Wonkette

• Bush defends selection of Miers: “I picked the best person I could find.” Brownback, Grassley remain skeptical; Hatch, Sessions are supportive. [WP, NYT, WT, LAT, USAT]
• White House and RNC campaign to convince conservatives that Miers is a wise pick; uncertainties about Miers mutes “rapid response” from advocacy groups. [WP, WSJ, USAT]
• Bush asks Congress to offset costs of hurricane relief with “substantial” cuts in entitlement programs; says there is need for new oil refineries. [WSJ, NYT]
• Bush implies he will use executive privilege to withhold Miers documents. [NYT]
• Miers reportedly told a former boyfriend that “life begins at conception” and abortion is “taking a life”; turned to faith and conservative causes in her mid-30s. [WP, NYT, WT]
• Bork: “I think [Bush] is just trying to avoid trouble — but the message comes through: Do not be controversial, do not express strong opinions that arouse opposition.” [LAT]

• Texas prosecutor says new information sparked money laundering indictment against DeLay; “quick justice” would most benefit DeLay. [WP, NYT]
• Katrina, Rita failures highlight consequences of weak executive branch oversight. [WP]
• Miers‘ workaholic nature fit into White House culture. [LAT]
• Miers seems moderately supportive of gay rights. [WT]
• Bush willing to “effect a quarantine” by military means if flu pandemic hits the U.S. [WP, NYT, WT]
• Bush admits “diminished appetite in the short term” for his Social Security plans. [LAT]
• Next Federal Reserve chairman likely to come from outside of Bush’s inner circle. [WSJ, NYT]
• Clinton acts in command during visit to Louisiana. [NYT]