Daily Briefing: Showdown
• Cheneymakes early morning visit to the hospital after experiencing shortness of breath. [ AP ]
•Republican Reps.John Boehner(Ohio) andRoy Blunt(MO.) launch aggressive campaigns to succeed Rep.Tom DeLayas majority leader; the race "will highlight the internal divisions among Republicans on a variety of topics, including immigration, at a time when the party's discipline has been fraying and Mr.Bushhas had trouble holding thin legislative majorities together." [ NYT , USAT , WT ]
•Democrats are expected to use JudgeSamuel Alito's memos regarding abortion against him. Sen.Charles Schumer(D-N.Y.): "The worst thing that could happen with Judge Alito is if he tries to duck the question." [ WP , NYT , USAT , USAT ]
•SpeakerHastert(R-Ill.) says congress will soon tighten regulations on lobbying: "Now is the time for action." [ WP , WP , WSJ , LAT ]
•Conservative groups ripe forAlitofight.Tony Perkins: "The threat to our religious liberties has not diminished." [ WP ]
•Hearings will show the differing styles of JudgesAlitoandJohn Roberts. [ NYT , LAT ]
• Jack Abramoff's firm is so far escaping repercussions. [ NYT ]
• Scott McClellansupports his mother in Texas gubernatorial race;Bushsupports Gov.Rick Perry.McClellan: "I don't think I would be where I am today without her." [ NYT ]
•Coin a name for theAbramoffscandal and win a t-shirt. [ WP ]