• Reliable Source: Ditka: "I've got to be firmly convinced in my mind that I really think I can make a difference. If I'm just going to be another schmuck up there in Washington, then it wouldn't be fun for me.". . . Daschle denies hugging Moore. [WP]

• Heard on the Hill: Montana Republicans deny email claims. . . Ditka looking to run for Senate seat. . . Lobbyist Thad Strom on playing basketball with Allen Iverson: "Maybe he�s preparing for the Olympics where he�ll be guarded by slow, white Europeans.". . . Fighting among press is declared unacceptable. [Roll Call]

• Inside the Beltway: Ford turns 91 today. [WT]

• Inside Politics: Nader wants apology from Cummings. . . Cheney: "Somebody said to me the other day that Senator Edwards got picked for his good looks and charm, And I said, 'How do you think I got this job?... Why is that funny?" [WT]

• Rush & Molloy: Larry King turns down Moore. . . [Pub]

• Cindy Adams: Victoria Kennedy hosting party for Teresa during convention. . . Donna Brazile embedded at convention for CNN. [NYP]

• The Scoop: Bush: "I didn�t realize Washington was going to be so bitter. Austin was not a bitter place. Washington turns out to be a lot different town than I envisioned it to be." [MSNBC]