Daily Briefing: 'On to the Next Precipice'
• "Scooter" Libbyhas "a problem" in the leak investigation, his attorney says.Robert Bennett: "Fitzgeraldis putting together a big case, and he's looking for little pieces of a puzzle." [ WP , NYT , WSJ ]
•Rejection of the Iraqi constitution by two Sunni provinces "guarantees the guerrilla war will go on," says one historian. "As one official put it, every time the administration appears on the edge of a precipice, it manages to cobble together a result that allows it to move on to the next precipice," according toThe Washington Post. PerThe New York Times, "Senior officials say the intelligence reports flowing over their desks in recent months argue that even if democratic institutions take hold, the insurgency may strengthen." [ WP , NYT , USAT , USAT ]
•House Republican leaders are preparing to cut up to $50b from '06 budget; fiscal conservatives win out. [ WP ]
• Mierswill provide answers to Senate questionnaire today; strategists hope nomination will gain traction. [ NYT ]
•Some Republicans are concerned thatBush's go-slow approach to rebuilding the Gulf Coast will create additional problems. [ LAT ]
•Republicans worry Democrats could gain in '06 on ethics issue. GOP lobbyist: "You have Frist, DeLay, the Plame case, and you have Democrats with a theme: the culture of corruption and incompetence. [Republicans] are concerned that next year could be a bad year." [ LAT ]
• DeLayraised nearly $1m in three months before his indictment; he has $1.2m on hand. [ NYT ]
•Media analysts criticizeJudith MillerandThe New York Timesfor their decision-making. [ WP ]
• Lautenbergsuggests charges may be filed overArmstrong Williams' contract. [ USAT ]
• Dan Bartlett, Nicolle Wallacechoose topic of presidential radio address on Wednesdays; number of listeners is unknown. [ NYT ]
• Hillaryreaps cash from Hollywood. [ WT ]