Mr. Gonzales heads a committee of about 15 people from the White House and the Justice Department who are screening lawyers for judgeships. The quickness with which officials are addressing the selection of judges is a revealing window into the priorities of the administration's lawyers. It is also in marked contrast to the eight years of the Clinton administration, in which the White House did not make judicial selection a major priority. Scholars and lawyers said that the Bush process appears to most resemble the 12 years of Republican rule under President Ronald Reagan and Mr. Bush's father in which there was a concerted effort to turn the courts rightward. As the damage tally from last week's Northwest earthquake continues to climb, a lawmaker warned that the state may not receive federal money to repair the Capitol because of a labor agreement Gov. Gary Locke signed.
Critics fear a loss of services for poor women.
Citing First Amendment safeguards against government intrusion into the practice of religion, the high court unanimously upheld a trial judge's decision to dismiss a child rape victim's lawsuit against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We keep a close eye on the Bush administration's activities by monitoring the news media for you. This will be updated on a regular basis. Check back often. All rights reserved.