The GOP presidential candidate said Sunday he needs to be elected as a check on a Democratic Congress is determined to increase taxes and the size of government.

Campaign Countdown Enters Single Digits

With nine days left in the presidential campaign, Sen. John McCain made his case in Iowa on Sunday. McCain said Democrats in control of Washington will be higher taxes.

"We can't let that happen," he told a crowd in Cedar Falls.

The Arizona senator is promising to "take America in a new direction" from his first day in office.

Sen. Barack Obama is leading in the polls and Democrats, who currently control the House and Senate, are on track for sizable gains in both houses.

McCain is dismissing the poll numbers, and told NBC's "Meet the Press" his campaign is "doing fine." He admits it's going to be a very close race, but he said he believes he's going to win it.

McCain: Palin Returning, Donating Clothing

While in Iowa, McCain answered a lingering question over his running mate's wardrobe. McCain said that one-third of the money spent on Gov. Sarah Palin's clothing and accessories has already been given back. He told NBC's 'Meet the Press" that "the rest will be donated to charity."

A McCain strategist said the third of the $150,000 that was returned included items that were the wrong size.

Palin's campaign spokeswoman, Tracey Schmitt, said some of the clothing was sent back after the Republican Convention. Schmitt said, "Many of the remaining clothes have never been worn."

She added that Palin generally wears her own outfits on the campaign trail.

Schmitt said Palin intends to donate to charity the items she has worn.

Obama Stirs Up Supporters In Colorado

Obama was in Colorado on Sunday, jumping on McCain's statement that he shares a "common philosophy" with President George W. Bush as evidence that his Republican rival is out of touch.

Speaking to an enormous crowd that filled a Denver park, Obama said McCain has finally offered a little "straight talk." He was referring to McCain's comment during a televised interview Sunday that "of course" he and Bush share the philosophy of the Republican Party.

The Democratic presidential contender said that philosophy amounts to giving more to millionaires and billionaires in hope that it trickles down.

Police estimate the crowd for the rally at well over 100,000.

Obama and McCain are competing intensely for Colorado's nine electoral votes. The toss-up state could seal the fate of the election if the race is close.

Later Sunday in Fort Collins, Obama spoke to an estimated 45,000 people on a Colorado State University lawn known as "The Oval."

Anchorage Paper Endorses Obama

Alaska's largest newspaper chose not to endorse the state's governor in the presidential race and instead endorsed Sen. Barack Obama's presidency.

The Anchorage Daily News endorsed Obama in an editorial posted Saturday night to its Web site.

The paper said: "Palin's nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all is said and done, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation.

"Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand. The same cannot be said of Sen. McCain."

The Daily said McCain has "stumbled and fumbled badly" in dealing with the economy. It goes on to argue that Obama better understands the meltdown's root causes and "has the judgment and intelligence to shape a solution, as well as the leadership to rally the country behind it."

The paper had some kind words for Palin. It said she's shown the country why she is a success as governor. But it also said that despite her passion, charisma and strong work ethic, few would argue that she is ready to be president.

On Sunday, the Richmond Times-Dispatch endorsed McCain, noting the Obama is too dedicated to raising taxes and creating a government solution for every problem.

"Experience -- particularly in international and military affairs -- is a significant issue at the top of the tickets," the Times-Dispatch wrote. "These Editorial Pages have long maintained that national security ranks as the most important responsibility of any American president. And by this measure, John McCain is the clear and unambiguous choice in 2008. The world remains a very dangerous place. McCain has demonstrated the courage and sound judgment needed to protect the free people of this nation -- and assist those fighting for freedom around the world."

Virginia is in play for the first time in decades and Obama has vowed to spend much of the waning days of the campaign in the state, trying to turn it blue on Nov. 4.

Three hours north of Richmond, the Baltimore Sun endorsed Obama on Sunday, saying:

"Sen. Obama's campaign has been extraordinarily open -- inclusive across generational, ethnic and class lines. His top advisers include Democrats and Republicans, giving substance to his promise of bipartisan leadership. He created a disciplined organization that raised record sums yet stayed within budget. Sen. Obama's campaign testifies to his managerial skill and talent for surrounding himself with smart, hardworking people.

"In his first term in Congress, Sen. Obama cannot claim decades of Washington experience. But his steadiness and thoughtful approach to issues show he has the judgment and depth of knowledge to lead the country. His first major decision after winning the nomination was to name Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, a proven foreign policy hand, as his running mate."

The Sioux Falls Argus Leader encouraged South Dakotans on Sunday to throw the state's three electoral votes to McCain.

"At a time when both houses of Congress are controlled by the Democratic Party -- and by margins that are likely to increase after this year's elections -- McCain has the best chance to bridge the distressingly wide partisan divides that have developed in recent years while preserving some sense of moderation."

Also Sunday, the Lansing State Journal in Michigan endorsed Obama, and down the road, the Grand Rapids Press went for McCain.