America's ambassador and its secretary of commerce, Carlos Gutierrez, have both said that a victory for Mr Ortega would be bad for Nicaragua and made clear their preference for Mr Montealegre.

ECONOMIST: Nicaragua

That will be launched with the participation of Secretary of Commerce Locke and our U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk, along with Turkish counterparts.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Meets with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan

The former governor of Washington State, current Commerce Secretary, soon to be ambassador to China -- that's all one person -- Gary Locke is here with his beautiful wife. (Applause.) Secretary of Health and Human Services and former college basketball star, Kathleen Sebelius is in the house. (Applause.) The wonderful senator from Washington State, Patty Murray is here. (Applause.) There she is.

WHITEHOUSE: President welcomes the Seattle Storm