Election briefs

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain, back from a Thanksgiving visit to Iraq, said Monday there are signs of progress though the country remains mired in corruption and U.S. commanders anticipate increased violence from a desperate al-Qaida.

The Republican presidential candidate said Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki "was more upbeat than I’ve seen him in the past.” Still, McCain said he and other members of a congressional delegation made it clear that al-Maliki needed to show political advances.

Streisand backs Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid

WASHINGTON — Barbra Streisand, who hedged her bets months ago with donations to Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards, has settled on one presidential candidate.

It’s Hillary.

"Madame President of the United States ... it’s an extraordinary thought. We truly are in a momentous time, where a woman’s potential has no limitations,” Streisand said in a statement released Tuesday by the Clinton campaign. "Hillary Clinton has already proven to a generation of women that there are no limits for success.”

The Oscar-winning actress and singer from Malibu, is an FOB — Friend of Bill Clinton — and the endorsement is hardly surprising.

In Hollywood, as in politics, timing is everything, and Streisand’s endorsement comes one day after another entertainment superstar, Oprah Winfrey, announced she would campaign for Clinton rival Barack Obama.

"Hillary is a powerful voice for change as we find our country at an important crossroads. Under her leadership, our country will regain its respect within the global community. She will prioritize issues of global climate change, universal health care and rebuilding a strong economy. After eight long years, the public will once again have faith in their government,” said Streisand, a longtime supporter of Democratic candidates. In the statement, Hillary Clinton said she was honored for the support.

"Barbra has used her immense talent to be an advocate for truth, justice, and fairness and I deeply appreciate her confidence in my candidacy as we work together to change the direction of our nation,” Clinton said.