* President Bush met yesterday with members of the Iraq study panel, said they have "interesting ideas." [WP, NYT]

* Nagging corruption allegations against John Murtha create questions about Nancy Pelosi's support for him as majority leader. [WP, NYT]

* President Bush begins trip to Asia today, will meet with Russia and China about best bullying tactics for Iran, Syria, and North Korea. [WSJ]

* The House's failure to pass a bill normalizing trade relations with Vietnam seen as an embarrassment to Bush before his arrival in Hanoi. [NYT]

* Rudy Giuliani sets up presidential exploratory committee. [NYT]

* Florida Senator Mel Martinez to become RNC figurehead when Ken Mehlman steps down in January to spend more time with his leather pants. [ , NYT]

* Freshman lawmakers remarkably similar to freshman college students in giddy excitement, cluelessness. [WP, USAT]