Influence Alley

Good morning and welcome back to the Alley. Here are the headlines.

Senior House Democrats petitioned Republican leaders in the chamber to work with them on a bargain to avoid the defense sequester, The Hill reports. Democrats want to begin the talks before the August recess, The Hill reports, in the hopes of getting a deal by the end of September.

Three GOP senators, John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Kelly Ayotte, are going on the road in four swing states next week to warn about the dangers of the defense sequester, the Washington Post reports.

From the Associated Pres: "Florida Republican Rep. Allen West endorsed Rep. Sandy Adams on Thursday, backing a fellow tea party freshman over 10-term Rep. John Mica in an intraparty GOP fight that voters will decide next month.