Daily Briefing: Political Prices

•Supreme Court retirement could come next month.Bushcommitted to nominating a conservative; judicial compromise could unravel. Former White House counsel: "In all imaginable scenarios, this will be a battle royale." [ WP , NYT , LAT ]

•House approves expansion of federally funded stem-cell research;Bushcalls move a "great mistake" and may veto. [ WP , NYT , LAT , WSJ , USAT , WT ]

•Confirmation ofOwenexpected from Senate today.Hatchon compromise: "This is a truce, not a treaty." [ WP , NYT , WT , LAT ]

•Compromise sparks battle within GOP and between '08 contenders: Frist, McCain, Allen, Hagel.Graham: "The White House has to more closely collaborate with the Senate." [ WP , NYT , WT ]

•Senate will vote onBoltontoday;Fristexpects confirmation before Memorial Day butVoinovichurges defeat. [ NYT , WSJ ]

•Compromise started over dinner withLott, Nelson. [ LAT ]

•Compromise viewed as prize for moderates; could start a trend of cooperation. [ WP , USAT , WT ]

• Bushtakes Social Security bandwagon to upstate New York: "Those who obstruct reform, no matter what party they're in, will pay a political price, in my judgment." [ WP , USAT ]

• Chertofftaps Justice Department officials for DHS posts; contemplates overhaul of bureaucracy. [ WP ]

• McCainoffers Clean Sports Act to combat steroid use. [ NYT , LAT ]

•Speculation swirls aroundPirro: Will she challengeHillary? [ NYT ]