• Democrats block vote on Bolton again; Bush may issue recess appointment. [WP, NYT, LAT, WT]

•Bush says strategy for Iraq "is going to work"; Hagel thinks "the reality is that we are losing in Iraq." [NYT, WP]

•Rice challenges Egypt and Saudi Arabia to embrace democracy: "Throughout the Middle East, the fear of free choices can no longer justify the denial of liberty. It is time to abandon the excuses that are made to avoid the hard work of democracy." [WP, NYT]

• Firm that funded DeLay's trips says payments were approved by House ethics lawyers years ago. [NYT]

•Bush warns Gitmo detainees are "dangerous people" who should not be released: "I have an obligation, as do all of us who are holding office, to protect our people." [WT]

• Liberal and labor groups try to uproot Social Security proposal from House Ways and Means Committee. [WP]

• Business interests come out swinging against the proposed curbs on emissions. [WSJ]

•Hostettler (R-Ind.) attacks Democrats from the House floor for "denigrating and demonizing Christians" as House approves $409b in military spending. [WP, NYT]

• In fresh USAT/CNN/Gallup poll, 39% favor the war in Iraq, 35% expect a domestic terrorist attack soon, and Bush's approval rating rests at 47%. [USAT]

•Frist seeks "formal apology" from Durbin. [USAT]

• Opinions of social issues linked to genetic inheritance. [NYT]

• Political popularity found to be tied to good first impressions. [NYT]