The Note

W A S H I N G T O N July 29—
, 2003 -- Today's Schedule (all times Eastern):

—9:30 am: Senate convenes for legislative business—9:30 am: Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and OMB Director Josh Bolten testify to Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Iraqi reconstruction —11:00 am: Senator John Kerry meets with activists in Carroll, Iowa—11:50 am: President Bush meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, White House—12:00 pm: Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun visits 21st Century Democrats Youth Leadership Development Program, Capitol Hill—12:15 Senate party policy luncheons, Capitol Hill—1:30 pm: Senator John Kerry meets with supporters in Boone, Iowa—2:00 pm President Bush meets with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal—3:00 pm: Federal District Court expected to issue ruling on constitutionality of recall effort, San Diego—6:00 pm: Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun attends a meet and greet sponsored by ClintonGoreAlumni.org in Washington, D.C.—6:50 pm: Senator John Kerry attends event with supporters in Fort Dodge, Iowa—8:00 pm: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon meets with Senate leadership, Mayflower Hotel, D.C.

NEWS SUMMARY

The Note has a lot to learn.

Understanding politics is tough; understanding government is tougher; and understanding campaigns, well, that's toughest of all.

This work week ends with August beginning, and the main thing we HAVE learned is to follow the Bush family rhythms in the run-up to Labor Day, in order to be rested for the fall sprint.

Of course, this year's fall sprint includes the California recall, some choice gubernatorial contests, and the lead-in to Iowa, New Hampshire, and everything else nominational.

So while we keep dealing with all that, look for an August Note schedule that roughly mirrors that of President Bush on the ranch: some days, we'll be there, as usual, doing our public thing — but some days, there will be no Note, while we are off clearing metaphorical brush.

And like a president who wants/needs a break, but also has an economic plan to sell, The Note's appearances and disappearances won't necessarily be announced far in advance.

As we plan for the unplannable of August politics, as we said, we have a lot to learn.

In California recall news today:

-- Arnold hasn't yet made up his mind but is leaning against making a run for governor.

-- Richard Riordan met with a certain former adviser to talk about assembling a campaign team.

-- A federal judge in San Diego will hear and rule on whether or not it is constitutional for the state to require a "yes" or "no" vote on question one in order to count someone's vote in regards to question two.

-- Korean American leaders will take their turn at denouncing the recall today, as part of Gray Davis' beautiful mosaic.

-- The California state assembly voted down the budget passed by the senate on Sunday.

President Bush meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon this morning at the White House. In the afternoon, the president will meet with the Saudi foreign minister to discuss the 9-11 report.

The president's economic secretaries (Snow, Chao and Evans) kick off their two-day "Jobs and Growth Tour" in Wisconsin today.

Senator Kerry and Governor Dean campaign in Iowa today.

Senator Lieberman is in Southern Florida today for the latest stop of "Joe's Jobs Tour."

Ambassador Braun is in D.C. today to meet with the 21st Century Democrats Youth Leadership Development Program and attend a ClintonGoreAlumni.org meet and greet.

Reverend Sharpton is scheduled to be in New York City today for the funeral services for Councilman Davis.

Senator Graham addresses the DL21C tonight in New York City.

Senator Edwards and Representatives Gephardt and Kucinich have no public events scheduled for today.

California recall, Arnold:

Arnoldmania continues for at least one more day.

Arnold's still deciding but "leaning strongly against," reports the New York Times ' John Broder. LINKThe San Francisco Chronicle's Carla Marinucci does the Arnold-as-Hamlet thing. LINK

"In the tradition of the best Hollywood cliff-hanger, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger captivated California political circles Monday with dramatic last-minute wavering on a run for California governor — a move he is now 'leaning strongly against,' though his strategists said he is still actively exploring it."

"With an in-out, out-in scenario piquing pundits' interest, the 'Terminator 3' star — just a week ago described as a sure thing in the race against Democratic Gov. Gray Davis — is still being urged to seize the moment and take his biggest shot at political stardom."

"He is expected to make a public announcement perhaps as soon as Wednesday, his 56th birthday, sources said."

Might Arnold be missing his best chance to run for office? If he doesn't run now — with the chance to avoid a GOP primary — when does he think he will get a better chance?

Ms. Marinucci also allows Garry South to start doing his thang with both Arnold and Richard Riordan — threatening he still has videotape of Mr. Riordan that can be put to use.

The San Jose Mercury News' Dion Nissenbaum has the actor missing the race too. LINK"While the Republican Hollywood actor has made no final decision, Schwarzenegger appeared ready to put family concerns ahead of his political aspirations."

Claudia Eller and Michael Cieply of the Los Angeles Times take a look at Arnold Schwarzenegger's most senior adviser and have California Republicans singing, "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" LINK

"While it's not unusual for a spouse to have a strong voice in career decisions, those who know Shriver say she has taken a surprisingly direct hand in some of her husband's most important dealings, whether reading scripts, picking films or riding herd on highly paid representatives. In a more peculiar twist, Shriver, a lifelong Democrat, may affect the GOP's fate in California, as potential party candidates wait for word of whether Republican Schwarzenegger is in or out."

California recall, the field:

The Los Angeles Times' Michael Finnegan writes, " … former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, edged closer Monday to becoming a candidate to replace Gov. Gray Davis." LINK

Mr. Finnegan reports that Laura Bush's press secretary (and former Riordan aide) Noelia Rodriguez was holed up with Riordan in his Brentwood home yesterday, advising the former mayor about putting together a campaign team.

Note Note: We are very eager to read the tick tock of how the Schwarzenegger/Riordan joint press conference did not come to be, assuming it was ever planned.

Mr. Finnegan mentions Mr. Riordan's strong poll numbers, his personal wealth (though he may be reticent to use it), and his moderate views as factors that could make the former Los Angeles mayor an attractive recall candidate.

However, there is no mention of what effect a Riordan candidacy might have on a respected statewide Democrat thinking about getting into the race. Or who the GOP's "moderate" back up is if both Riordan and Arnold take a pass.

"With his support for abortion rights and some gun control measures, Riordan — like Schwarzenegger — also could undermine Davis' argument that the recall is a Republican plot to force a conservative agenda on California."

"'The tragedy for California will be if Gray Davis can actually frame this as some far-right-wing conspiracy to drive the state back into the Neanderthal Age, and that's not what it's about,' said Mark Chapin Johnson, chief fund-raiser of Riordan's 2002 campaign."

More Finnegan:

"For Riordan supporters, who did not get the chance in November to vote for their candidate against Davis, the 'poetic justice' of a rematch on the recall ballot would be a big factor, Hoffenblum said. 'A lot of people felt they were denied the choice, because Davis meddled in the primary,' he said."

"Said Chapin Johnson: 'It would be interesting to see the phoenix rise out of the ashes.'"

San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown is convening a Democratic pow wow in San Francisco as early as today according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Matier & Ross. LINK

"The mission: To come up with a plan to ensure that a Democrat is in control of the governor's office."

More:

"Those expected to attend, in the meeting tentatively scheduled for Tuesday: Steve Smith and Garry South from the Davis camp. Bill Carrick and Kam Kawata, veterans of Dianne Feinstein campaigns. California Teachers Association consultant Gale Kaufman. And Richie Ross — a consultant whose clients include Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante, Attorney General Bill Lockyer and the United Farm Workers."

"'There's not a lot of time here,' said the invitee we talked to. 'So everyone — including Gray's people — are going to have to put their cards on the table.'"

"With Willie playing the dealer."

Matea Gold (with 5 of her colleagues contributing) had the recall roundup duties for the Los Angeles Times.

Highlights include: 90 people have received nomination papers contemplating a candidacy, LA Schools Superintendant Roy Romer offers supportive words for Governor Davis, a look at the filed lawsuits concerning the October 7th ballot, and Arianna Huffington saying she won't run if her ex-husband does. You won't want to miss Governor Davis' take on the Huffingtons. LINK

The San Jose Mercury News' Mike Zapler and Lori Aratani take a look at who those 90 potential candidates are. LINKMickey Kaus writes up David Talbot's Salon write up of Arianna Huffington's boasting of a deal she reached with Green Party candidate Peter Camejo. Talbot's account has Ms. Huffington announcing that Mr. Camejo has agreed to drop out of the race and throw his support to her if she decides to run. LINK

But Mickey got an email from votecamejo.org stating, "UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will Peter drop out of the race if Arianna runs."

The New York Times ' John Broder has this from Ms. Huffington: LINK"'Even though I'm against the recall in principle and I do believe it is a power grab by Republicans who could not wait until the next election, I also think it is also incredibly irresponsible on the part of Democrats to roll the dice for the state by circling the wagons around Davis,' Ms. Huffington said."

"Her former husband, Michael Huffington, a conservative Republican who was defeated by Senator Dianne Feinstein in 1994, almost certainly will not run, she said."

Ms. Huffington tells Mr. Broder she intends to announce a decision by early next week.

California recall, the courtroom:

The Associated Press' David Kravets writes up the legal battle being waged over the recall including today's hearing in federal court in San Diego. LINK"The recall law demands voters choose "yes" or "no" on whether to recall Davis before becoming eligible to choose a successor listed on the same ballot."

"The challenge by University of San Diego School of Law professor Shaun Martin and other legal scholars says the process unconstitutionally compels voters to choose on one matter to gain eligibility for another."

"'A voter may have no desire to vote regarding whether to recall Gray Davis but nonetheless feel strongly — and wish to vote — about the identity of the new governor of the state of California,' Martin said."

"The California attorney general's office supports the requirement."

"'Allowing voters to abstain on the recall question would allow those with only an indirect or remote interest in this crucial question to decide who will replace a recalled officer,' said Deputy Attorney General Leslie R. Lopez."

ABC News' Beth Tribolet reports that the judge is expected to issue a written ruling by 3:00 pm ET.

California recall, the budget:

The budget bill fell 9 votes short in the Assembly which means Herb Wesson and Dave Cox have a few more arms to twist. LINK

Los Angeles Times staff writer Peter Nicholas explores why the California legislature has been incapable of passing a budget. LINK

"The failure is rooted in a trio of political realities, some well-intended, that have conspired over time to inhibit the Legislature from meeting big challenges, according to past and present lawmakers and political analysts."

"A strict term limit law approved by voters in 1990 has drained the Legislature of members steeped in the workings of the institution, skilled in the art of compromise."

"A redrawing of legislative districts two years ago is filling the chambers with ideologues at both ends of the spectrum, the result of carving safe districts that protect incumbents."

"And a state constitutional requirement that the budget pass by a two-thirds vote is proving a daunting barrier."

ABC 2004: the Urban League:

President Bush and seven of the nine Democratic presidential candidates spoke yesterday to the National Urban League annual convention, but today it's President Bush who's getting most of the ink — and a tepid reception from the organization.

Bush, looking to boost his support among African-American voters beyond the 9 percent he claimed in 2000, said "we will not tire until we have extended the great promise of America to every neighborhood in America," the New York Times 's Dick Stevenson writes. LINKThe Washington Post 's Mike Allen Noted that "Bush revived his signature campaign line about public education, with a pointed addition for this audience. 'We must challenge the soft bigotry of low expectations,' he said. 'And you know what I'm talking about.'" LINKThe president met with the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Elijah Cummings after the event, a surprise deviation of sorts from what Jackson called a "closed-door policy."

"'He's personally affable, but his words and his budget don't correspond,'" Jackson told Allen, summing up viewpoints from attendees quoted in other newspapers including the Boston Globe and USA Today . "'We deserve to meet even if we agree to disagree.'"

USA Today 's Laurence McQuillan focused on Bush's push for his economic policies, and quotes Clinton Administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater on Bush's appearance: ''Bush came, and you have to give him credit for it. He's someone who knows how to win, and he's playing the full court. He's not overlooking anyone.''

USA Today columnist DeWayne Wickham writes a memo to the National Urban League president Mark Morial, suggesting a course to bring together the "head without a body." LINKAP's Nedra Pickler was among the few who put the Democratic presidential hopefuls and their attacks on the Bush economy in the top half of her story. LINK"'I think the president has a bad case of wishful thinking,' said Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt. 'This president's economic program is a disaster and a failure.'"

Knight Ridder's Ron Hutcheson explored the Democrats v. Bush views on the economy more in-depth.LINK

Bob Kemper of the Chicago Tribune writes on President Bush's talk to the National Urban League — "a rare appearance before a predominantly black audience … ." LINK

ABC 2004: the DLC:

Of all the sights and sounds and people to see at the Wyndham in Philadelphia yesterday (lots of confident Democratic governors; Don Baer on an escalator; Karin Kullman telling Bruce Reed what to do; a slow Jeff Zeleny connection; serious Blackberry problems; a passionate Al From; dreadful breakfast sweets and box lunches; Jonathan Sallet; Ed Turlington; and a Dewey2X presence), the most interesting to us was …

… newly minted DLC members Andy Stern and Gina Glantz, of the SEIU.

Welcome to Al From's House of Labor.

If Mark Penn's poll has real world validity, then Democrats may be in for a heap of trouble come the general election.

Yes, the guy is Lieberman's pollster and has an incentive to promote a hypothetical candidate who's seen as strong on defense and can appeal to the center on taxes.

But his conclusions speak for themselves:

"Dramatic erosion in support among white men has left the Democrats in a highly vulnerable position and unless the party strongly repositions itself, President Bush will be virtually impossible to beat in 2004, according to a new poll commissioned for the centrist Democratic Leadership Council," per Dan Balz's politically astute brain. LINK

"The gloomy prognosis came despite evidence in the poll and in the assessments of Democratic elected officials attending the DLC's 'national conversation' here that the economy alone makes Bush vulnerable for reelection. But Mark J. Penn, who conducted the poll, said that the party's image has regressed since former president Bill Clinton left office and that those weaknesses put Democrats in a weakened position."

Regressed, in other words, to the wilderness of Michael Dukakis (tank boy) and Walter Mondale (who wasn't exactly weak on defense but was perceived as being soft and pro-tax).

At the Campaign for America's Future conference in early June, we were a bit astounded to hear boos — actual boos — when Senator John Kerry had the temerity to suggest that America occasionally had the moral authority to use its military might in the interest of national security.

These weren't cat-calls aimed at President Bush; they were aimed at Senator Kerry for saying something positive about America's armed forces and the use of American might.

Demographically, Penn's poll found that "just 22 percent of white men identified with the Democratic Party … .and he said younger men are even more strongly Republican in their leanings."

Even if the economy is really, really bad, Penn found, Democrats could still be at a distinct disadvantage.

"DLC leaders have criticized former Vermont governor Howard Dean, whose antiwar rhetoric fueled his rise to prominence in the Democratic presidential race, and today, Senator Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), the DLC chairman, warned that the party is 'at risk of being taken over by the far left.' The choice for Democrats, Bayh said, is, 'Do we want to vent or do we want to govern?'"

"But not all of those in attendance agreed with the Dean bashing. Washington state Rep. Laura Ruderman decried the battles between party centrists and liberals, and told the audience, 'I don't think we can be successful if we go down that rat hole.'"

"Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell went out of his way to praise Dean's record as governor and said he had 'great respect' for Dean. Rendell also challenged the findings of Penn, who claimed Democrats were at a 50-year low ebb. Citing the election of Democratic governors in 2002 in states such as Michigan, Illinois, Kansas, Arkansas and Pennsylvania, Rendell said, 'I think the talent bank is beginning to be replenished.'"

Adam Nagourney's article brooked enough interest from his editors to make the front page of the New York and national editions:

"When a reporter asked a panel of council leaders whether Democratic woes were a result of Republican attacks or Democratic mistakes, Senator Bayh responded with a curt two-word answer that silenced the room." LINK

"'Assisted suicide,' he said."

"The concerns expressed here in Philadelphia, where Republicans nominated George W. Bush for president three years ago, suggested the extent to which Dr. Dean's rise has rekindled the left-center ideological battles that Mr. Clinton and the council thought had been put to rest a decade ago."

"But they also illustrated the decline in the fortunes of both the council and the party — and the increasing concern among Democratic Party leaders about next year's presidential race."

"In contrast to last year, when four Democratic presidential contenders delivered addresses at the council's summer meeting, this conference did not feature a single candidate."

The Inky's Dick Polman Notes that Penn's poll found that "only 32 percent of Americans call themselves Democrats, the smallest share since Franklin D. Roosevelt's heyday[.]"

"While the DLC continues to worry that Dean's antiwar stance on Iraq will fuel the stereotype of a soft-on-defense party, Rendell did stray yesterday from the official DLC line. He argued, while speaking with reporters, that it was possible to be against the war in Iraq and still be a candidate who is strong on defense — the same argument the Dean campaign has made." LINK

From did a Washington Post live chat: LINK

Jeff Zeleny of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Democratic Leadership Council is concerned about the moderate and liberal Democratic candidates undermining each other's chances of defeating Bush. LINK

Texas redistricting:

It's happened again — but this time, it's members of the state senate who've fled the state to protest a GOP redistricting plan.

Eleven of 12 Texas Democratic state senators absconded to the Marriott Pyramid hotel in Albuquerque yesterday afternoon. They'll remain until time tbd.

Their absence effectively shuts down the state Senate, which needs a quorum of 21 lawmakers to operate.

The Senate Democrats allege that Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst (R) lied to them by promising he'd adhere to a two/thirds rule for bringing legislation to the floor.

That session ended yesterday without action. By felt-tipped pen stroke Gov. Rick Perry (R) opened up a second, 30-day special session yesterday. Dewhurst now says he only meant to apply the rule to one special session of the legislature.

So while two thirds is needed for a quorum — nothing can happen without it — and only a majority is needed to bring bills to the floor for consideration.

In a twist, the Texas lawmakers are being guarded by a squad of New Mexico state troopers, ostensibly protecting the Texans from bounty hunters who'd enforce the warrant issued for their arrest in Texas.

"With the lawmakers on the run, the secretary of the Senate issued a warrant for their arrest. But it was unclear that officials had the authority to round up the senators outside the state." LINK

"Senator Kenneth Armbrister of Victoria, the only Democrat who did not leave the chamber, said he did not judge those who left. He said he stayed because he wanted to ensure that rural Texas had a voice in the process."

"Dewhurst spokesman Dave Beckwith denied that the lieutenant governor had been preparing a trap for the dissidents." LINK

"'There wasn't going to be a surprise where they got locked in. There were no surprises planned,' Beckwith said."

"Perry, who ordered the new session to convene less than two hours after the Democrats had fled, accused the missing senators of killing other legislation that could have generated an additional $800 million for health and human services and other state needs."

"The congressional redistricting effort, which is strongly pushed by U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Sugar Land, was killed in the closing days of the regular session when more than 50 House Democrats fled to Ardmore, Okla., to bust a House quorum for four days."

ABC 2004: Bush-Cheney re-elect:

The AP's Martin Crutsinger reports on day-one of Secretaries Snow, Chao and Evans' "Jobs and Growth Tour." LINK

"The Wisconsin stops on the first day range from a Harley Davidson motorcycle manufacturing plant in Milwaukee to a roundtable discussion with small business owners in Green Bay and a stop in Wausau to talk to families eating frozen custard at a roadside restaurant."

"China may be siphoning jobs from the Midwest, the housing boom might be cooling and some traders say the nation's record deficits might be pushing key long-term borrowing rates higher. But Donald L. Evans is relentlessly upbeat," is how John Schmid begins his article on the visit by Secretaries Evans, Snow and Chao to Wisconsin today. LINK

The story runs under what could be our all-time favorite Don Evans headline: "Accentuating the Positive: Evans Is No Mr. In-Between on Economy."

Following the Mehlman/Nelson view that the administration needs more bloggers, here is Commerce Spokesguy Ron Bonjean, in The Note's exclusive first installment of "Blogger Ron Bonjean from the Economics Trail":

"Secretaries Evans, Snow and Chao are here in Wisconsin today on the administration's 'Jobs and Growth Tour.' First stop: Milwaukee Harley Davidson employee town hall meeting where eagles soar, Harleys roar, and the weather is perfect."

Check back tomorrow for Ron's next set of musings!!!

From Charlie's Cook's CongressDaily AM column on Bush's approval ratings: "To a large extent, the drop seems to be driven by the fading of the 'war affect,' the nine-point boost in President Bush's approval rating from March to April, which occurred at a much faster pace than his sustained post-9/11 high that held up for the better part of a year and a half."

"Soon after the first of the year, such poll numbers begin to be far more important than they are today. Presidential job approval numbers through December of the third year in office have virtually no predictive value in terms of re-election, but the first few months of the election year begin to give us a clearer picture of the president's political future."

Paul Krugman compares Bush to Blair and concludes that (a) the media (b) Bush's style and (c) Americans' post-war trust sustain the American president through controversy. But he predicts a "terrible reckoning." LINK

Jesse Jackson writes an op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times today asking "where are the jobs?" with comparison of Bush and Herbert Hoover during the Great Depression. LINK

ABC 2004: Bush-Cheney re-elect, the money:

The AP reports, "Vice President Dick Cheney spent about 30 minutes in Columbia Monday, raising about $300,000 for President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign." LINK

More: "[About 25] Demonstrators first were told to conduct their protests at Maxcy-Gregg Park, about four blocks away from the fund-raiser. After conferring with local police, the protesters were allowed to stand on the sidewalk across the street from [host Gayle] Averyt's house."

ABC 2004: The Invisible Primary:

The AP's Ramer writes about the Jeanne Shaheen Primary, and gets her husband, who supports Senator Kerry, to say: "I wouldn't put it past her to stay neutral through the whole thing,' he said." LINK

A New Franklin Pierce poll of New Hampshire Democrats seems to show a virtual tie between Kerry and Dean and a rising number of undecideds. LINK

There are also some new national Zogby numbers.

Yesterday, we said that "Ashbel Green" was a "she," when, in fact, we have been convinced that Ashbel is a "he." The Note regrets the gender error.

Dean:

The Boston Globe 's Glen Johnson marvels at the "power of Internet fund-raising" yet again, as Governor Dean "outdid [Vice President Cheney]-- without leaving his campaign headquarters in Burlington, Vt." over the course of four days, during which the vice president took a jaunt to Columbia, S.C. for a lunch fundraiser. Score: Dean $344,000, Cheney $300,000. LINK

"For the Republican-held White House, [the Dean campaign's weekend drive of $507,150] was more direct evidence of a fund-raising phenomenon that Dean's eight Democratic rivals witnessed last month, when the former Vermont governor posted the highest total of the group for the second quarter of the year, $7.6 million. In one day in late June, the campaign raised more than $800,000, much of it via the Internet. The latest cybertake had professionals shaking their heads."

The Boston Globe 's Brian McGrory offers up a profile of Howard Dean, who "is sitting in his shirtsleeves at a particleboard table in a corner of a barely converted warehouse that is teeming with campaign workers half his age." LINK

Please read these great paragraphs:

"The early line isn't good. Word from the field is that the impetuous Dean makes Bob Dole look soft and cuddly, that he's little more than a fad, and, worst of all, that he's a one-trick pony who doesn't have the legs for a long presidential run."

"So I arrived up here half expecting the candidate to be disemboweling bunnies in his spare time, screaming at staff about the dripping entrails, and railing nonstop about Iraq. I expected, in short, to find someone to be dismissed."

"What I found was the candidate standing amid a couple of hundred fascinated people inside Elliot Hospital, taking questions that centered not on Iraq, but on health care. With national reporters ringing the room, Dean spoke off-the-cuff in a way that few politicians do anymore."

"To be sure, there's little of the backslapping and two-fisted handshaking that send the message that he deeply cares. Nobody's ever going to mistake him for Jerry Seinfeld or, for that matter, Bill Clinton, especially when an elderly man called out, 'Can I ask one more question?' Dean said, 'No, I want to give others some time.' Then he turned away."

"Later, sitting back at his state campaign headquarters, Dean seemed more relaxed. There was no blood on his lips. When asked whether he worried that his candidacy might be relegated to that of a flaming meteor, much like Gary Hart's or John McCain's in elections past, rather than choke me, he merely shrugged."

Dr. Dean continues his tour of Iowa, touring several counties in the Western part of the state.

The campaign refuses to divulge the "top secret" plan they have to spend the money they've raised during their latest Internet challenge … at least $508,000 as of 8 am this morning.

Campaign director Joe Trippi said it was "surprise."

Asked about it, a campaign aide would only say, "It's a secret."

$500,000+ is a lot of money to spend a project … might Steve McMahon be crashing on the Avid?

Michael Wolff has a quirky, affected column on whether Dean is a "stand-in" for the real candidate, but we confess to be flummoxed by this statement of his: "For the past two and a half years, Bush haters have been, if not invisible, then lying very low." LINK

Yesterday, we said that Dean telephoned on Sunday an anti-DLC rally of unaffiliated supporters in Philadelphia. An organizer of that gathering tells us that the rally wasn't anti0anything — they even served refreshments, for goodness sakes. And they welcomed DLC'ers into the fold.

MSNBC's Tom Curry writes up the "dilemma" Dean's candidacy poses to centrist Democrats. Curry gets reactions from DLC-conference attendees ranging from "worst nightmare," which is how one Democratic consultant described Dean, to "warm words" from Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who has "a great deal of respect" for Dean's record as governor.

On defense, Rendell told Curry that Dean "has made 'strong statements' about the need to beef up U.S. forces. 'You can be against a particular war and still be strong on national security.'" LINK

Boston:

The Boston Globe 's Scott Greenberger writes, "As of next month, nearly all of Boston's 17,000 employees will be working without labor contracts, and Mayor Thomas M. Menino will be forced to negotiate with them under the pressure of a tight budget — and the ticking clock of next summer's Democratic National Convention." The Boston Globe 's Yvonne Abraham reports, "Mayor Thomas M. Menino hung out a Help Wanted sign for the 2004 Democratic National Convention yesterday, calling on 8,000 volunteers to cater to the needs of the delegates, the news media, the famous, and the not-so-famous who will gather in Boston a year from now." LINK

"Volunteers will be asked to ferry visitors to and from the airport, point them in the direction of the city's best chowder, help them fill prescriptions at 3 in the morning, and unlock the mysteries of the city's transit system."

Edwards:

Jim VandeHei's on the campaign trail!

He tagged along with Senator Edwards for the health care plan roll out and concluded that "Edwards pulled a page from former president Bill Clinton's political playbook by laying claim to the middle ground in the debate. His plan, which would cover fewer people than many of his rivals' plans, would cost $53 billion per year, making it the least expensive plan offered by a major candidate. Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (Mo.), who is competing with Edwards for working-class Democratic voters, has made the centerpiece of his campaign a plan to provide coverage to 97 percent of Americans at a cost of $214 billion in the first year." LINK

"It is no coincidence that Edwards sought a centrist solution: Bruce Reed, head of the Democratic Leadership Council and former Clinton aide, helped write the plan, while Wendy Button, who recently left the staff of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), wrote his speech. Edwards, who talks to Bill Clinton frequently about his speeches and political strategy, is clearly emulating the former president in both style and substance. The health care proposal fits nicely into that 'New Democrat' mold, said Reed. 'And if we are going to enact a health care plan, it has to be one we can afford.'"

In the lead of his story, the Los Angeles Times' Brownstein raises an objection: "Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) on Monday offered a plan that seeks to provide universal health care for children — but would require many parents of kids without coverage to contribute part of the cost." LINK

The plan made page A3 of the Des Moines Register complete with, we are told, a color photo of Edwards. LINK

After previewing it yesterday in the Raleigh News & Observer , John Wagner writes up the speech. LINK

Here's the recap of the speech by the Charlotte Observer's Mark Johnson. LINK

Yesterday, we printed a clarification from the Edwards campaign concerning a sentence in Nedra Pickler's article.

We were later informed that Ms. Pickler had been provided imprecise information by the Edwards campaign and wrote the article correctly given the information available.

From Edwards spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri:

"This spokesgal was most distressed to see in yesterday's Note that — in an effort to correct our campaign's own error — we may have unintendedly and erroneously besmirched the work of AP rock star Nedra Pickler! Nedra helpfully edited the story she wrote on our health care plan yesterday to correct an error I made in describing our plan to her. Certainly NOT the other way around. Thanks for letting me clear this up."

Gephardt:

The AP's Leigh Strope reports, "The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Technicians, or IATSE, will officially announce its support of the Missouri congressman on Tuesday in New York. The union has more than 100,000 members in the United States and Canada." LINK

"Rep. Richard A. Gephardt's efforts to invigorate his presidential bid with Hollywood political money is likely to get a boost today with an expected endorsement from the union representing the industry's blue-collar workforce," the Los Angeles Times reports. LINK

"The formal endorsement by the more than 104,000-member International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is expected to be announced at a New York news conference. The union's political action committee also is planning a fund-raiser for the Missouri Democrat tonight in New York."

And maybe help him with fundraising, too?

The AP's Strope Notes a full AFL endorsement remains unlikely, at least for now. LINK

Hey other candidates: if Gephardt's standing with labor is so low, why is he the only one getting these endorsements?

Graham:

One of the wisest roosters in the Democratic Party, James Carville, said some real nice things about Senator Graham yesterday:

"Senator Graham is a serious man. He's running a serious campaign, dealing with serious issues. And he's one of the Democratic candidates who deserves serious consideration. And there's one other thing Democrats should consider and Republicans should fear. Unlike this president, Bob Graham has demonstrated an ability to win Florida."

Graham yesterday urged the Bush Administration declassify much more of the Congressional 9/11 report. LINK

Kerry:

In Sioux City, Iowa, Senator Kerry stumped on trickle down economics, the worst economic record since Herbert Hoover, etc. LINK

Kucinich:

The Hill's Bill Thomas reports that Congressman Dennis Kucinich was invited on board a tour bus that was stopped at a red light near the Longworth Building on Monday evening so so that the sightseers "could get a first-hand look at a real live lawmaker."

"Taking full advantage of the opportunity, Kucinich worked the crowd of tourists as if the 2004 campaign were coming down to the wire."

"'My name is Dennis Kucinich, and I'm running for president of the United States!' he said to the stunned out-of-towners, one of whom decided to turn the occasion into an impromptu press conference."

"'Is that Kucinich with a 'C' or a 'K,'' the man wanted to know."

"'With a 'K,'' said the semidejected White House hopeful as he waved goodbye and jumped off the bus."

Lieberman:

Do we even need to say that David Lightman's article on Senator Lieberman's "boldest attempt yet to stake out a clear position on Iraq to win him Democratic votes" is the best write-up of the day?

"'I have a very explicit history here,' the senator said, first at a Capitol Hill press conference and later at a meeting with Tribune Co. reporters and editors. He noted that he is the only Democratic presidential candidate who voted for both the 1991 Persian Gulf War and to back Bush in the current conflict." LINK

"While those stands would likely give him stature as a general election candidate to challenge Bush next fall, it's proving a barrier to his getting that far."

"So Lieberman tried Monday to inch away from the Democratic pack by establishing his bona fides as a sharp administration critic."

"'By its actions,' Lieberman said, 'the Bush administration threatens to give a bad name to a just war.'"

"Lieberman criticized his party rivals as well, characterizing them as too soft on the war."

"'Some in my party,' he said, 'threaten to send a message that they don't know a just war when they see it, and more broadly that they're not prepared to use our military strength to protect our security and the cause of freedom.'"

Lieberman later said he was talking about Dean. He also faulted Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, saying they 'supported the war but now seem to have forgotten why.'"

"He noted that Kerry and Gephardt questioned the claim about uranium in Bush's State of the Union speech. Such comments, he said, 'obscure the fact that this was a just war.'"

"But when reminded he also criticized the uranium claim, Lieberman came back to his firm belief that supporting the war was the right thing to do."

Dean's response, in part: "We Democrats do have a grand tradition of world leadership exercised by Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman through John Kennedy to Bill Clinton. We have fought and won wars and we have managed peace and recovery. Never have we Democrats felt compelled to stand by silently when our country has failed to pursue alternatives short of war. I will continue to speak out against this war — no matter the day-to-day developments — because it is what I believe."

Lieberman's comments made Dan Balz do double duty: LINK

The Boston Globe 's Susan Milligan reports on Senator Lieberman's "criticism yesterday of Bush's handling of the Post war occupation" and Notes that "the Democratic presidential contender saved his sharpest barbs for his rivals, whom he accused of making the party look weak on national security." LINK

The AP's Will Lester reports on Senator Lieberman's "broad swipe at the commander in chief and the Democratic candidates who aspire to the job." LINK

Sharpton:

The Reverend Al Sharpton "has been invited to speak Wednesday in St. Louis at a rally protesting the level of minority participation in building the latest MetroLink line," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. LINK

Reporting on Sharpton's recent trip to Africa, The Hill's Dick Carlson and Bill Regardie write: "Reverend Al, more courageous than previously suspected, had tried to charter a flight into Monrovia, Liberia, to meet with Charles Taylor, the escaped convict from Boston who now runs the country, but was met with basic pilot refusal." LINK

As part of a new series for Slate, William Saletan and Avi Zenilman examine Reverend Al Sharpton's top three priorities. LINK

"1. Amend the Constitution to guarantee a public education of equal high quality."

"2. Amend the Constitution to standardize and facilitate voting."

"3. Make the District of Columbia the 51st state."

James Muhammad of the Sacramento Observer writes up Sharpton's Africa trip and Notes that Sharpton criticized "his fellow Democratic Party contenders seeking the presidential nomination, saying that African issues are not on their radar screen." LINKBiden:

Should he run for president, Amtrak'll be an issue worth watching even more. LINK

Politics of national security:

The Washington Post 's Dana Milbank offers a glimpse of the White House-reporter cat-and-mouse over the Iraq statement in the State of the Union address. LINK

"Five times, questioners have invited the president to take responsibility for the Iraq-uranium allegation that found its way into his State of the Union address. Five times, Bush has deflected the question."

"The dogged questioning might seem a bit excessive to some. After all, Bush is ultimately responsible to the voters for what his administration does, whether he accepts responsibility or not. But in a way Bush had set himself up for such questioning."

"'My job will be to usher in the responsibility era, a culture that will stand in stark contrast to the last few decades, which has clearly said to America: "If it feels good, do it, and if you've got a problem blame somebody else," ' Bush often said on the campaign trail in 2000."

Former Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff James A. Baker III will not head to Iraq to assist U.S. administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer, the Washington Post 's Mike Allen reports. LINKBaker was among those on a short list to take charge of some aspects of rebuilding, such as restructuring the country's debt, Allen writes. State Dept. spokesman Rick Boucher said other senior officials may still go to Iraq to help.

Porter Goss "helps" Dr. Rice. LINK

Politics:Mitch Bainwol is taking the helm at the Recording Industry Association of America on Sept. 1, the Washington Post 's Rebecca Dana and Frank Ahrens report. LINKBainwol, former chief of staff for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, is expected to come under the same fire as his predecessor, Hilary Rosen, from both the music industry and consumers over Internet song sharing, or piracy, depending on who's talking.

But, Dana and Ahrens Note, Bainwol is expected to make around $1 million a year for his trouble, and maybe he'll meet Moby.

And Jenny Backus gets a nice quote.

"'It's an astute political move for the RIAA and a realization that there's been a shift in power in Washington,' said Jenny Backus, a Democratic consultant. 'They've picked a Republican who is seen as less ideological in this town, who doesn't alienate Democrats and can craft a message that appeals to swing voters.'"

Mindshare Internet Campaigns opens its Boston office today; former Al Gore briefer and Democratic strategist Brian Reich joins in the fun.

USA Today 's Kathy Kiely reports on why Congressman DeLay seems to relish the image that he is the president's Capitol Hill exterminator. LINK

Kiely writes, "As Republicans seek to extend their dominance in the nation's capital, DeLay is wielding his clout in ways that recall another generation of Texas politicians — a Democratic generation headed by Lyndon Johnson and former House speaker Sam Rayburn. That's prompting speculation about whether he might rise as high as they did."

Here's "The DeLay file" (sorry, no pie-charts!): LINK

USA Today 's Susan Page reports, "Americans have become significantly less accepting of homosexuality since a Supreme Court decision that was hailed as clearing the way for new gay civil rights, a USA TODAY /CNN/Gallup Poll has found." LINK

On a related Note, USA Today 's Richard Willing reports, "Supporters and opponents of gay marriage are bracing for a Massachusetts Supreme Court decision that could open the door to same-sex marriages nationwide — or slam it firmly shut." LINK

The Clintons of Chappaqua:

The AP's Devlin Barrett reports, "Friends of Hillary launched its Web site Monday, complete with a Spanish version, voter registration forms and interviews with the senator and her mother, Dorothy Rodham." LINK

"'This isn't the official launch of her re-election, but obviously, we're gearing toward that,' said Patti Solis Doyle, executive director of HILLPAC, Clinton's political-action committee."

Visitors to either the English-language site (http://www.friendsofhillary.com) or the Spanish-language version (http://www.amigosdehillary.com/) can get a signed copy of her book for a $150 donation.

The New York Daily News's Joel Siegel Noted that the site briefly crashed under the traffic load of its first day. LINKSenator Clinton's friends are also inviting people to join their version of the Rangers — "Hill's Angels." The Angels, however, are in a slightly lowr-rent district: the top contribution of the four-tier structure is $500.

Legislative agenda:

Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute critcizes the Bush Administration's welfare policies. LINK

BCRA:

The Hill's Alexander Bolten reports that grassroots efforts are taking on added importance earlier in the cycle because of concerns that the Supreme Court may "affirm the May ruling … by a special three-judge federal court, which would severely curb television ads paid for by soft money but allow the parties to use such funds for voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities." LINK