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And if Anyone Asks Any Questions . . .

New federal employees are generally briefed about the ins and outs of their jobs, and they receive training on compliance with federal ethics regulations. But it's become painfully obvious in recent weeks that they need help on handling Congress and the media and on the proper use of e-mails when, as often happens, the subpoenas hit the fan.

New Congress, Same Obstacles for Democratic Lobbyists

The Democrats' takeover of Congress had a lot of their interest groups -- labor, enviros, etc. -- elbowing ferociously for long-sought legislation for their constituents. The groups' lobbyists are feeling the pressure.

The Ritual Dance of the Prosecutors

A White House spokeswoman said President Bush called yesterday to tell embattled Attorney General Alberto "Fredo, You Broke My Heart" Gonzales, that he wanted him to stay on the job and encouraging him to fight efforts to force him out.

Perhaps This Job Ad Was Written With a Candidate in Mind?

Are you opposed to nuclear proliferation? Are you a current or maybe former civil servant eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program? Then hurry up and apply for the great job of "Special Envoy for Nuclear Nonproliferation."

Professor Gingrich on the Nation's 'Annihilating Capabilities'

Ne wt Gingrich may not have had time to page through the 10-volume works of Abraham Lincoln while he was designing the "Contract With America" or running the House of Representatives. But now that he's just looking for solutions to all the nation's problems while mulling running for president, he's got plenty of time on his hands.

Where the Money Is

There's some disgruntlement amongst the grossly overpaid World Bank crowd as the time approaches for calculating annual salary increases for 2007. Seems they're finding out that Shaha Riza, who's been romantically linked to bank President Paul Wolfowitz, has done exceptionally well in terms of salary in the last 18 months -- and she doesn't even work there.

A Slow Leak in the Senate Judiciary Committee

Round up the usual suspects! A leak has sprung on Capitol Hill! And some folks at the Senate Judiciary Committee are most unhappy about it.

Let's Warm Up With Some Softball, Er, Baseball Questions . . .

In an earlier era, reporters like the legendary Sam Donaldson of ABC television would start off belligerently demanding administration officials answer important questions.

On Iraq, Reporters May Be Missing Their Mark(et)

The liberal media have been jumping all over Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) for accusing the press of not reporting all the good news in Iraq. There has been some improvement, McCain told reporters after strolling through the Shorja market in Baghdad. "But the American people are not getting the full picture of what's happening here.

'Outrage' at World Bank Over Colleague's Generous Salary

The World Bank rank and file were most upset by our recent column noting that Shaha Riza, linked romantically with bank President Paul Wolfowitz, got some curiously hefty raises upon being detailed to work at the State Department -- but remaining on the bank's payroll.