The Ad War in Iraq

"I am pleased to announce these funds for the University of Kentucky," Bunning said in the announcement. "These funds will be used by the University of Kentucky's Asphalt Institute to study construction practices that will make asphalt pavements last longer. With this research, we will hopefully be able to save time and energy constructing roads."

Not a big pork chop, as these things go, but any boost in the federal deficit is seen as a positive thing these days.

From Gingrich, a Thoughtful, Timely Gift

Political antennae quivered a bit last week on news that the Gingrich Foundation -- as in former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) -- had given $25,000 to establish the Newt L. and Callista L. Gingrich Scholarship at Luther College, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

And where is Luther College? Why, in Iowa, home of the critical, early Iowa political caucuses. So is this an indication Newt's running in 'o8? Well, turns out wife Callista is a Luther grad. Even so . . .

What Goes Around Comes Around

Robert Callahan , who has been spokesman for the director of national intelligence for a few weeks, is leaving to teach at George Washington University. Callahan, a career foreign service officer, was in Latin America with John D. Negroponte years ago. Negroponte brought him to Baghdad last year to be his spokesman at the embassy and then recruited him for the DNI job. Buzz is he'll be replaced by National Security Agency spokeswoman Judi Emmel .

Also on the security front, Maureen A. Baginski , executive assistant director for intelligence at the FBI for the past two years, is retiring from government service, sort of. She's returning as a senior adviser to the agency.

And John J. Danilovich , ambassador to Brazil and before that to Costa Rica, has been tapped to be chief executive of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the much-criticized new U.S. foreign aid program that has had a slow time getting off the ground.

Former senator Zell Miller (D-Ga.), who famously broke ranks with his party, denounced it at the GOP convention and then campaigned hard for President Bush, has received a fine reward. Bush last week appointed Miller to be a member of the little-known but prestigious American Battle Monuments Commission, the body that oversees U.S. military cemeteries and memorials around the world.

Tom Blank , acting deputy administrator at the Transportation Security Administration and former communications director to Speaker Gingrich, is moving to the lobbying shop Wexler & Walker Public Policy Associates. Blank will join a new homeland security group and will also lobby for aviation clients beginning after Labor Day.