Free Republic

Retired Guard Officer Says He Saw Some Files Discarded in TrashRetired National Guard Lt. Col. Bill Burkett said Tuesday that in 1997, then Governor Bush's chief of staff Joe Allbaugh told the National Guard chief to get the Bush file and make certain that 'there is not anything in there that will embarass the governor.'Col. Burkett said that a few days later at Camp Mabry in Austin, he saw Mr. Bush's file and documents from it discarded in a trash can.He said he recognized the documents as retirement point summaries and pay forms.Bush aides denied any destruction of records in...

Party Animals Look for GOP bigwig Ed Gillespie to be named the new Republican Party Chairman this month, may be this week.And keep an eye on Democratic boss Terry McAuliffe.Insiders say recent flubs might prompt party elders to consider a learship change.

SHARPTON: So much Buzzing Going On..[New York Civil Rights Activist] Reverand Al Sharpton is privately accusing Democratic National Committee Chair Terry McAuliffe of pushing Ex-Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun to ender the 2004 Democratic Field.Noting Shapton's rising black support McAuliffe and other establishment Democrats are concerned he will disort the contest for the Democratic 2004 Presidental nod.Whether or not they promoted Braun's unexpected announcement of candidacy, they certainly welcomed it.District of Columbia whispers that the Reverand Jesse Jackson 'encouraged Braun to run' appear to have no foundation. (Novak, Chicago Sun Times)