House Passes Two-Month Funding Bill
The House of Representatives passed a two-month Iraq funding bill last night, by a margin of 221-205. The Democratic Caucus lost only 10 members on the vote — almost all of them from the left wing, who object to any continued funding of the war at all. The Bush Administration has indicated that it will veto the measure, on the grounds that funding the war for only two months is a limitation on the President's authority. The Washington Post has more information.

White House Chews Out House GOP Critics For Talking To The Press
The Hill reports that two House Republicans were personally reprimanded by Bush Administration officials for talking to the press about their meeting with the Administration on Wednesday, in which they discussed the damage being done to the GOP by the President's Iraq policies, and the resulting divisions in the country. Dan Meyer, the President's liason to the House, reproached Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL), while Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) was castigated by Karl Rove himself.

Romney Speaks Before Massachusetts Pro-Life Group
The Boston Globe reports that Mitt Romney spoke before Massachusetts Citizens For Life last night, accepting an award and calling himself a "convert" to the pro-life cause. "I am evidence that your work, that your relentless campaign to promote the sanctity of human life bears fruit," Romney said. Pioneer Valley chapter president Kevin Jourdain said Romney's donation of $15,000 to the Boston chapter did not influence the decision to give him an award, as it was the Pioneer Valley chapter that made the decision.

Michelle Obama Leaving Job To Campaign Full Time
The Washington Post reports that Michelle Obama will be leaving her position as vice president of community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals, marking the first time that the professional working mother will be without formal employment in her adult life. "It's a bit disconcerting," Mrs. Obama said. "But it's not like I'll be bored."

Massachusetts Republicans Critical Of Romney
The Hill reports that some high-ranking Republicans in Massachusetts are upset with Mitt Romney for having made the state GOP worse off than when he found it. After his tenure as Governor, the party's registration was down by tens of thousands, and they were over $100,000 in debt — all while Romney was travelling the country and building his own national profile. "The last two years of his term, he was really running for president," said GOP State Treasurer Brent Andersen, who is supporting John McCain. "His first two years he did give it a go, and then he gave up on us."

McCain Steps Up Fundraising
CNN reports that John McCain's campaign is ramping up their fundraising efforts for this quarter, with a tour of at least 12 high-dollar fundraisers scheduled for this month, with attendees required to contribute the maximum primary donation of $2,300 and/or pledge to raise even more from others.

Romney Acknowledges Polygamous Ancestors
CNN reports that Mitt Romney, in a "60 Minutes" interview set to air on Sunday, acknowledged and condemned the past tradition of polygamy within the Mormon church."I have a great-great grandfather. They were trying to build a generation out there in the desert and so he took additional wives as he was told to do," Romney said. "And I must admit I can't imagine anything more awful than polygamy."

Tancredo Uses Fort Dix Arrests As Basis For Fundraising E-Mail
The Hotline reports that Tom Tancredo's Presidential campaign used the arrests of the alleged Fort Dix attack conspirators as an occasion to send out a fundraising e-mail. From the e-mail: "If the President, 'open borders' supporters in Congress and the other presidential candidates have their way, future terrorists will keep coming into our country ... and once they’re here, they will be eligible for a 'path to citizenship!'"