* Bush, Cheney remain optimistic about Iraq on third anniversary of the invasion; Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, meanwhile, tells the BBC: "If this is not civil war, then God knows what civil war is." [WP, NYT, USAT]

* Republicans are struggling with message discipline for the midterm elections as internal "disaffection and disagreement" grows. [WP]

* House members will have only spent 97 days in Washington this year, if all goes as planned. [USAT]

* Bush has been fielding tougher questions from more diverse audiences as he conducts town-hall-style gatherings. Andrew Card: "We like to mix things up so you'll pay more attention." [NYT]