We're familiar with the NeoCons and their approach to foreign policy already, but the 'pragmatists?' I'm not sure which is of greater interest: that the NeoCons are trying to lay claim to McCain's candidacy, or that their ideological opponents within the Republican Party have demarcated themselves as a codified group. It isn't quite the Jets and the Sharks, but it is indicative of what's going on in the GOP.

Canceling 900 flights to meet mandatory inspection requirements is not ideal, but in most cases it would seem like the giant aviation business equivalent of filing your taxes. You have to do it, but once you take care of it, you're done.

This is a bummer but it is something we should all hear, so I'm just going to give you the stinger: "International Monetary Fund shows U.S. sliding into recession and pulling down economic growth around the world."

"Pelosi and the House Rules" would make a pretty good band name, but it makes an even better descriptor for how the Speaker of the House flexed some muscle against President Bush.

Toady General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker are making appearances before the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, the House equivalents of the Senate panels they took questions from yesterday. Their assurances of progress in Iraq are being met with skepticism similar to what they experienced yesterday. You can check it all out via C-SPAN.

Shelley Sekula Gibbs, she of the famous immediate congressional staff mutiny, was defeated in the runoff for the Republican nomination in the 22nd District. CQPolitics posits, and not with any lack of merit, that the Republican establishment was eager to line up behind Pete Olson, a former aide to both Senators John Cornyn and Phil Gramm. Olson will face incumbent Democrat Nick Lampson in November.

The Chron lists some of the other interesting races from yesterday's runoffs and how they turned out over here.

Railroad Commissioner is one of our statewide races in Texas that many voters know little about but that has a large influence on the everyday lives of Texans. Today was the runoff between Democrats Dale Henry, a candidate with a resume loaded with civic leadership experience and hands-on oil and gas experience and Mark Thompson, an activist, therapist and former police officer.

Senator Carl Levin:

``What you've given to your chain of command is a plan which has no end to it,'' Levin said. He asked Petraeus when he would be in position to recommend further troop cuts, once the 45-day evaluation period ends in September.

``It could be right then, or it could be longer,'' [General Petraeus] said. He declined to be pinned down, saying he would recommend further cuts when conditions were right.

Anyone doubting the wisdom of West University Place’s cell phone ban should administer my stupid driver test.

Next time you’re waiting for a left turn signal, it comes on and the car in front of you doesn’t move, look closely at the driver. He or she is most likely talking on a cell phone or sending a text message.