U.S. Targets al Qaeda Leader
...mocratic. Report by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction finds evidence of fraud, that money for rebuilding was casually and insecurely stored, and contract work was improperly certified as complete. Stephen Harper's Conservative Party narrowly defeats the Labor Party, headed by outgoing prime minister Paul Martin, in parliamentary elections. It's the first time in 12 years that a Conservative will lead the country. Abramoff, a powerful Washington lobbyist with ties to several members of Congress, strikes a deal with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to fraud, public corruption, and tax evasion¡ªall felonies¡ªand to testify against politicians and former colleagues. In exchange, Abramoff will receive a reduced sentence. In his first appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee Alito, who was nominated to replace retiring justice Sandra Day O'Connor as associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, says, ¡°The judge's only obligation¡ªand it's a solemn obligation¡ªis to the rule of law. ¡± (Jan. 24): Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote, 10¨C8, on party lines to endorse the nomination of Samuel Alito as a Supreme Court Associate Justice. (Jan. 31): The Senate votes, 58-to-42, to confirm Alito. He's sworn in as the Court's 110th justice hours after the vote. Republican plan includes a ...