing issues facing constituents.

From famous CEOs like John Mack of Morgan Stanley to infamous CEOs like Kenneth Lay of Enron, short-sellers have been blamed for major flops in companies' stocks. Critics of short selling -- the betting that stocks will fall -- have called these investors anything from anti-American to financial terrorists to vultures. The critics are often CEOs whose stocks are being battered, but many experts say responsible short-selling is not only a time-honored financial tactic but also a necessary one.

Updated 4:15 p.m., Sept. 26: As the financial bailout talks continue in Washington, U.S. Rep. Todd Akin wants to make sure that Congress doesn't feel a false sense of urgency and do anything rash with taxpayers' money. Akin, a Republican from Town and Country, is part of the GOP study committee whose members have balked at the federal bailout plan. The group is proposing a federally backed insurance program instead.