On this day in 1941 Germany declared war on the United States. Also on this day in 1971, for you Ron Paul fans out there, the Libertarian Party was formed. Now for today's top election stories:

"Romney Runs Campaign's Inaugural TV Attack Ad" (Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times) Tom has the goods below. While this is certainly a testament to Mike Huckabee's continuing surge, someone had to be the first.

"It's Iowa, Not NH, for Thompson" (John Distaso, New Hampshire Union Leader) There's probably some folksy saying to describe in a down home way how Fred Thompson is moving to Iowa for the duration of the year -- maybe something like: Fred's going to dig in like a Tennessee tick. But anyway, New Hampshire voters are a jealous bunch and they like their candidates where they can see them.

"Independent Groups Poised to Play Big Role in Election" (Scott Helman, Boston Globe) The groups that operate independently of any campaign but do rivals' dirty work, like the Club for Growth and MoveOn.org, which emerged in 2004 as a consequence of McCain-Feingold regulations, are ready to make an even bigger impact this time around.

"Analysis: Turning Oprah Fans Into Voters" (Nedra Pickler, Associated Press) About 66,500 people attended the weekend Obama-Oprah rallies in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Quite a number, now the trick is to get those folks to the polls.

"Ex-president Clinton Calls Wife a Change Agent" (Jason Clayworth, Des Moines Register) Nothing says I love you like "change agent," which is how Bill described his wife yesterday while stumping in Iowa.

"Huckabee Does a Flip-Flop on Cuba" (Peter Wallsten, Los Angeles Times) Once a proponent of lifting the trade embargo on Cuba, Huckabee, with an eye on Florida's Jan. 29 primary, now says he's in favor the embargo. As Huckabee explained, "The simple reality that I'm running for president of the United States." At least it's an honest answer.

"Ron Paul Revolution: It Has Just Begun to Fight" (Jason George, Chicago Tribune) Just the latest in the media's series on Paul's online youth support. It's always fascinating, however, to read about the passion Paul does inspire in his fans.

"Huckabee Support Hinges on Churches" (Jeanne Cummings, The Politico) Perhaps threatening Huckabee's core support, the IRS says it will be scrutinizing churches that participate in political activities closely this election cycle. As part of their tax-exempt status, churches are forbidden to engage in political advocacy.

"Bloomberg: a Bachelor President?" (Sara Kugler, Associated Press) Grover Cleveland was the last bachelor president, which might say more about Mike Bloomberg's chances than he's willing to admit.

Get these and today's other election stories at RCP's Politics and Election page.