The Daily Muck

Last week Defense Secretary Robert Gates toured the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center in Charleston, S.C. where the military is producing 1,200 “Mine Resistant Ambush Protected” (MRAP) trucks every month and boasted that the military has not suffered a single casualty with the trucks during 12 roadside attacks. But just yesterday, the military suffered a fatality and three injuries when a MRAP truck ran over a roadside bomb. Though the crew compartment remained intact, hopes for the new vehicle have been questioned. (UPI, New York Times)

Though President Bush is under pressure from fiscal conservatives in Congress and budget watchdog groups, it is unlikely that he will challenge Congress’ billions of dollars in earmarks. Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) has suggested that any challenges to Congress’ pork business could jeopardize Bush’s relationship with Congress. The 2008 spending bills signed by Bush contain at least 11,700 earmarks worth $16.9 billion. These figures mark a decline since Republican control of Congress. (New York Times)

The ethics committees of the House and Senate disagree on how to interpret new rules covering tickets to events sponsored by charities. Previously, lobbyists were allowed to request event sponsors to invite (and provide free tickets to) elected officials who would then be seated at the lobbyists’ tables. The House ethics committee has interpreted the new rules to allow lobbyists to continue the practice, while the Senate committee argues that it is now prohibited. (The Hill)

Since the start of the Iraq war, America’s volunteer army has recruited fewer and fewer high school graduates. The Army has set a goal of 90% high school grads but its current rate is only 70% and it has not achieved its goal since 2004. Douglas Smith of the Army Recruiting Command noted that the war in Iraq has made for a challenging recruiting environment. (USA Today)

Amidst great volatility in U.S. financial markets, Annette L. Nazareth will be resigning from the Securities and Exchange Commission next month. Nazareth is the only Democrat on the SEC, an agency that is supposed to consist of three members from the president’s party and two from the opposition party. Her retirement raises concerns because she was recently the lone voice in opposing what she described as Republican efforts to “explicitly and unreservedly” “deny shareholder rights.” (Washington Post)

As Bill Clinton assumes a larger role in Hillary’s campaign he has moved to sever a high-profile partnership (through Yucaipa Cos.) with billionaire Ron Burkle. The details of Clinton’s work as a Yucaipa adviser are unclear, but one of Clinton’s funds is connected to the ruler of Dubai and Clinton stands to walk away from the Burkle arrangement with a $20 million (sub. req.) windfall. (Wall Street Journal)

While Denmark has granted asylum to 120 Iraqi interpreters (and their families) who served Danish troops in Iraq, the U.S. government has left thousands of its Iraqi translators vulnerable. More than 250 Iraqi translators have already been killed and though it is clear that thousands have risked their lives and face retaliation, the US asylum program allowed for only 50 visas in 2006 and 500 annually for 2007 and 2008. (Washington Post)

One year after leaving Congress, former Rep. Jim Davis (D-FL) has returned to Washington – this time as a lobbyist. Davis is one of a number of former members of Congress who take this “well-worn path” to lobbying jobs after leaving office. (The Politico)