Political bits - Don't count on Specter

(McClatchy) Specter is joining the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee to try and restore Habeus Corpus. But don't put too much faith that Specter will be there if it gets heated.

(A warning from the past, "In the past, Democrats have been frustrated by Specter, who they say raises their hopes with tough talk against the White House but dashes them with disappointing action. In April, Senate minority leader Harry Reid labeled Specter a "moderate Republican . . . whenever you don't need him." Gay marriage, NSA, NSA, Gonzales testimony, immunity for detainee treatment.)

(NYDaily News) "President Bush and some of the most vocal Capitol Hill backers of the Iraq war from both parties gathered yesterday for what an insider described as a group therapy session." (Lieberman, Harmon, McCain.)

(LATimes) A symbolic antiabortion measure "that would have required women seeking abortions to be informed that some fetuses feel pain" failed in the House.

(AP) The EPA, supposedly tasked with protecting the environment, is considering dropping lead emissions standards.

And, if you didn't see it, two rightwingers have formed a "crisis management" group to help Republicans called in front of Congressional committees. Business looks to be booming.