Washington Whispers
The Doctor Was In--Kind of, Sort of
An old medical case is getting some new treatment. Way back in 1996, a man posing as a real doctor in Los Angeles performed prostate and pelvic exams on FBI agents during routine annual physicals. A class action suit filed by agents and others "examined" by the impostor followed, but, despite a $5 million settlement, three years later, none of the agents had gotten their checks. Now, we hear, that's changing: One tipster got $12,000. Still, the case dragged on so long that lawyers are having trouble finding some of the plaintiffs.
Yo, Evangelicals! Nobody Gets a Pass
There's a growing concern in GOP circles over the aging of the leaders of the evangelical social conservative movement. Seems the old gang isn't planning for when they won't be around to run their religious-based political operations. How old are they? Focus on the Family's James Dobson is 70; Moral Majority's Jerry Falwell is about to turn 73; Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson is 76. "Nobody intends to die," says Grover Norquist, head of the influential Americans for Tax Reform, "but there's not been a plan for succession here." One idea percolating in conservative circles: Make Ralph Reed, the former top Robertson aide who lost his bid to be Georgia's lieutenant governor, the movement's new leader.
Looking for an Exit, Not Strategery
Can't stand the prez and his posse? Then look out for two new items in your local bookstore: The 2007 Out of Office Countdown calendar and George W. Bush Countdown Handbook, both filled with Dubya's bloopers. Creator Deb Werksman says, "The experience of reading it is one of horror and hilarity at the same time." Publisher Sourcebooks has already sent the calendar--out in October--to many Democrats on Capitol Hill, including possible Bush successor Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
With Anna Mulrine, Suzi Parker and David E. Kaplan
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