Lead Story:
The saga surrounding Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) continues after the 45-day cooling period President Bush implemented back in May terminates today.  The cooling-off period sealed all confiscated materials taken during the federal raid on Jefferson's Capitol Hill office.  However, it is unlikely that there will be any substantial developments or charges brought against Jefferson as prosecutors are impeded from investigating Jefferson's materials due to a pending U.S. District Court battle between the Justice Department and Jefferson ’s lawyers, according to ABC News.  

Corruption News:
Top GOP anti-tax activist Grover Norquist continues to come under fire for his alleged ties to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.  After Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) Senate Indian Affairs Committee reported that Norquist set up a “conduit” for Abramoff’s corrupt flow of funds, Norquist is fighting back. The Washington Post  profiles Norquist and his defense against the Committee’s claims.  The Post reports that the infighting appears to have damaged Norquist's ability to get access to lawmakers.

Roll Call (Subscription only) reports on hardships facing Texas Republicans scrambling to replace the seat of Tom DeLay (R-Texas) after the former House Majority Leader resigned and moved to Virginia.   A U.S. District Judge has halted the Republican effort to name another candidate to run against Democratic challenger Nick Lampson (D-Texas), claiming the move is unconstitutional because it is impossible to prove, in advance of November 7, 2006, that DeLay will be ineligible for election on that date.