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 …

GAO Report: Daily Attacks Against Iraqis 'Have Remained Unchanged'  —  The Government Accountability Office has released its congressionally mandated report on the Iraq's progress towards meeting 18 separate security and political benchmarks.  The Iraqi government met 3, partially met 4, and did not meet 11 of its 18 benchmarks.

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.

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.

Kabuki at Camp Cupcake  —  What exactly was President Bush up to yesterday, making a "surprise visit" to a huge American air base in Iraq, praising the ostensible progress there and hinting at a troop reduction if things keep going so well?  —  One answer lies in the remarkably forthright …

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 …

'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.

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."

Rep. Kennedy Will Keep Hsu Donations  —  WASHINGTON (AP) - Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Tuesday he's not returning $6,600 in donations he got from Norman Hsu, a prominent Democratic donor whose criminal past was recently revealed.  —  Several top Democrats, including 2008 presidential …

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 …

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.