U.S. News: Washington Whispers

Sen. John McCain continues to play the maverick. Just last Friday he predicted that Republicans would win back the Senate but lose the House in the fall elections. Speaking at a think tank luncheon, he explained that senators get judged "on their qualities." But the House majority could get hit with an anti-incumbent wave because voters are mad about the weak economy and corporate crooks going free. He held out Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey Pitt for special ridicule, calling him "totally unqualified" and cited several alleged ethical lapses.

"People can be weird and not be traitors."
NEWT GINGRICH, ex-GOP House speaker, on antiwar lawmakers