The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

p> PELL MEL br> Despite persistent Washington rumors that Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez will return to Florida to run for the Senate, he and advisers are telling anyone who will listen that he has no interest in the seat. /p>

Instead, look for Martinez to focus on a possible run for governor --in 2006, when Jeb Bush completes his second term). While Martinez's name will most likely continue to surface for the Senate run, look for the White House to also closely monitor the performance of Florida Rep. B>Mark Foleyfor the Senate seat, regardless of whether or not Sen. Bob Graham decides to run for re-election or the Democratic presidential nomination.

p> BIG TIME br> The White House was thrilled with the performance of Vice President Dick Cheney on the Sunday morning talk show circuit, particularly his time on NBC's "Meet the Press." /p>

"You see him out there like he was today and you just appreciate him more," says a White House staffer. "He was in command and laid everything out. We couldn't have asked for a better job."

p>Cheney's appearances were intended to further lay out the Bush Administration's final Iraq push, leading into comments by the president late Sunday from the Azores, and almost certainly later this week in response to what takes place or doesn't take place in the U.N. Security Council. br> /p>

topics:
Nancy Pelosi, Iraq