• Washington Whispers: Sen. Lindsey Graham jokes, "I'm fulfilling the seat that was held by Strom Thurmond, which means my wife will be born next year.". . . House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Carlos Gutierrez are hitting the malls to "cheer up shoppers". . . GOP team warns Democrats that "questioning Alito's credibility and character will be hit back hard". . . Sen. Kerry hires former Boston Celtics assistant coach for his Massachusetts operation. [USN&WR]

• Page Six:Clinton family appears uncomfortable during run-in with Denise Rich. [NYP]