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]
• Bush seeks 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]

READ MORE: 2006, Campaigning, Democrats, Republicans, abortion, amnesty international, bill thomas, budget, george w. bush, iraq, line-item veto, polls, south dakota, torture