Daily Briefing: Mission Unraveling
* 80% of Americans expect a civil war in Iraq, including 7 in 10 Republicans; majorities in WP-ABC poll have no confidence in either party to find a solution. [ WP ]
* Democrats have failed to seize the opportunity of repeated Republican missteps; inability to settle on clear messages and strategies has hindered campaigning. [ WP ]
* Republican governor of South Dakota signs bill to ban nearly all abortions; doctors will face up to five years in jail for performing procedure and "legal showdown" is expected. [ NYT , USAT , USAT ]
*Bushseeks authority to veto individual legislative items.Bush: "These earmarks reflect special interests instead of the people's interests." [ WP ]
* Amnesty International details the ongoing torture and abuse of Iraq's 14,000 detainees. [ NYT ]
* House conservatives will offer an "austere alternative" budget in attempt to gain mantle of fiscal responsibility. [ NYT ]
* Lawmakers' perk of flying on corporate jets may be restricted in ethics overhaul. [ USAT ]
* Rep.Bill Thomas(R-Calif.) will retire. [ WP , NYT , USAT ]