robliberal.com » 2005

Apr 30 2005

A Rocky First 100 Days for New Bush Term photoW…

A Rocky First 100 Days for New Bush Term photo
WASHINGTON (AP) – One hundred days into his second term, President Bush has lost much of the political muscle he boasted about after winning re-election. Gas prices are rising, his approval ratings are sagging and Americans are unhappy with his handling of the economy and Iraq. Now he’s trying to…

House GOP Eye Social Security Draft photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans injected new urgency Friday into their drive to overhaul Social Security, unveiling plans to draft legislation in June and brushing aside Democratic claims they intend to cut benefits for middle-class retirees. “I’m confident we’re going to get something done,”…
Ex-Georgia Sen. Zell Miller Hospitalized photo GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) – Former Sen. Zell Miller fell ill while giving a speech Thursday night and was taken to a hospital emergency room. His wife said he had flu-like symptoms. Miller, 73, was in stable condition at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, according to nursing supervisor Tammy Harbison….
Negroponte Takes Over Daily Briefings WASHINGTON (AP) – For the first time, new national intelligence director John Negroponte stepped into the Oval Office this week to present President Bush with his classified daily intelligence briefing. The Wednesday morning session came as the administration is rethinking the way the government…
Official Says Bolton Flouted Travel Rules photo WASHINGTON (AP) – John R. Bolton, the embattled nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, regularly tried to set up meetings abroad with Russian, British and French officials without notifying the U.S. Embassy or the State Department, the outgoing head of the department’s European…
Secretary Pick Sparks Outcry in California photo LOS ANGELES (AP) – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed the superintendent of San Diego schools Friday to be state education secretary, a pick that alarmed the teachers union and signaled continued friction between the governor and organized labor. Alan Bersin, 58, will take the job when Richard…
Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Voter ID Bill MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed a bill Friday that would have required voters to show government-issued picture identification at the polls, saying it would disenfranchise elderly voters. Republicans had argued that the bill would help eliminate the potential for fraud during elections,…
Prosecutors to Investigate L.A. Candidate LOS ANGELES (AP) – Prosecutors said Friday they were looking into out-of-state donations to mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa, one day after the city councilman said he was returning $47,000 from workers of two Florida-based companies. Mayor James Hahn had asked the city Ethics Commission to…
Memo Describes Allegations Against Mfume BALTIMORE (AP) – Kweisi Mfume said someone was trying to hurt his candidacy for the Senate by leaking an internal NCAAP memo that outlined claims that he gave preferential treatment to a subordinate he dated while president of the civil rights organization. “It clearly came from someone trying to…
Ex-Senator Joins Kinky Friedman’s Campaign AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A former senator who engineered Jesse Ventura’s surprise election as Minnesota governor is joining author Kinky Friedman’s independent bid for governor of Texas. Former Sen. Dean Barkley, who has recently been a consultant and lobbyist, will serve as campaign director and…
Congress Passes Budget That Cuts Medicaid photo WASHINGTON (AP) – A $2.6 trillion budget outline barely approved by Congress will cut projected spending on Medicaid for the poor, lock in tax cuts and – Republicans claim – put the country on a path toward lower federal deficits. Democrats unanimously opposed the spending outline passed late…

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Congress Passes Budget That Cuts Medicaid photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Congress narrowly passed a $2.6 trillion budget Thursday that would cut back spending on the Medicaid health care program for the first time since 1997 in a step toward trimming federal deficits. The Senate voted 52-47 to approve the blueprint of tax and spending priorities just…
Bush Pitches Less Soc. Sec. for Better-Off photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush, trying to set off a depth charge under Social Security negotiations, on Thursday proposed asking future middle and higher-income retirees to accept smaller benefit checks than they’re currently slated to receive. In a prime-time news conference, Bush said a system…
Ex-Georgia Sen. Zell Miller Hospitalized GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) – Former Sen. Zell Miller fell ill while giving a speech Thursday night and was taken to a hospital emergency room. His wife said he had flu-like symptoms. Miller, 73, was in stable condition at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, according to nursing supervisor Tammy Harbison….
Kansas Anti-Abortion Bill Veto Sticks TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Anti-abortion lawmakers failed Thursday to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ veto of a bill imposing additional regulations on clinics that perform abortions. The state House vote was 82-42 – two votes short of the minimum needed to send the bill to the Senate, where some…
Pentagon Shows Flag-Draped Coffin Photos photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The Pentagon, under pressure from open-government advocates, released hundreds of images Thursday of flag-draped coffins of American soldiers. The Pentagon had previously refused to release such images, which were taken by military photographers. Nor has it allowed the news media…
GAO: Government’s Crash Test Needs Work WASHINGTON (AP) – The government’s crash test program for vehicles needs an upgrade to remain relevant as automobiles and safety risks change, congressional investigators said Thursday. The usefulness of the crash test program – which includes a star-rating system – has diminished with the growing…
L.A. Mayoral Candidate Returns Donations LOS ANGELES (AP) – Mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa will return $47,000 in donations from workers and their relatives at two Miami-based companies, his campaign said Thursday. The announcement came just hours after lawyers for Mayor James Hahn requested the city Ethics Commission investigate…
Frist Won’t Budge on Filibuster Demands photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist refused to budge Thursday on his demand that Democrats forgo filibusters against all of President Bush’s past or present appeals court nominations. “Throughout this debate, we have held firm to a simple principle, judicial nominees deserve…
Memo Describes Allegations Against Mfume BALTIMORE (AP) – Senate candidate Kweisi Mfume on Thursday disputed allegations that he gave preferential treatment to a subordinate he dated while he was president of the NAACP. Mfume said someone was trying to hurt his Senate candidacy by leaking the internal NCAAP memo that outlined the claims….
Calif. Attorney General Won’t Run for Gov. photo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – California Attorney General Bill Lockyer dropped plans Thursday to run for governor, citing a wish to avoid the partisan attacks and heavy fundraising required to take on Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Lockyer said he would instead run for state treasurer. The Democrat…

House OKs Bill Toughening Abortion Consent WASHINGTON (AP) – The House passed a bill Wednesday that would make it illegal to dodge parental-consent laws by taking minors across state lines for abortions, the latest effort to chip away at abortion rights after Republican gains in the November elections. By 270-157, the House sent the bill…
Bush Touts Technology to Solve Energy Woes photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush called for construction of more nuclear power plants and urged Congress on Wednesday to give tax breaks for fuel-efficient hybrid and clean-diesel cars. He also said he was powerless to bring down high gasoline costs. Calling the problem one of not having enough…
Ex-N.J. Governor Resigns From Law Firm TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – Amid conflict of interest allegations, former Gov. James E. McGreevey resigned Wednesday from a law firm that hired him last year after he left office over a homosexual affair. The allegations involve McGreevey’s legal work on behalf of companies his administration selected…
Salazar Backs Off ‘Antichrist’ Comment DENVER (AP) – Colorado Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar, locked in a bitter tussle with a conservative Christian group over President Bush’s judicial nominees, referred to the group as “the Antichrist.” He backed off Wednesday, saying he regretted using the term. Salazar attacked Focus on the Family…
Polls Find NYC Mayor Ahead of Challengers NEW YORK (AP) – Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg has pulled ahead of his Democratic challengers and would win another term if voters had to decide now, according to a poll released Wednesday. A Marist College Institute for Public Opinion survey found Bloomberg leading the Democratic…
Gore Blasts GOP Bid to Block Filibusters photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Former Vice President Al Gore on Wednesday blamed Republican “lust for one-party domination” for the GOP campaign to change Senate rules on filibustering judicial nominees, and he assailed religious zealots for driving the effort. Wading into the political fight that has roiled…
GOP Plans Vote to Overcome Dems’ EPA Block WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Republicans will try this week to overcome a Democratic senator’s block on President Bush’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Republicans on Wednesday set up a confrontation over the hold on Stephen Johnson’s nomination imposed by Sen. Thomas Carper,…
U.S. Says Groups Aid al-Qaida Terrorists WASHINGTON (AP) – Freelance terror operations, either affiliated with al-Qaida or inspired by its goals, are a growing menace as the terrorist network’s loss of central leadership degrades its potency, the State Department said Wednesday. Nevertheless, Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida remained “the…
GOP Wants to Curb Medicaid Estate Planning WASHINGTON (AP) – To slow the rapidly growing Medicaid program, some lawmakers would like to make it harder for the elderly to shelter their assets as a way to have the government cover more of their nursing home expenses. GOP members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked state Medicaid…
Budget Negotiations to Cut Medicaid Falter WASHINGTON (AP) – Negotiations faltered Wednesday toward a budget agreement that would slow the growth in Medicaid spending, a spokesman for a key Republican senator said. Medicaid became the central point of negotiations after the Senate, led by Oregon Republican Gordon Smith, voted to strike…

Committee Prepares Questions for Bolton photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee prepared a list of about 20 questions Tuesday for John R. Bolton, including requests for e-mails and telephone logs relating to confrontations he has had with intelligence analysts, according to Senate staff. Bolton, President…
Frist Rejects Deals in Filibuster Fight photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist on Tuesday rejected compromise offers that would allow minority Democrats to continue to block judicial nominees, saying all of President Bush’s past and future court choices deserve confirmation votes from the GOP-controlled Senate. “At the end…
House GOP Weighs Ethics Panel Concessions WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republican leaders weighed additional concessions to Democrats Tuesday night as they struggled to limit political fallout from a virtual shutdown of the ethics committee. GOP officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said party leaders were considering options…
Bush Offers Boost to Embattled DeLay photo GALVESTON, Texas (AP) – President Bush praised House Majority Leader Tom DeLay on Tuesday and gave him an Air Force One ride back to Washington as the administration worked to cool grumbling about the embattled Texas congressman. The White House denied that DeLay’s appearance with Bush at a Social…
Bush Threatens Veto on Highway Bill photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The Bush administration issued a veto threat again Tuesday against a popular highway bill, saying the president would be likely to reject any legislation that exceeds a White House-set spending ceiling or adds to the deficit. The administration, in saying the legislation “should…
House, Senate Republicans Work on Budget WASHINGTON (AP) – House and Senate Republicans worked Tuesday toward agreement on a budget blueprint that calls for shaving roughly $10 billion from projected Medicaid spending over the next five years, according to officials familiar with the discussions. Negotiators said no agreement had been…
Records Show DeLay, Lobbyist Daily Contact photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Tom DeLay and his top aides were often in daily contact with lobbyist Jack Abramoff during the mid-1990s as the lobbyist made campaign contributions and arranged travel for the House leader while seeking legislative help for a multimillion-dollar client, according to law firm…
Senators Continue to Push Asbestos Bill WASHINGTON (AP) – Lawmakers said Tuesday they plan to push ahead with legislation to ban asbestos liability lawsuits in exchange for a $140 billion trust fund despite lingering opposition from some interest groups. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter and the panel’s top Democrat,…
Weld Considers Run for N.Y. Governor photo ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld said Tuesday he is seriously considering running for governor of New York if his fellow Republican, Gov. George Pataki, does not seek a fourth term next year. Weld, who spoke to The Associated Press by telephone from Kentucky, said he…
Rep. Benjamin Cardin Announces Senate Run BALTIMORE (AP) – After 18 years in Congress, Rep. Benjamin Cardin on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat long held by retiring Sen. Paul Sarbanes. “Together with Barbara Mikulski, I intend to carry on the work of Paul Sarbanes,” Cardin said in a statement, referring to…

Bush Urges Saudis to Boost Oil Production photo CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) – President Bush prodded Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Abdullah on Monday to help curb skyrocketing oil prices, and the White House expressed hope that the kingdom’s plans would ease U.S. gasoline prices that have shot above $2.20 a gallon. “A high oil price will damage markets,…
Ex-Diplomat: Bolton Lacks Needed Qualities photo WASHINGTON (AP) – A former colleague of John R. Bolton says President Bush’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations “has none of the qualities needed for that job.” Bolton “has all the qualities needed to harm the image and objectives in the U.N. and its affiliated international…
Dems Want to Focus on Other Savings Plans photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democrats, emboldened by their united opposition to President Bush’s Social Security privatization proposal, are preparing to pivot soon to supporting proposals aimed on boosting personal savings outside the federal retirement program. Among the ideas being considered,…
Base Closings Carry Political Risks WASHINGTON (AP) – The upcoming round of military base closings must be “untarnished by political influence,” Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole declared. Then she put in a plug for her own state. North Carolina “supports a unique military infrastructure,” prime for expansion not closure, Dole told the…
House GOP Doesn’t Plan Probe of Judges WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans say they haven’t opened and don’t plan any new investigations of federal judges after Terri Schiavo’s death despite Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s promise to examine the judiciary’s conduct. Some of the issues raised by DeLay were being examined by Judiciary…
San Diego Mayor Murphy Resigns Amid Probe SAN DIEGO (AP) – Mayor Dick Murphy announced his resignation Monday amid a widening federal investigation into the handling of the city’s deficit-riddled pension fund. “It’s clear to me that the city needs a fresh start,” Murphy said, holding back emotion as he made the surprise announcement at…
Money Flows More Slowly to DeLay Defense WASHINGTON (AP) – Majority Leader Tom DeLay continued raising money for his legal defense fund early this year, but the flow of money slowed significantly compared with last year, according to reports DeLay filed Monday. DeLay raised $47,750 in the first three months of the year, far less than the…
Huffington Invites Friends to Join Blog LOS ANGELES (AP) – Political commentator Arianna Huffington will launch a news and opinion Web site next month including blogs written by more than 200 celebrities and leaders such as retired journalist Walter Cronkite, writer David Mamet and billionaire Barry Diller, CEO of IAC InterActive Corp….
Conservative Southern Dems Disappearing photo WASHINGTON (AP) – In consecutive days last month, Alabama lost two legends from a disappearing movement – Southern Democrats who were powerful in Washington because of their party’s majority and powerful back home because of their tendency to buck it. Look around Congress these days and you’ll…
Supreme Court Declines to Hear POWs’ Case WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court on Monday declined to consider whether U.S. prisoners of war who say they were tortured during the 1991 Gulf War should collect a $959 million judgment from Iraq. The justices let stand a lower court ruling that threw out the lawsuit by the 17 former POWs and 37…

Study: 50-Somethings Rely on Soc. Sec. WASHINGTON (AP) – A group prominent in the fight against President Bush’s plan to push for private accounts in Social Security says people near or in retirement are relying increasingly on the federal program, underscoring the need to protect their benefits. The AARP was making that point in a…
Bolton Urged to Withdraw As U.N. Nominee photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush’s choice to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations should withdraw from consideration or risk embarrassing the president, a Senate Democrat said Sunday. The White House said it stood by John R. Bolton. A Republican colleague said “it’s too close to call” as to…
Cheney Meets With Saudi Prince in Texas photo DALLAS (AP) – Vice President Dick Cheney met on Sunday with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah ahead of the Saudi’s talks Monday at President Bush’s ranch, where oil prices, terrorism and democratic reforms in the Middle East will top the agenda. Cheney and Abdullah met at a hotel where Abdullah was…
Grams Ends Bid to Run for Senate in 2006 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Citing the potential for a divisive campaign ahead, conservative former U.S. Sen. Rod Grams said Sunday he is ending his bid to return to the Senate in 2006. Grams told The Associated Press that while he believed he could still win the Republican nomination for the seat he lost…
Weld Said to Talk Likely Run for N.Y. Gov. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld has had discussions with New York Republican officials about a possible run for governor or the U.S. Senate next year in the state where he has lived since 2000, a top GOP official said Sunday. The party official, speaking to The…
U.S. Governors Consider Medicaid Reform The nation’s governors, weighing what to tell Congress they want from Medicaid reform, may take aim at the common practice of seniors giving away their assets so the government pays for nursing home care. They could also demand that the poor pay a share – or a greater share – of their health care…
Bush Faces Hurdles on Energy Agenda WASHINGTON (AP) – Running for president five years ago, George W. Bush pledged to jawbone energy-exporting nations to keep oil prices low and to win passage of legislation to spur more domestic energy production. Delivering on either count has proved difficult for the Texas oilman. Soaring oil and…
Sparks Fly in Los Angeles Mayor Debate LOS ANGELES (AP) – Mayor James Hahn and challenger Antonio Villaraigosa traded more verbal punches Saturday in their final debate, an edgy exchange in which both candidates said they could best lead the city to a prosperous future. As in their previous encounters, much of the debate was devoted to…
Microsoft: No Pressure on Gay Rights Bill SEATTLE (AP) – In an e-mail to employees, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer shot down suggestions that pressure from a local pastor triggered the company’s decision to not publicly support a gay rights bill before the state legislature this year. Microsoft Corp. wanted to focus on computer privacy,…
Democrats: Bill Will Boost Gas Prices photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The energy bill that passed the House on Thursday will raise gasoline prices and subsidize oil companies but fail to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said Saturday. Markey, who tried unsuccessfully to force changes in the bill during…

Bolton Finds U.N. Nomination in Jeopardy photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Withdraw or be pushed out by the White House. Survive the test of his professional life. Suffer a rejection by the Senate. That’s about what it comes down to for John R. Bolton, President Bush’s besieged nominee to be U.N. ambassador. Bolton could weather the indignity of further…
Bush Seeks Funding for Iraq, Afghanistan photo CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) – President Bush is pushing Congress to provide more money for combat and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan – funds the Pentagon says it needs by the first week of May. “I applaud the House and Senate for their strong support of my supplemental funding request for our…
Democrats: Bill Will Boost Gas Prices photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The energy bill that passed the House on Thursday will raise gasoline prices and subsidize oil companies but fail to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said Saturday. Markey, who tried unsuccessfully to force changes in the bill during…
Conservatives See Win in Rise of New Pope Now that Americans have had a few days to absorb the election of Pope Benedict XVI, it’s clear that conservative Christians – whether Roman Catholic or not – feel they’ve won another battle in the nation’s culture wars. Liberals seem ready to concede the point, but they aren’t happy about it. The…
Microsoft: No Pressure on Gay Rights Bill SEATTLE (AP) – In an e-mail to employees, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer shot down suggestions that pressure from a local pastor triggered the company’s decision to not publicly support a gay rights bill before the state legislature this year. Microsoft Corp. wanted to focus on computer privacy,…
Sparks Fly in Los Angeles Mayor Debate LOS ANGELES (AP) – Mayor James Hahn and challenger Antonio Villaraigosa traded more verbal punches Saturday in their final debate, an edgy exchange in which both candidates said they could best lead the city to a prosperous future. As in their previous encounters, much of the debate was devoted to…
Triumphs, Defeats Mark Gay-Rights Battle Gay and lesbian activists are tearful in Washington state, joyful in Connecticut and angry in Texas after a series of legislative votes that reflect America’s tumultuous, seesaw debate over whether to broaden or narrow their rights. Connecticut, in a historic step last week, became the first state…
Critics: Frist Mingling Religion, Politics WASHINGTON (AP) – It may seem like Sen. Bill Frist has found religion in recent weeks. At least, that’s what critics say about the Senate majority leader’s recent alignment with social conservative groups on high-profile issues. Their charge is that Frist is playing to religious groups to gather…
Probe of FDA Breast Implant Review Sought photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Six women’s groups are asking Congress to investigate the Food and Drug Administration’s review of silicone-gel breast implants, citing an agency e-mail that they say suggests officials were under inappropriate pressure to approve the devices. Inamed Corp. and Mentor Corp. want…
‘Justice Sunday’ Event Sparking Protests LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A church is hosting a political event Sunday to protest Democratic lawmakers’ use of the filibuster to block President Bush’s judiciary nominees, a moved that’s prompted an outcry from Democrats and some religious leaders. “Justice Sunday” at Highview Baptist Church,…

Activists Ask Who Led Them From Bush Event DENVER (AP) – A lawyer for three people removed from a President Bush town hall meeting – allegedly because of a “No More Blood for Oil” bumper sticker on their car – said Friday he is seeking the identity of the man who escorted the activists out, and plans to sue. “We want to know who this…
Cheney Backs Bolton As Ambassador Nominee photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Known for his own acerbic style, Vice President Dick Cheney on Friday came to the defense of John R. Bolton, who is struggling to survive blistering criticism and win confirmation as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. As the Senate Foreign Relations Committee set May 12 to…
‘Justice Sunday’ Event Sparking Protests LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A church is hosting a political event Sunday to protest Democratic lawmakers’ use of the filibuster to block President Bush’s judiciary nominees, a moved that’s prompted an outcry from Democrats and some religious leaders. “Justice Sunday” at Highview Baptist Church,…
White House to Enforce Abortion-Fetus Law WASHINGTON (AP) – The Bush administration said Friday that it would enforce a nearly 3-year-old federal law that requires doctors to attempt to keep alive a fetus that survives an abortion. In making the announcement, the Department of Health and Human Services Department said it was an attempt to…
GOP, Dems Diverge on Social Security Bill WASHINGTON (AP) – Hope of finding a bipartisan solution to Social Security’s financial problems has diminished, with Senate Republicans planning to write a bill by themselves and Democrats promoting a rally against the private investment accounts that are the centerpiece of President Bush’s plan….
DeLay Thanks NASA for Shuttle Efforts HOUSTON (AP) – Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay thanked NASA engineers, scientists and astronauts Friday for their efforts to return the space shuttle to flight. DeLay did not mention his ongoing political problems during his keynote speech at the Rotary National Award for Space…
Calif. Gov. on Stump for Special Election photo ROSEVILLE, Calif. (AP) – Trying to jump-start his apparently struggling petitions campaign, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged workers at a Hewlett Packard plant Friday to support his effort to qualify three ballot measures for a possible fall special election. The rally, which was closed to the…
Lawmaker Welcomes Possible Ethics Vote photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The senior Democrat on the House ethics committee on Friday welcomed reports that House Speaker Dennis Hastert may allow a vote on new rules that have paralyzed the panel. But Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., added that the issue won’t be resolved unless Hastert also persuades…
Ga. Gov. Signs Voter ID Mandate Into Law ATLANTA (AP) – Gov. Sonny Perdue on Friday signed into law a requirement that voters show photo identification before casting ballots, legislation that had prompted most black lawmakers to walk out of the state Capitol. Previously, registered voters could present a Social Security card or other…
Chairman of Voting Reform Panel Resigns WASHINGTON (AP) – The first chairman of a federal voting agency created after the 2000 election dispute is resigning, saying the government has not shown enough commitment to reform. DeForest Soaries said in an interview Friday that his resignation would take effect next week. Though Soaries, 53,…

House Approves Broad Energy Bill photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The House approved a far-ranging energy bill Thursday that would open an Alaska wildlife refuge to oil drilling and shield makers of a controversial gasoline additive from environmental lawsuits – both issues likely to meet strong opposition in the Senate. The bill also would…
Bush Urges Senate to Confirm Bolton photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush prodded the Senate on Thursday to confirm John R. Bolton as U.N. ambassador and blamed politics for holding up the vote. Bush’s 2004 presidential challenger said Bolton, if approved, would be weakened by the allegations against him. Two days after the…
Ailing Specter Now Pushes Stem Cell Research WASHINGTON (AP) – Sen. Arlen Specter is pushing legislation to expand stem cell research with the perspective of a man fighting a deadly illness. The Pennsylvania Republican has Hodgkin’s disease, a cancer of the lymph system, and is being treated with chemotherapy. He and two colleagues…
Lawmaker Letter Links Laws, Donations WASHINGTON (AP) – Hours before the House approved energy legislation Thursday, Democratic Rep. Ed Markey sent a fundraising pitch telling prospective donors how he planned to vote and asking them to send him campaign contributions. Markey’s fundraising e-mail noted amendments he unsuccessfully…
DeLay Fundraisers Give Thousands to GOP photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s political fundraising committee gave $144,010 to Republican federal candidates last month, according to the committee’s latest reports. The committee, Americans for a Republican Majority, reported giving $137,701 in direct contributions to 15…
McCain, Kennedy to Propose Fining Illegals photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Sens. John McCain and Edward M. Kennedy are putting together an immigration bill that would subject illegal immigrants to fines, but allow them to remain in the United States and earn a chance to apply for permanent residency. The measure is an alternative to President Bush’s…
Election Panel Fines Frist’s Volunteer PAC WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Election Commission fined Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s political action committee $10,000 for misstating or failing to adequately report certain financial information. The FEC said Thursday the fine stemmed from an audit of Volunteer PAC’s financial activities…
Parties Seek Gain in DeLay Ethics Scandal photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans and Democrats competed on Thursday to gain political advantage from a stubborn deadlock over the ethics committee, one day after the GOP offered to open an investigation of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California denounced…
Bush Touts Social Security to Salesmen photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush served as pitchman in chief Thursday as he touted his Social Security plan to a roomful of salesmen. Speaking to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, Bush ticked off a series of figures aimed at convincing them that Social Security is headed for…
Pa. Mayor Seeks Re-Election Amid Charges ERIE, Pa. (AP) – Along the main drag downtown, a mayoral candidate’s signs proclaim “Honesty, Integrity, Action” from the windows of a corner building. The candidate’s slogan is more than just the usual political rhetoric. The man he is challenging, Mayor Rick Filippi, is running for re-election…

Senators Want Officials’ Take on Bolton photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Senators considering the nomination of John R. Bolton to be U.N. ambassador sought information Wednesday from former CIA Deputy Director John McLaughlin and two current intelligence officials in their review of whether Bolton abused his authority and misled a Senate committee….
Connecticut Approves Civil Unions for Gays photo HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Connecticut on Wednesday became the second state to offer civil unions to gay couples – and the first to do so without being forced by the courts. About an hour after the state Senate sent her the legislation, Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed into law a bill that will…
House, Senate Split on Nonparty Funds WASHINGTON (AP) – The House and Senate appear headed in different directions on dealing with the influence of soft-money groups like the Republican-leaning Swift Boat Veterans and Democrat-aligned MoveOn.org that emerged in last year’s presidential election. A House committee chairman on Wednesday…
Sen. Jeffords Won’t Seek Re-Election photo SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) – Sen. Jim Jeffords, who single-handedly upset the balance of power on Capitol Hill four years ago when he quit the Republican Party to become an independent, announced Wednesday he will retire at the end of his term next year, citing his own health problems and those of…
Bush Inaugural Committee Raised $42M photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Corporations, wealthy individuals and others gave $42 million to help finance President Bush’s inaugural festivities, a finance report filed Wednesday shows. As with Bush’s 2001 swearing-in, companies gave much of the money for galas and other celebrations around January’s…
Lobbyist Gave DeLay a Skybox for Donors photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay treated his political donors to a bird’s-eye view of a Three Tenors concert from an arena skybox leased by a lobbyist now under criminal investigation. DeLay’s political action committee did not reimburse lobbyist Jack Abramoff for the May 2000 use…
Schwarzenegger Sorry for Border Comment photo SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Blaming his faulty English, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday said he misspoke when he suggested that California’s border with Mexico should be closed to help solve the nation’s illegal immigration problem. Schwarzenegger made the remark while speaking to newspaper…
Forum in Chicago Examines Daley Legacy photo CHICAGO (AP) – The late Richard J. Daley was portrayed Wednesday as a confidante of presidents who never aspired to higher office because he thought he held the best job in the country. On the 50th anniversary of Daley’s first inauguration as mayor, the Richard J. Daley Urban Forum examined the…
Rice Announces Presidential Run by Mistake photo WASHINGTON (AP) – It was a long interview in Moscow, and maybe she was tired from her travels, but for just a moment Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice declared Wednesday that she would seek the U.S. presidency. “One day you will run for president?” Rice was asked on Ekko Moskvy Radio….
Ney Neglected to Report Campaign Money WASHINGTON (AP) – Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, held a campaign fundraiser at a Washington Wizards basketball game two years ago but failed to report the use of a $1,500 luxury suite leased to an Indian tribe, according to amended campaign finance reports filed this week. The event at the MCI Center in…

Frist: Filibuster Ban Won’t Include Bills WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist pledged Tuesday that any effort by Republicans to ban Democratic filibusters of President Bush’s judicial nominees would not apply to filibusters on legislation. “There is no need for change in relation to legislative matters,” Frist said in a…
Bush Hails Newly Elected Pope Benedict photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush on Tuesday called newly elected Pope Benedict XVI a “man of great wisdom and knowledge.” He is “a man who serves the Lord,” Bush said of the pope, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who has been a leading church hard-liner. Bush, standing next to first lady Laura…
Democrats: HSD Omits Right-Wing Threats WASHINGTON (AP) – The Homeland Security Department is focusing on possible terror threats from radical environmental and animal rights activists without also examining risks that might be posed by right-wing extremists, House Democrats said Tuesday. A recent internal Homeland Security document…
Specter Moving Ahead With Asbestos Bill WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter said Tuesday he plans to move ahead with his legislation aimed at ending asbestos liability lawsuits in exchange for a $140 billion victims trust fund, despite concerns from fellow Republicans. After a closed-door meeting with…
DeLay Slams Supreme Court Justice photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay intensified his criticism of the federal courts on Tuesday, singling out Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy’s work from the bench as “incredibly outrageous” because he has relied on international law and done research on the Internet. DeLay said…
GOP Congressional Leaders Eyeing Dissent WASHINGTON (AP) – Despite their largest congressional majorities in decades, Republicans are struggling with internal dissent as they try to ride out a House ethics controversy and win a Senate showdown over confirmation of President Bush’s court nominees. The worries are short-term and longer…
Hastert PAC Pays Old Tab for Fundraiser photo WASHINGTON (AP) – A political action committee for House Speaker Dennis Hastert only recently paid for a fundraising lunch that took place nearly two years ago at a lobbyist’s restaurant, a Hastert spokesman said Tuesday. The June 3, 2003, event was at Signatures, an upscale restaurant partly…
Bob Kerrey: No Plans to Run for NYC Mayor NEW YORK (AP) – Former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey said Tuesday he does not intend to run for mayor of New York City, ending a brief flirtation with the race. “I am not running for the mayor of New York City, nor do I intend to be a candidate,” the Democrat said in a statement. He said he “seriously…
Ohio Senator Again Clashes Over Bush Pick WASHINGTON (AP) – The Ohio senator who surprised fellow Republicans on Tuesday with his sudden concerns about President Bush’s nominee for ambassador to the United Nations is known as a maverick. Sen. George Voinovich was the rare Republican holdout against Bush’s 2003 tax cut plan, an…
RNC Raises $32 Million in Three Months WASHINGTON (AP) – The Republican National Committee raised a record $32.3 million from January through March, more than double the Democrats’ total. The RNC finished March with $26.2 million on hand, Chairman Ken Mehlman said Monday. The money it collected in the first quarter tops its fundraising…

DeLay Mailing Says He Never Broke Law photo WASHINGTON (AP) – In a fresh counterattack, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay told supporters in a mailing made public Monday that he has “never been found to have violated any law or rule by anyone” despite numerous allegations. “Democrats have made clear that their only agenda is the politics of…
GOP Rep. Henry Hyde to Retire in 2006 photo CHICAGO (AP) – U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde, the Illinois Republican who steered the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton and championed government restrictions on abortion funding, announced Monday that he will retire when his term ends in 2006. Hyde, who serves as chairman of the House…
Bush Pitches Social Security in S.C. photo COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – President Bush on Monday made a fresh pitch for his Social Security overhaul in this Republican-friendly state, yet a Republican congressman made clear that Bush still faces resistance within his own party. While Bush still hasn’t offered a specific plan to strengthen the…
Federal Elections Hampered by Machines photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Former President Carter and one-time Secretary of State James A. Baker on Monday rejected the notion that Democrats and Republicans have different interests in who gets to vote. At the first meeting of a bipartisan commission examining federal election problems, the two co-chairs…
Rove Decries Media Approach to Government CHESTERTOWN, Md. (AP) – The media have started applying the horse race style of campaign coverage to daily reporting on government, leading to adversarial reporting that can obscure the truth just to create conflict, President Bush’s chief political strategist said Monday. Speaking at a forum at…
N.M. Gov.: Dems Must Connect With Values photo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, often mentioned as a possible Democratic presidential candidate, said Monday the Democratic Party must reconnect with voters’ core values if it hopes to regain congressional seats and perhaps even the presidency. Partisan fights in the nation’s…
Hillary Clinton Talks About Re-Election photo ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – She is leading in the polls for her party’s White House nod in 2008. Republican Newt Gingrich ranks her as a formidable presidential candidate. Longtime critics are amassing money and manpower to derail her political career. And all Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton wants to talk…
Bush Supporter Sues RNC Over ‘W’ Logo photo DALLAS (AP) – A supporter of President Bush is suing the Republican National Committee and one of its suppliers, claiming they stole his design for the ubiquitous “W” bumper sticker logo in the 2004 campaign. Jerry Gossett of Wichita Falls says he pitched his design for a logo to the RNC’s…
Race for New York City Mayor Heats Up NEW YORK (AP) – Former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey’s musings about running for mayor of New York against Republican Michael Bloomberg have suddenly injected some excitement into the race and underscored what is widely seen as the weakness of the Democratic field of four. Kerrey, president of New…
L.A. Mayor Pounds Home Re-Election Message photo LOS ANGELES (AP) – Seeking to make his case for re-election, Mayor James Hahn told cheering supporters Monday that Los Angeles “is safer, stronger and improving every day.” Slumping in the polls in his campaign for a second four-year term, Hahn used his annual State of the City address to blunt…

GOP Chips Away at Dems’ Filibuster Efforts photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Majority Republicans are chipping away at Senate Democrats’ ability to defeat a change in internal rules involving filibusters – the Democrats’ most potent weapon to block GOP legislation and judicial appointees they oppose. One Republican who has been undecided on the rule…
Public Money Funds Social Security Polls photo WASHINGTON (AP) – While politicians debated saving Social Security, its federal overseer spent $2 million to poll the public. The Clinton administration wanted to know if people thought the program saved older Americans from poverty. The Bush administration refocused questions on its private…
DeLay Finds Friendly Audience With NRA photo HOUSTON (AP) – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, under fire for alleged ethics violations, accused liberal Democrats and the national media of giving him a hard time in a keynote speech at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention Saturday evening. DeLay only briefly mentioned the ethics…
Money for Diplomacy Growing Since 2001 photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush has made spreading democracy and halting terrorism in other countries a priority, and at first glance his budgets have leaned more on defense than diplomacy to achieve that objective. But a close look at spending trends since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, shows a…
Bob Kerrey Considering NYC Mayoral Run NEW YORK (AP) – Former Sen. Bob Kerrey is considering entering the city’s mayoral race, saying Mayor Michael Bloomberg has not fought Republican lawmakers who have hurt the city with tax cuts and reductions in national security funding. “I am angry about the way New York City is being treated by…
Honeymoon Over for Dems, Schwarzenegger photo LOS ANGELES (AP) – California Democrats lashed out at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger during their annual convention Saturday, vowing to block his administration’s agenda in an extraordinary reversal of good will toward the celebrity governor. Schwarzenegger, whose push for controversial government…
DeLay Borrows $100,000 for Re-Election photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The ethics troubles of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay have not hurt his ability to raise money for his re-election. In the first three months of this year, DeLay’s personal campaign committee took in $438,235, including $100,000 he borrowed personally for his campaign, according…
Analysis: GOP Filibuster Plan Poses Risks photo WASHINGTON (AP) – A looming power play by Senate Republican leaders to clamp down on filibusters against judicial nominees is a high-risk strategy. It could change the balance of power in the Senate, erode the rights of the minority party and backfire against Republicans in the long term. The…
Dean: Schiavo Case to Be Used Against GOP WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, who has accused congressional Republicans of “grandstanding” in the Terri Schiavo case, said his party will use it against the GOP in coming elections. “This is going to be an issue in 2006, and its going to be an issue in 2008…
Bush Prods Congress on Energy Legislation photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush prodded Congress on Saturday to pass a long-stalled national energy strategy, saying American families and small businesses are feeling the pinch from rising gasoline prices. “If you’re trying to meet a family budget or a payroll, even a small change at the pump…

Honeymoon Over for Dems, Schwarzenegger photo LOS ANGELES (AP) – California Democrats lashed out at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger during their annual convention Saturday, vowing to block his administration’s agenda in an extraordinary reversal of good will toward the celebrity governor. Schwarzenegger, whose push for controversial government…
DeLay Borrows $100,000 for Re-Election photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The ethics troubles of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay have not hurt his ability to raise money for his re-election. In the first three months of this year, DeLay’s personal campaign committee took in $438,235, including $100,000 he borrowed personally for his campaign, according…
GOP’s Filibuster Strategy Could Backfire photo WASHINGTON (AP) – A looming power play by Senate Republican leaders to clamp down on filibusters against judicial nominees is a high-risk strategy. It could change the balance of power in the Senate, erode the rights of the minority party and backfire against Republicans in the long term. The…
Democrats Adjust Social Security Stance photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democrats have decided to quit emphasizing that they will not negotiate changes to Social Security until President Bush drops his idea for private accounts. The switch in strategy comes after Democrats learned from focus groups that people frown on the lawmakers for being…
Dean: Schiavo Case to Be Used Against GOP WASHINGTON (AP) – Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, who has accused congressional Republicans of “grandstanding” in the Terri Schiavo case, said his party will use it against the GOP in coming elections. “This is going to be an issue in 2006, and its going to be an issue in 2008…
Bush Prods Congress on Energy Legislation photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush prodded Congress on Saturday to pass a long-stalled national energy strategy, saying American families and small businesses are feeling the pinch from rising gasoline prices. “If you’re trying to meet a family budget or a payroll, even a small change at the pump…
Gonzales More Low-Key Than Ashcroft photo WASHINGTON (AP) – It has taken barely two months for the differences between Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and his predecessor, John Ashcroft, to come into clear view. Gonzales is decidedly more low-key and conciliatory than Ashcroft, who was seen even by some supporters as intransigent and…
LA Mayoral Candidates Seek Voters’ Trust photo LOS ANGELES (AP) – For all their differences in style, the two candidates for mayor are plugging the same message – trust me, not that other guy. City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa wants voters to believe that if Mayor James Hahn isn’t corrupt himself, he’s the next worst thing. Hahn, seeking a…
Money for Diplomacy Growing Since 2001 photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush has made spreading democracy and halting terrorism in other countries a priority, and at first glance his budgets have leaned more on defense than diplomacy to achieve that objective. But a close look at spending trends since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, shows a…
W.Va. Governor Calls for Bipartisanship CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The quality of Americans’ lives is improving in states with Democratic governors, and congressional leaders should follow that example to cut through partisan gridlock, West Virginia’s governor said Saturday. “When America is facing challenges like the deployment of our…

Sunni Cleric Urges Insurgents’ Pardon photo BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) – An important Sunni cleric urged Iraq’s new president Friday to buck U.S. pressure and free thousands of suspected rebels, a sign the religious group most often associated with the Iraqi insurgency might be willing to work with the new government. But there was no letup in…
Paris Hotel Fire Kills at Least 20 photo PARIS (AP) – Searing flames and thick smoke sent people jumping from windows of an overcrowded budget hotel before dawn Friday in one of the worst fires in recent memory in the French capital. At least 20 people were killed – half of them children and many African immigrants and other people…
Reports: Airport Screeners Still Do Poorly photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Two upcoming government reports will say the quality of screening at airports is no better now than before the Sept. 11 attacks, according to a House member who has been briefed on the contents. The Government Accountability Office – the investigative arm of Congress – and the…
Mystery of Wendy’s Chili Finger Deepens photo SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Somewhere out there is a woman, dead or alive, who is missing a well-manicured finger about 1 1/2 inches long. Authorities know where the finger ended up – in a bowl of Wendy’s chili – but just who it belongs to is a mystery. Anna Ayala’s claim that she bit down on the…
Conservative Lawmaker: DeLay Should Quit photo WASHINGTON (AP) – One of Congress’ most conservative members on Friday became the second House Republican to urge Majority Leader Tom DeLay to step aside because of the ethics scrutiny he’s facing. “If the majority leader were to temporarily step aside so that these trumped up charges can be dealt…
Utah Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering Wife photo SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – A man accused of killing his wife after she found out he lied about getting into medical school pleaded guilty to murder Friday, making a simple declaration to the judge: “I intentionally shot Lori Hacking in the head with a .22 rifle.” Prosecutors say Mark Hacking carried…
WHO: Virus Sent to Mexico, Lebanon Missing photo GENEVA (AP) – Shipments of a killer influenza virus destined for testing in Mexico and Lebanon remain unaccounted for, but the U.N. health organization said 15 other countries that received the samples were expected to have destroyed them by Saturday. The virus was sent in testing kits to 18…
Jackson Accuser’s Mom Admits Earlier Lies photo SANTA MARIA, Calif. (AP) – The mother of Michael Jackson’s young accuser was barraged with questions and insinuations on the witness stand Friday as the singer’s attorney tried to portray her as a con artist and forced her to admit she had lied under oath twice in an unrelated case. Attorney…
Heilman Throws One-Hitter As Mets Rip Fla. photo NEW YORK (AP) – Aaron Heilman threw a one-hitter for his first complete game, and Mike Piazza broke out of a slump with three RBIs to lead the New York Mets over the Florida Marlins 4-0 for their fifth straight victory. Piazza doubled twice off Josh Beckett, who did not allow a run in his first…
Bad Brakes Force Amtrak to Cancel Acela photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The Acela Express, Amtrak’s much-ballyhooed hope for high-speed train travel, was shut down indefinitely Friday because of brake problems, leaving thousands of travelers scrambling for other transportation. The beleaguered rail service pressed slower trains into use along the…

Bush Calls DeLay an Effective Leader photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush said Thursday that embattled House Majority Leader Tom DeLay has been an effective leader and he looks forward to continue working with him despite the charges of ethical violations that the congressman is fighting. DeLay has come under close scrutiny in recent…
House GOP Kills Latest Move on Ethics Rule photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans brushed aside the Democrats’ latest attempt to rewrite ethics rules on Thursday, one day after a closed-door discussion that touched on the perils of political arrogance. The vote was 218-195, along party lines, to kill the proposal by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the…
House Republicans Balk at Medicaid Cuts WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush’s budget centerpiece to squeeze billions of dollars from spending on health care for the poor ran into jeopardy Thursday as 44 House Republicans signed a letter protesting the cuts. The lawmakers said reducing Medicaid spending over the next five years by up to $20…
Dem. Senator Blocks Vote on EPA Nominee WASHINGTON (AP) – A lone senator moved Thursday to block President Bush’s choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, accusing the White House and EPA of stonewalling his requests for data from the agency. Utilizing a power enjoyed by all senators, Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., put a…
Senate Panel Approves Intel Chief Nominee photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The nomination of the nation’s first national intelligence director, John Negroponte, was approved by the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, clearing the way for the full Senate to consider President Bush’s pick. The closed-door vote means the former Iraq ambassador and…
Ethics Panel Reprimands Fla. State Senator TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – A legislator serving on the state Senate’s ethics committee was formally reprimanded Thursday for soliciting money from lobbyists to help pay for an overseas trip for her and a friend. Sen. Mandy Dawson apologized to her colleagues after the Senate approved a rare…
Civil Rights Lawyer to Run for Mass. Gov. BOSTON (AP) – The top civil rights enforcer in the Clinton administration announced Thursday he will seek the Democratic nomination for Massachusetts governor in 2006. Deval Patrick cited what he said were weaknesses in the economy, business development, public education and health care. “We don’t…
Bush Isn’t Ready to Reveal Soc. Sec. Fix photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush signaled Thursday he is not ready yet to reveal how he would fix Social Security’s looming insolvency, saying he has to first persuade people there is a problem. “I got a lot more time to tell people that there is a problem,” Bush said in a speech to newspaper…
Calif. Treasurer Taking on Schwarzenegger photo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – How could California’s charisma-challenged state treasurer even dream of trying to unseat Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger? Phil Angelides cites the advice he gives his three daughters: “It never matters what the odds are. What matters are your beliefs, and what you do to pursue…
Senate Panel Backs Bush Judicial Nominee WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate’s former top lawyer got bipartisan support Thursday for a seat on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, putting him in line to become the first of President Bush’s second-term appellate nominees to be confirmed. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 14-4 to advance Utah…

FDA Panel Backs Lifting Breast Implant Ban photo WASHINGTON (AP) – In a surprising turnaround, federal health advisers Wednesday recommended allowing silicone-gel breast implants to return to the U.S. market after a 13-year ban on most uses of the devices – but only under strict conditions that will limit how easily women can get them. Mentor…
Kidnapped American in Iraq Shown on Video photo BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) – An Indiana man, scared and clutching his passport to his chest, was shown at gunpoint on a videotape aired by Al-Jazeera television Wednesday, two days after he was kidnapped from a water treatment plant near Baghdad. The station said he pleaded for his life and urged U.S….
House Votes to End Federal Estate Taxes photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The House voted Wednesday to eliminate federal estate taxes in 2010 and beyond, a repeal that Republicans hailed but many Democrats said would reward the richest families at the steep cost of deeper federal deficits. House lawmakers voted 272-162 to prevent the tax on inherited…
DeLay Apologizes for Schiavo Case Rhetoric photo WASHINGTON (AP) – House Majority Leader Tom DeLay apologized Wednesday for using overheated rhetoric on the day Terri Schiavo died, but refused to say whether he supports impeachment of the judges who ruled in her case. DeLay backtracked as White House spokesman Scott McClellan said President Bush…
Officials Work to Limit Labs Handling Flu photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Even as they sought to reassure a wary public, federal health officials detailed plans Wednesday to restrict the number of labs that can handle deadly flu viruses like the ones sent to thousands of facilities worldwide. “We are working on the side of caution,” said Dr. Julie…
Lawmakers Hire Spouses, Children Regularly photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Dozens of lawmakers have hired their spouses and children to work for their campaigns and political groups, paying them with contributions they’ve collected from special interests and other donors. A few family members earn enough to make a living. Many come cheap. They manage…
Poor Song Choice Dooms Turner on ‘Idol’ photo NEW YORK (AP) – Nadia Turner picked the wrong song on Tuesday’s “American Idol,” and on Wednesday, she paid the price. Turner was voted off the Fox show after singing Crystal Gayle’s “When I Dream,” a choice that the judges lambasted. “It was an appalling choice of song and I think you could go…
IPod’s Domination Spurs Apple Earnings photo SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) – Apple Computer Inc. said Wednesday that its second-quarter profit jumped more than sixfold as its iPod music players continued to dominate the market. The results soundly beat Wall Street estimates. For the three months ended March 26, Apple’s profit jumped to $290 million,…
Giambi Homers As Yanks Beat Red Sox 5-2 photo BOSTON (AP) – Jason Giambi socked it to Curt Schilling, and Mariano Rivera stitched it up nicely for the Yankees. Shaking off a steroid controversy and a slump, Giambi lined a two-run homer to break a sixth-inning tie on Wednesday night. Bernie Williams added another to chase the postseason hero…
Bush Says Diplomacy With Iran Is Best photo WASHINGTON (AP) – The Bush administration on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy as the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon while Israel’s leader ruled out a military strike to destroy Tehran’s nuclear program. The White House also sought to play down differences…

Bolton Appears Headed for Confirmation photo WASHINGTON (AP) – John R. Bolton appeared a step closer to confirmation as ambassador to the United Nations despite scathing testimony Tuesday by a former State Department intelligence chief that he was a “serial abuser” of analysts who disagreed with his hard-line views. A committee vote to send…
Negroponte Pledges to Reform Spy Agencies photo WASHINGTON (AP) – President Bush’s nominee to be the nation’s first intelligence director promised fundamental changes at the 15 agencies he’ll oversee and said he would give policy-makers the “unvarnished truth” about threats. “Our intelligence effort has to generate better results. That’s my…
Art Exhibit Featuring Bush Stamp Probed photo CHICAGO (AP) – The Secret Service sent agents to investigate a college art gallery exhibit of mock postage stamps, one depicting President Bush with a gun pointed at his head. The exhibit, called “Axis of Evil: The Secret History of Sin,” opened last week at Columbia College in Chicago. It…
Clinton Decries Anti-Hillary Fundraiser photo NEW YORK (AP) – Former President Clinton says it’s “sad” that a Republican political consultant who married his male partner is raising funds to defeat Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. But an associate says there’s nothing wrong with being gay and Republican. Clinton said Monday there might be “some…
2 Groups at Odds With GOP on Filibusters WASHINGTON (AP) – Two groups normally allied with Republicans have bolted from the party’s effort to ban judicial filibusters – the first major defections from a conservative push to prevent Senate Democrats from blocking President Bush’s judicial nominees. The National Right to Work Committee, a…
Bush Thanks Soldiers for Serving in Iraq photo FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) – President Bush visited soldiers at the largest U.S. military base Tuesday, marking the two-year anniversary of the end of Saddam Hussein’s regime by saying it will be remembered along with the fall of the Berlin Wall as one of history’s greatest moments. Bush thanked the…
Florida Ban on Felon Voting Is Upheld MIAMI (AP) – A federal appeals court in Atlanta on Tuesday upheld Florida’s 160-year-old law enforcing a lifetime ban on voting rights for convicted felons. Ex-felons sued in 2000 to get their voting rights restored when their sentences are finished, instead of having to apply through a complex…
Indiana Likely to Require ID at Polls INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday that would require most voters to show government-issued photo identification before casting a ballot. Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels has said he would probably sign the measure, which would be one of the most restrictive voter ID laws in…
Sharpton Says Fundraising Broke No Law photo NEW YORK (AP) – The Rev. Al Sharpton said Tuesday that he complied with campaign finance laws while he was a presidential candidate, despite reports that federal authorities had opened a criminal probe of fundraising related to the campaign. The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing unidentified sources,…
House Panel Working on Energy Bill WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans made clear their support late Tuesday for reinforcing the federal government’s final authority over the siting of liquefied natural gas import terminals, even if states or local communities object. An attempt by Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., to remove the provision…

DeLay Fundraising Plied Special Interests photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Fundraisers for a political committee founded by House Majority Leader Tom DeLay routinely solicited donations by identifying legislative actions that prospective givers wanted, from video gambling to lawsuit limits, memos show. “What companies that you know of would be…
Bush Warns Sharon on Settlement Growth photo CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) – President Bush told Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Monday he must not allow further West Bank settlement growth and said Israeli and Palestinian doubts about each other were hampering peace prospects. In response, Sharon said that Israel would abide by the…
Poll: Pataki Narrows Gap Against Spitzer photo ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Two polls Monday showed Gov. George Pataki continuing to trail state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer in a possible 2006 governor’s race, though one poll had him narrowing the gap and the other indicated a huge drop in his approval rating. In the Marist College Institute for…
NAACP Criticizes Bush on Social Security WASHINGTON (AP) – Black leaders on Monday accused President Bush of “playing the race card” in his pitch to sell his proposed Social Security overhaul. NAACP leaders Julian Bond and Dennis Courtland Hayes said Bush should focus on addressing the underlying health care reasons why blacks have a…
Magic Johnson Backs L.A. Mayor Challenger photo LOS ANGELES (AP) – Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson endorsed Antonio Villaraigosa for mayor Monday, giving the challenger one of the race’s prized endorsements and another A-list supporter in the politically crucial black community. Speaking at one of his health clubs in the San Fernando…
DeLay Draws Fire From Fellow Republicans photo WASHINGTON (AP) – Embattled House Majority Leader Tom DeLay is drawing heat from some fellow Republicans who say his continuing ethics problems are harming the GOP. “Tom’s conduct is hurting the Republican Party, is hurting this Republican majority and it is hurting any Republican who is up for…
Texas May See GOP Clash Over Governorship photo AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A stealth campaign is under way between Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison as Hutchison contemplates coming home from Washington to run for governor against her fellow Republican. A contest between Perry and Hutchison in 2006 could be a bruising, big-name clash that…
Schwarzenegger Takes Reform Agenda on Road SAN DIEGO (AP) – Seeking to regain momentum, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger took his reform agenda on the road Monday, without mentioning last week’s retreat on his plan to fix the state’s pension system by putting it before voters this year. Schwarzenegger during his remarks in San Diego did not…
W.Va. Official Hopes to Challenge Byrd CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – A state Republican party official and West Virginia National Guard captain is seeking the GOP nomination to challenge Sen. Robert C. Byrd in 2006, saying Monday that Byrd leans too far to the left. Hiram Lewis IV, who served in Kuwait and Iraq, said his candidacy is not a…
N.Y. GOP Mounts ‘STOP HILLARY’ Effort ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Claiming Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is running for the White House, New York’s GOP chairman has kicked off a national “STOP HILLARY NOW!” fundraising effort to thwart her 2006 Senate re-election bid. “Stopping Hillary Rodham Clinton is the most important thing you and I can do…

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