Rebel Jim DeMint sparks GOP Senate civil war  —  South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint accidentally walked into a room full of lobbyists Wednesday morning and declared that “Republicans are not prepared to take over the Senate,” according to people in the room.  —  Some Republicans agree — and say he may be part of the reason why.

Warren to Unofficially Lead Consumer Agency  —  WASHINGTON — Elizabeth Warren, who conceived of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will oversee its establishment as an assistant to President Obama, an official briefed on the decision said Wednesday evening.

Carla Bruni book: Michelle Obama in ‘hell’  —  Michelle Obama told French first lady Carla Bruni that her life as the first lady of the United States is “hell,” according to an account in a new book.  —  The White House declined to comment on the account, first noted by London's Daily Mail.

Poll Suggests Opportunities for Both Parties  —  Republicans are heading into the general election phase of the midterm campaign backed by two powerful currents: the highest proportion of voters in two decades say it is time for their own member of Congress to be replaced …