John McCain visited Missouri State University in Springfield on Wednesday. He addressed several issues but hit energy hard which, along with the economy, is expected to be one of the campaign's major issues.

McCain is calling for construction of 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030. He's also pledging two billion dollars a year in federal funds to make clean coal a reality. The Republican candidate says that America needs to end its ban on offshore oil drilling because that will help reduce American dependence on foreign oil.

"But it's pretty clear to most of us that when it comes to energy what we really need is to produce more, use less, and find new sources of power; yet for reasons that become less convincing with every rise in the price of foreign oil, the federal government discourages offshore production," McCain said.

McCain said the 104 nuclear reactors currently in operation produce about twenty percent of the nation's annual electricity needs. He said they spare the atmosphere the equivalent of nearly all auto emissions in America. This was McCain's second visit to Missouri since narrowly winning Missouri's GOP primary in February.

As McCain talks energy, Barack Obama is beefing up his foreign policy credentials. Obama chose a panel of advisors to help him with foreign policy. The group includes several high-ranking Clinton officials, including Madeleine Albright, Warren Christopher and William Perry. Obama says he plans to consult the panel regularly between now and the election. He also promises that some of the panel members will likely serve in high posts if he's President. Obama also met this week with 40 retired Admirals and Generals. Obama also discussed his plans for education this week.

"When it comes to education, Senator McCain I believe is out of touch with the situation of many hard-working Americans....when I'm President, I will make college affordable for every American, period," said Obama.

Obama's education plan includes providing students with a four- thousand dollar annual tax credit towards tuition and fees in exchange for 100 hours of public service.

Both candidates have been busy talking issues, but who is leading in the polls? A new Washington Post poll says Independents and swing voters have McCain tied with Barack Obama. Nine out of 10 Republicans said they'll vote for McCain whereas just eight out of 10 Democrats in the poll say they'll vote for Obama.