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Two non-politicians, businessman Donald Trump and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, dominate the contest for the Republican nomination, together accounting for more than half of the potential vote as support for traditional politicians continues to decline, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. In the contest for the Democratic nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton has lost significant ground over the past two months, as she has struggled to manage the controversy over her use of a private e-mail server while secretary of state. (Balz and Clement, 9/14)

Not long ago, Mr. Carson seemed the most far-fetched of candidates. He had compared President Obama’s health care law to slavery and was disinvited to speak at Johns Hopkins, his former employer, over comments about gay people. But he has found a legitimacy in his party thanks to his embrace from conservative voters, especially evangelical Christians. “Carson’s grass-roots support gives him a staying power that many of the other candidates don’t have,” said Erick Erickson, the founder of RedState, an influential conservative blog. But the real tests lie ahead, he cautioned: “Ultimately, votes are more important than money.” (Lichtblau and Gabriel, 9/13)

Ohio Gov. John Kasich said Saturday that he doesn't believe Congress should shut down the federal government in the fight to defund Planned Parenthood. Speaking to college Republicans at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, Kasich was asked by one of the audience members about the debate in Congress about the controversial women's health organization. (Kopan, 9/13)