Daily Briefing: Just a Moment

* Republicans are breaking withBushover homeland security issues, once thought to be his chief selling point. Senior White House official: "We've got a period of time when the news that's dominating the headlines is not good and some Republicans are going to feel free to distance themselves from the president, but at the end of the day, I don't think the breach is deep or lasting because this is the president's strong suit. I think it's about this moment in time. I don't think it's fundamental." [ WP , NYT , WT ]

*Gonzalesimplies that warrant-less eavesdropping is more widespread thanBushsuggested. [ WP ]

* Supreme Court justices "seemed aware of stepping into an epic soap opera" starringAnna Nicole Smith; Chief JusticeJohn Robertsmentions the "substantial amount of assets" involved. [ WP , USAT ]

* Administration officials "could find no shelter" from questions about Dubai port deal. [ WP ]

*Bushstands by port deal on principle. [ WP , NYT ]

* Senate moves ahead on lobbying reform and the Patriot Act. [ W$J , NYT ]

* Lawmakers who buck party lines face criticism and primary challengers. [ USAT ]

* Democrats try to bring down Sen.Conrad Burns(R-Mont.) by linking him to theJack Abramofflobbying scandal. [ NYT ]