Post Election Thoughts  —  In 2004, Busby lost the CA-50 by 22.0%.  Today, it looks like she will lose by around 4.5%.  And that was with the NRCC spending $4.5M on the race.  If Republicans want to spin losing 18 points after spending $4.5M of committee money as a good thing, go for it.

Supporters lose in gay marriage ban vote  —  WASHINGTON - The Senate on Wednesday rejected a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, dealing a defeat to President Bush and Republicans who hoped to use the measure to energize conservative voters on Election Day.

Retirement Account of DeLay's Wife Traced  —  With Disclosure, Family's Known Benefits From Ties With Lobbyist Exceed $490,000  —  A registered lobbyist opened a retirement account in the late 1990s for the wife of then-House Whip Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) and contributed thousands of dollars …

Bush Turns to House in Immigration Debate  —  ARTESIA, N.M., June 6 — President Bush tried on Tuesday to win back the trust of conservatives who have distanced themselves from him on immigration, promising to "get this border enforced" and warning those who enter the country illegally that "if you get caught, you get sent home."

Proposal Would Let Iran Enrich Uranium  —  TEHRAN, June 6 — The confidential diplomatic package backed by Washington and formally presented to Iran on Tuesday leaves open the possibility that Tehran will be able to enrich uranium on its own soil, U.S. and European officials said.

Plan to storm Parliament alleged  —  Terror suspects remanded for bail hearings  —  Jun. 6, 2006.  —  SURYA BHATTACHARYA AND JESSICA LEEDER  —  Bombings, an armed assault on Parliament and even the beheading of Prime Minister Stephen Harper were among a chilling miscellany …

McKinney deal may be in works  —  Lawyer rejects talk of any negotiations  —  WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors investigating the confrontation between Rep. Cynthia McKinney of Georgia and a Capitol police officer have been talking privately with McKinney's office in hopes of resolving …

Of Clerks and Perks  —  Why Supreme Court justices have more free time than ever—and why it should be taken away  —  T here are few jobs as powerful as that of Supreme Court justice—and few jobs as cushy.  Many powerful people don't have time for extracurricular traveling, speaking …

Official of U.N. Says Americans Undermine It With Criticism  —  UNITED NATIONS, June 6 — Secretary General Kofi Annan's deputy assailed the United States on Tuesday for withholding support from the United Nations, encouraging its harshest detractors and undermining an institution that he said Washington needed more than it would admit.

Senate Contender in Florida Presses On  —  VENICE, Fla. — Undaunted by a run of horrific poll numbers, staff turmoil and public doubts from leaders of her party, Representative Katherine Harris is thinking confidently beyond November.  —  Once Ms. Harris wins her race for a Senate seat …

President Bush's victories receiving little attention  —  SAN FRANCISCO - When President Bush nominated Gen. Michael Hayden to run the CIA, the press focused on disapproving Democrats and even some Republicans who were dubious about confirmation.  —  A month later, when the Senate confirmed Hayden …