Former Bush Aide Will Answer Some Questions  —  Sara Taylor, the former White House political director, has agreed to answer some questions as a "willing and cooperative private citizen," during testimony about the United States attorney firings last year when she appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee later today.

Thought for the day  —  Shouldn't it concern us that Republicans are constantly talking about how people will all wise up when the next terrorist attack at home comes?  —  I mean, they really seem to be looking forward to it, and they take great delight in the thought that, by God, people will see things differently when it happens.

Ex-Surgeon General Says White House Hushed Him  —  Former surgeon general Richard H. Carmona yesterday accused the Bush administration of muzzling him on sensitive public health issues, becoming the most prominent voice among several current and former federal science officials who have complained of political interference.

Homeland Security chief warns of 'Increased risk'  —  Chertoff bases 'gut feeling' on history, al-Qaeda statements.  —  Fearing complacency among the American people over possible terror threats, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in Chicago Tuesday that the nation faces …

Gonzales Knew About Violations, Officials Say  —  Two senior Justice Department officials said yesterday that they kept Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales apprised of FBI violations of civil liberties and privacy safeguards in recent years.  —  The two officials spoke in a telephone call arranged …

Madam: Vitter a client at Canal Street brothel  —  U.S. Senator David Vitter visited a Canal Street brothel several times beginning in the mid-1990s, paying $300 per hour for services at the bordello after he met the madam at a fishing rodeo that included prostitutes and other politicians …

McCain refocuses campaign on NH and South Carolina  —  With his underfunded Presidential campaign in apparent disarray and struggling in the polls, Republican John McCain will refocus on the early primary states of New Hampshire and South Carolina in an effort to stay alive, a top aide said yesterday.

Marine Investigator Recommends Dropping Charges in Haditha Killings  —  SAN DIEGO — An investigating officer has recommended dismissing murder charges against a U.S. Marine accused in the slayings of three Iraqi men in a squad action that killed 24 civilians in the town of Haditha, according to a report.

From Barack Obama, Two Dangerous Words  —  PHILADELPHIA — Barack Obama has the teachers cheering.  The National Education Association is meeting here, and Obama— like the Democratic candidates who have spoken before him — is telling the crowd everything it wants to hear.

'08 money race: Some nickel-and-diming it  —  WASHINGTON — Presidential candidates are using low-cost tickets to fundraisers, online contests and concerts featuring pop stars to lure a group they hope will give them an edge: donors who contribute in small amounts.

In GOP, Growing Friction On Iraq  —  Senate Dissenters Chafe at Tactics Of Party Leaders  —  Facing crumbling support for the war among their own members, Senate Republican leaders yesterday sought to block bipartisan efforts to force a change in the American military mission in Iraq.

Legal bills  —  Rep. Alan B. Mollohan (D-W.Va.) paid a Washington law firm more than $22,000 during the past three months, according to his most recent campaign finance report.  —  Last year, the FBI reportedly investigated whether the congressman had properly disclosed his real estate investment …