• Rove and Libby were “working closely together” in July 2003 on “the administration’s primary response to criticism that a flawed phrase about the nuclear materials in Africa” was in Bush‘s State of the Union address; both contend they were “not involved an orchestrated scheme to discredit Wilson.” [NYT]
• Roberts remains vague when questioned by senators; Democrats question him on interstate commerce. Schumer: “I went over some of the things that he didn’t answer at the Court of Appeals hearing, and he said he wanted to think about it and get back to me.” [WP, WP, NYT, LAT, USAT, WSJ]
• Democrats plan to “let Roberts go… then get back on Rove, Social Security and the Iraq war,” according to aide; Hughes‘ confirmation hearing will provide opening. [WSJ]
• Roberts‘ published opinions support “a strong executive, a cautious and self-effacing judiciary, limited federal power, and individual responsibility.” [NYT]
• Roberts‘ “Reagan-era memos portray a cocksure young lawyer whose writing was clear, highly attuned to political realities and occasionally sarcastic.” [WP]
• House Republicans push through passage of Patriot Act renewal. [WP, NYT, WSJ, LAT]
• Liberal groups prepare for battle over Roberts as Democrats seem set to confirm him. [LAT, WT]
• O’Connor: “In all of the years of my life, I don’t think I have ever seen relations as strained as they are now between the judiciary and some members of Congress. It makes me very sad to see it.” [WP, NYT]
• Specter considers amendment on HHS appropriations bill to expand stem cell research. [WP]
• Rice, meeting rape victims in Sudan, speaks out on women’s rights. [WP]
• Republicans will schedule vote on the elimination of the estate tax in hopes of forcing Democrats to compromise. [WSJ]
• House set to endorse Bush‘s plan for Mars exploration. [WP]
• Senators stalled on response to global warming. [WP]
• Roberts has long been pro-business. [LAT]
• Pentagon may raise age limit for new recruits from 39 to 42 in effort to reverse negative trend. [NYT]
• This fall, Supreme Court will take on abortion, assisted suicide, the death penalty and the war on terrorism. [LAT]
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