BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - October 9, 2012

Here are the top political headlines from BostonGlobe.com today:

• Partisan politics? Take a look at the 19th century: Political campaigns are marked by spite and bile today, but that's nothing compared with the tenor during the 1800s. Globe columnist Joanna Weiss reports.

• Economic news forces Romney to tweak message: The GOP candidate has adjusted his economic talking points since the unemployment rate dipped below eight on Friday. Globe correspondent Callum Borchers explains. 

• In new ad, Brown hits Warren on tax plan: Senator Scott Brown released a new television ad yesterday saying that the tax plan of Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren could lead to the loss of more than 700,000 jobs nationwide. Globe correspondent Sarah N. Mattero details.