Daily Briefing: Showdown

• Cheney makes early morning visit to the hospital after experiencing shortness of breath. [AP]
• Republican Reps. John Boehner (Ohio) and Roy Blunt (MO.) launch aggressive campaigns to succeed Rep. Tom DeLay as majority leader; the race “will highlight the internal divisions among Republicans on a variety of topics, including immigration, at a time when the party’s discipline has been fraying and Mr. Bush has had trouble holding thin legislative majorities together.” [NYT, USAT, WT]
• Democrats are expected to use Judge Samuel Alito’s memos regarding abortion against him. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.): “The worst thing that could happen with Judge Alito is if he tries to duck the question.” [WP, NYT, USAT, USAT]
• Speaker Hastert (R-Ill.) says congress will soon tighten regulations on lobbying: “Now is the time for action.” [WP, WP, WSJ, LAT]

• Conservative groups ripe for Alito fight. Tony Perkins: “The threat to our religious liberties has not diminished.” [WP]
• Hearings will show the differing styles of Judges Alito and John Roberts. [NYT, LAT]
• Jack Abramoff’s firm is so far escaping repercussions. [NYT]
• Scott McClellan supports his mother in Texas gubernatorial race; Bush supports Gov. Rick Perry. McClellan: “I don’t think I would be where I am today without her.” [NYT]
• Coin a name for the Abramoff scandal and win a t-shirt. [WP]

READ MORE: Democrats, Republicans, SCOTUS, dennis hastert, dick cheney, george w. bush, jack abramoff, john boehner, lobbying, rick perry, roy blunt, samuel alito, scott mcclellan, texas, tom delay, tony perkins