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Odds and Ends from the headlines…
Push to Tighten Lobbying Rules Loses Strength By SHERYL GAY STOLBERGthe drive for a tighter lobbying law is losing momentum, a victim of shifting political interests and infighting among Republicans.

It’s also because Congress is pretty sure that the public isn’t watching anymore…Roll out the corporate jets and let’s party!

Port Deal's Collapse Stirs Fears of Repercussions in Mideast Ties By DAVID S. CLOUDPresident Bush expressed concern that the Congressional opposition over the port deal could have a broader negative effect by alienating allies in the Middle East…

And he’s right! It could certainly affect the economy as well, as foreign investors re-think their positions. The American business community is trying to patch things up behind the scenes, as this could bring about retaliation by some countries.  Some governments are going to look more critically at American investments in their countries. Xenophobia strikes again!