GAO Chief Suggests Administration Is Cooking The Books On Levels Of Sectarian Violence In Iraq  —  Gen. David Petraeus has claimed that there has been a 75 percent reduction in sectarian violence.  In testimony today before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, GAO Comptroller General David Walker …

Conscience of a Conservative  —  In the fall of 2003, Jack L. Goldsmith was widely considered one of the brightest stars in the conservative legal firmament.  A 40-year-old law professor at the University of Chicago, Goldsmith had established himself, with his friend and fellow law professor John Yoo …

The Most Feared Man on the Hill?  —  For Gay Blogger, Craig's Resignation Is Just the Latest on His List  —  Soon, a new name will pop up on Mike Rogers's hit list.  —  Larry Craig wasn't "the first on my list," the gay blogger says.  And the Idaho senator, who announced his resignation Saturday, "won't be the last."

Richardson: Keeping Iowa first is God's will  —  Sioux City, Ia.  — God's will is for Iowa to have the first-in-the-nation caucus, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson told a crowd here today.  —  "Iowa, for good reason, for constitutional reasons, for reasons related to the Lord …

Fighting for Our Handgun Ban  —  As mayor and attorney general of the District of Columbia, we were deeply disappointed this year when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit declared that the District's longstanding handgun ban violates the Second Amendment.

High School Student to McCain: You're No Leader  —  ABC News' Bret Hovell and Matt Stuart Report: Senator John McCain had a testy exchange with a high school student in Concord, NH, Tuesday, but one that McCain himself characterized as "what America is supposed to be about."

Democrats Express Decided Preference for Change Over Experience  —  Seventy-three percent favor presidential candidate who strongly desires to change Washington  —  PRINCETON, NJ — The Democratic presidential nomination could well be decided on the basis of whether Democratic primary …

Backer of Swift Boat ads has tie to law firm pushing vote change  —  LOS ANGELES—Lawyers behind a California ballot proposal that could benefit the 2008 Republican presidential nominee have ties to a Texas homebuilder who financed attacks on Democrat John Kerry's Vietnam War record in the 2004 presidential campaign.

'NHS SHOULD NOT TREAT THOSE WITH UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLES' SAY TORIES  —  • Patients who improve their health to be given 'Health Miles' cards to claim free fruit and veg  —  Patients who refuse to change their unhealthy lifestyles should not be treated by the NHS, the Conservatives said today.

FEC Resolved Two Matters Involving Internet Activity; Applies Media Exemption to Political Blogs  —  WASHINGTON - The Federal Election Commission announced today that it has unanimously resolved two complaints alleging that Internet blog activity is subject to Commission regulation …

Romney: Iraq 'is a mess'  —  Confronted by an unhappy questioner, Mitt Romney said tonight at a town hall meeting in New Hampshire that the situation in Iraq "is a mess."  [Video courtesy Breitbart.tv.]  —  Romney's assessment was delivered by way of agreeing with a gentleman who stood …

"Which Way" Shays — Have It Both Ways  —  Chris Shays seems to be following the GOP blueprint for messaging on Iraq — he's all for ending the war when it's election time, but votes for continuing it when it's not.  And rationalizing the two positions?  Well that takes some serious contortions:

Craig's Children Say He Was 'a Victim of Circumstance'  —  After a highly publicized arrest in a bathroom sex sting and a week spent defending his sexuality, Idaho Sen. Larry Craig announced his resignation from the Senate this weekend.  He maintains his innocence, however, despite having pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.

Edwards and Schweitzer: Perfect Together?  —  Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) will be introduced by Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer later today at a fundraiser in Missoula, according to his campaign.  —  Sources on both sides were careful to note that Schweitzer's presence at the …