Daily Briefing: 'Nobody's In His Weight Class'
• Tom DeLay(R-Tex.), indicted for criminal conspiracy in redistricting of Texas, temporarily relinquishes post of House Majority Leader toRoy Blunt(R-Mo.). The indictment "shook the GOP political establishment and posed new problems for the party as it heads into the midterm elections next year." [ WP , NYT , NYT , LAT , WSJ , WT , USAT ]
•"What worries Republicans is the confluence of a large number of scandals whenBushand the GOP Congress are at the weakest point in years," writesDan Balz. "With muscle and determination, DeLay ruled the inside game, and his indictment is therefore all the more significant -- a powerful symbol that the Democrats will attempt to exploit as an example of the GOP's abuse of power." [ WP , LAT , USAT ]
•Democratic strategistJim Jordan: "[DeLayis] easily the most powerful Republican on Capitol Hill, and nobody's in his weight class. He exerts the kind of discipline that hasn't been seen in decades." [ WP ]
• Bushanticipates escalation of violence in Iraq over the next three months: "Our troops are ready for it." Separately, 68 House Democrats begin campaign for full withdrawal. [ WP , WT ]
•Will second Supreme Court nominee, willBushappease moderates or conservatives?John Robertsis set for confirmation today; rumors surround White Hosue counselHarriet E. Miers. [ WSJ , NYT ]
•FEC formalizes investigation ofBill Frist, enabling officials to subpoena people and review records. [ WSJ ]
•White House now supports $9b expansion of Medicare for hurricane victims. [ WP , LAT ]
•Officials promise to review every no-bid contract related to hurricane relief and reconstruction. [ WP ]
•Conservatives question the partisanship of district attorney inDeLaycase;Ronnie Earlehas prosecuted many Democrats. [ WP , NYT , LAT , WSJ , WT ]
• Blunt's "rise reflects political skills honed over a lifetime, as well as a strong institutional sensibility and close ties to theBushadministration." [ WSJ , NYT ]
• David Dreier(R-Calif.), the original choice to replaceDeLay, was viewed as too moderate. [ WP , LAT , WT ]
•Congressional Republicans worry the Pentagon is mining intelligence outside of the bounds of oversight. [ NYT ]
• John BoltonurgesHenry Hyde(R-Ill.) not to withhold $130m from United Nations. [ WP ]
• Robert Bonner, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, resigns. [ WP , WT ]
•Lobbyists pounce on Katrina funds. [ WSJ ]