Rumsfeld's Eyewitness News

"You're exactly right," Rumsfeld agreed.

Indeed, exactly right. We checked the LexisNexis and Factiva databases for that quote and found only one publication that reported it -- out of thousands listed in the databases.

And that one would be? Ah yes, the "fairly typical Washington Post."

Friends of Claude Allen

Former White House domestic policy adviser Claude A. Allen -- who quit before his arrest in March for taking more than $5,000 in goods from Hecht's and Target stores in a phony refund scheme -- is looking for help paying his lawyers.

A group of Allen friends sent a letter April 15 saying the Allens are having a difficult time and "appeal for your understanding and trust." The letter, from Allen's pals and defense fund trustees, says many have asked how they can help. "Please continue praying" for Allen and his family, they advise, but it suggests recipients can also give them up to $12,000 with no tax consequences. The money would be used for family and legal expenses.

Stockholm for $25,000?

Most of the primo embassies in recent years have tended to go to "Rangers" or "Pioneers" and longtime GOP contributors. But President Bush yesterday named Michael M. Wood , a Washingtonian who headed a media and real estate investment company, to be ambassador to Sweden. Wood received a lifetime achievement award from the Home Builders Association of Flint, Mich., his home town.

Records indicate Wood contributed $25,000 to the GOP in the 2004 cycle. That's really not a lot for one of the few remaining European postings.

Rumsfeld Does Have Principals

Catching up at the Pentagon . . . Eric Ruff , a top aide in the public affairs shop, is moving up to be "a principal spokesman" for Rumsfeld, under a press operation restructured by the newly confirmed assistant secretary for public affairs, J. Dorrance Smith . (Smith has been in the job but with a recess appointment.) And Powell A. Moore , who had been Rumsfeld's assistant secretary for legislative affairs -- and had served in the Nixon, Ford and Reagan administrations -- has been tapped to be Rumsfeld's representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The job, based in Vienna, was last held by David Nicholas , who died last year.