As noted over in The Corner, The Buzz has ended its run. I’d like to thank everyone who checked out The Buzz over the past eight months. And of course thank National Review Online for giving me this opportunity. As much as I enjoy writing and reporting, it’s been the interaction with readers on a daily basis that has really made this experience as wonderful as it’s been. The fruitful dialogue, story ideas, tips and daily typo corrections from you, the reader, have helped make this the best year of my short 27-year-old life. There is no way to return that gift other than simply saying thank you.

Daly Thoughts scribe Gerry Daly writes in to say my NJ GOV optimism may not be totally misplaced:

"Keep on dreaming. As I pointed out here, http://dalythoughts.com/?p=4417, in 2000's Senate race which was won by Jon Corzine over Bob Franks, the last two surveys released showed Corzine with a 9 point and an 8 point lead. The final tally was much closer — Corzine by 3. And this was in a year where Democrats were exceeding expectations (and poll numbers) all over the country, picking up several Senate seats and with Gore winning the popular vote."

"Of course, the wakeup call there is that Corzine still did win that race, but it would not be a shock if this race ends up being much closer than one would expect from the recent poll numbers."

Following a meeting with his cabinet this morning discussing Hurricane Wilma, President Bush took a few questions from the press. Naturally, none of them had to do with Hurricane Wilma. The first question came from Associated Press WH correspondent Nedra Pickler, who asked about the Valerie Plame leak investigation. While the president may have not loved Nedra’s question, he did find something to compliment her about:

THE PRESIDENT: "Nedra, I also said — this may be the fourth time I've been asked about this, which I appreciate, you're doing your job — I'm not going to comment about it. This is a very serious investigation, and I haven't changed my mind about whether or not I'm going to comment on it publicly. Fine-looking shades you got there."

Pickler: "Thanks, Mr. President. Bono style." (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: "Wait a minute, you don't need to be endorsing any products here in the Cabinet — " (laughter.)

Buzz reader John think my post earlier today on the NJ GOV race is too optimistic:

“As much as I would like it to be so, 46 to 37 isn't close. 45/34 is worse. That fact that the numbers correlate so well, even with large contingent of undecided voters, bodes poorly. Im afraid that you should brace yourself for the NY Times headline in three weeks: NJ blowout!”

According to today’s Roll Call, House Speaker Dennis Hastert will begin logging entries in his own blog starting this week:

Sometime early this week, visitors to www.speaker.gov will be able to click on “Speaker’s Journal” and read Hastert’s own musings on the political issues of the day and whatever else strikes his fancy.

“The Speaker wants to deliver a personal message to his fellow bloggers once or twice a week, followed by interesting news stories and fact items that may have been overlooked by the press,” said Hastert spokesman Ron Bonjean.

The Web log will focus mostly on politics and the Republican agenda but could also include more personal observations. This means that Web surfers may be in store for a few wrestling references or reviews of Hastert’s latest dinner at A.V. Ristorante.

Last night I received an email showing the results of a new blogger poll conducted by Truth Laid Bear. The poll asked bloggers whether or not they support the Supreme Court nomination of Harriet Miers. As of the most recent count, 243 blogs have responded to the poll, with 72 percent saying they are opposed to the Miers nomination and only 13 percent supporting and 13 percent remaining neutral.

The survey remains open; bloggers wishing to have their position included can do so by following the instructions in the post here:

And you can read the latest responses from the Truth Laid Bear survey here.

Though polls continue to show Corzine with the lead, the race remains close. A new poll conducted by Monmouth University and released by Gannett Newspapers shows 45 percent supporting Corzine, verses 34 percent for Forrester. The good news out of this poll is that 13 percent remain undecided.

Also, the poll was a small sampling, with only 371 likely NJ voters and a 5 percent margin of error.

A New York Times polls shows Corzine leading Forrester 46 to 37 percent. That poll had a much larger sampling, with 1,013 adults and a 3 percent margin of error.

Both polls were conducted a week ago, leaving open the possibility that Forrester could have gained ground in recent days. And both have such a high percentage of undecided voters, it is clear the race is far from over.

This weekend, I attended a campaign event for New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester. His campaign against Jon Corzine has been surprisingly close with the election now less than three weeks away. Polls still show Corzine leading the race, but the numbers have been tightening day by day. John McCain showed up for the event, which took place in a packed room at Brookdale Community College on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

Forrester told the packed room:

“We all need to think of ourselves as the same family. When we think of ourselves as being part of the same family, we have to realize that many stand throughout New Jersey. There are many out there who are hurt in NJ and there are some family members out there tonight who are hurting tonight, some heavier and more so than others. When some of the family hurts, all of the family needs to feel that hurt. In order to make sure that we bring ourselves together as family, irrespective of what town we come from, we need to take back New Jersey from the political bosses. We need to take it back from those who would use the power of government just for their own gain and for the gain of their political cronies. That’s what we need to take it back from. We’re taking it back for the taxpayers and those who are most vulnerable in New Jersey.”

After Forrester spoke, McCain addressed the crowd:

“I thank you for being here in support of this good and decent American who is willing to serve the state of New Jersey. A man dedicated to this country, the state of New Jersey, his community and his family. One of the things I know absolutely, the first priority of this good and decent American will be for our veterans. Today, as you know, young Americans are in harm’s way. I know of no one who is more committed to the veterans in our country and in the state of New Jersey than Doug Forrester. I’m very proud that when he becomes the governor of this state, veterans will receive the attention and care that they have earned and deserve.”

Today’s Wall Street Journal takes a look at how House Republicans are reasserting themselves in pushing forward the conservative agenda:

“Next week, House Republicans plan to vote to cut $50 billion from federal spending over the next five years, $15 billion more than they planned to cut a few weeks ago. Before the end of the year, House Republicans also will take votes on an across-the-board cut in federal spending, legislation to extend Mr. Bush's 15% tax rates on capital gains and dividends and a border-security bill that has been celebrated by conservatives.”

“Republican leaders hope the votes can unite a political base that has turned rebellious over issues such as deficit spending and the nomination of Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court. Republicans are ‘more invigorated now, we have something to fight for,’ said Rep. Jack Kingston, a conservative from Georgia. ‘We have moved from the second tier of our issues for our base to our first tier.’"

I’d like to give a special thanks to everyone who came out for last night’s New York Young Republican Club meeting. We had an enjoyable Q&A discussion on topics including Harriet Miers, Tom DeLay, fiscal discipline and the Democratic agenda.

If you live in the New York area, and are between 18-40, I highly recommend checking this organization out. They organize a lot of interesting activities and are quite a fun group.

I'm on the road driving to NYC. On the radio, hero of the Democratic Party Rahm Emanuel is advocating a dollar for dollar tax increase to match Iraq reconstruction spending. Emanuel made a comparison between training Iraqi teachers while U.S. teachers "lose their jobs." His plan sounded quite similar to one made by John Kerry in '04 about "opening fire stations in Iraq while we are closing them at home." While the GOP struggles with reasserting fiscal discipline it's telling to hear the contrasting lack of ideas from the other side.

Many thanks to the Republican Conference for hosting Blog Row today. I am now on the road to NYC. Will be back later this evening with more updates and traveling to NJ tomorrow to cover the Forrester campaign.

Mike Pence, Deborah Pryce and Kevin Brady are in the room answering questions from bloggers right now. My first question was directed at Congressman Pence. I told Pence that questions of fiscal restraint are of high concern to conservative voters. While there is some optimism over Republicans’ apparent renewed commitment to fiscal restraint, there is also deep hesitation as to whether the GOP leadership will actually deliver on proposed budget cuts.

I asked Pence if he believes the leadership will actually push through cuts. And if so, will they be done in time to resonate with voters before the 2006 elections? Pence answered:

“There are a lot of miles between the sand and the dunes. However, I am confident the House Republican leadership are committed to respond to issues such as Hurricane Katrina with both discipline and compassion.”

“I am confident Speaker Hastert will deliver results on fiscal issues. No doubt, there are challenging days ahead. But in my time in Congress, I have never seen such purpose and unity between the White House and the congressional leadership.”

“For the millions of Americans who cherish a Republican leadership, you are going to have something to feel good about before Christmas.”

I just got settled in at “Blog Row” here over at the Canon House Office Building. There are eight of us here right now, including myself. Also in attendance are Ian Schwartz from the Political Teen, Mary Katherine Ham and Tim Chapman from Townhall.com, William Beutler from the Hotline’s Blogometer, Just Hart from Right Side Redux and Pat Cleary from Red State.

This morning I’m headed over to Congress. The Republican conference is providing a first-time opportunity this morning for live blogging from the House office buildings. In addition, there will be a rolling list of members coming through the workspace today to meet and speak with bloggers. I’ll be filing reports from the scene and posting pictures of who’s there and what they’re up to.

For any Buzz readers in the New York area, I’ll be the featured speaker tomorrow night at the New York Young Republican Club at 7pm.

While most would agree that Rove cannot be replaced, would the White House nonetheless look to a particular individual to step-up if Rove were indicted? There has been a lot of buzz around Washington that former RNC Chair Ed Gillespie would be just such an individual. However, my same source is close to Gillespie and says that isn't happening.

“I’m certain he will not remain in the White House, nor will he return after the Miers nomination process is complete. He made a financial sacrifice to run the RNC. The partners in his new contract made an exception to allow him to temporarily return to the White House to assist in the Miers nomination. But his contract won’t allow him to remain at the White House. Besides, he is anxious to get back to the private sector.”

If Karl Rove were forced to step down for any reason could the Bush agenda survive? No one doubts Rove's value to this president. However, perhaps it is possible the agenda could stand on its own merits even while losing one of its great messengers.

Another source that works closely with the White House tells The Buzz, “Karl Rove is irreplaceable. Not only does he have incredible talents, he has a close working relationship with the president. Aside from Laura Bush, no individual can influence his opinion more. I don’t think Rove should be indicted and I do not think he will be. However, if Rove were to leave the White House for any reason, there is a talented team in place. No one person can replace Karl Rove. It would be similar to the situation after Karen Hughes left the White House. Everyone said it would be a disaster. But people like Dan Bartlett stepped up and are getting the job done.”

Yesterday, I asked if the Bush agenda is stalled and if so how much of that is directly tied to the Patrick Fitzgerald investigation?

A source who asked to remain anonymous because of their close ties to the White House tells The Buzz it is not the president's agenda itself that is lacking, but the means by which it is being conveyed, “The administration has caught the second-term curse. They are lacking an agenda that is on the offensive. Sure, they’ve had fits and starts, but they have lacked a plan to govern. And when you have a failure to govern, you feel it at the polls. This didn’t start with Hurricane Katrina. Things were going south in August. There is a growing disconnect. The second-term agenda has not hit it off with the American public.”

Nonetheless, this same source feels the situation is far from dire. “They need a forward-looking economic package that conservatives and Republicans in Congress can get behind. Time is on our side for cleaning up this mess. It’s going to be a lot of work. But the president’s political capital will not wean until early next summer even if this course doesn’t change. If you’re a member of Congress up for re-election that’s when the survival instincts kick in and you’ll do or say what you need to in order to win your campaign.”

There should be some consensus now as to the "personal wisdom" of Harriet Miers.

Those who continue support her nomination can look to today’s White House talking points.

But for those against her nomination, there is today’s 65-page questionnaire response handed out by the Senate Judiciary Committee. As it turns out, Miers didn't think she should be Bush's pick to replace O'Connor either.

In her response, Miers reveals that when Sandra Day O’Connor announced her retirement, Miers was asked if she would like to be considered to replace O’Connor. Miers responded, "I was asked whether my name should be considered. I indicated at that time that I did not want to be considered.”

Buzz reader Florence writes in:

“How breathtakingly unfair and hypocritical is the major media. The presumption of guilt in covering the Plame/Wilson affair is an affront to that most basic of American jurisprudence: innocent until proven guilty. If it should happen that say neither Rove nor Libby, or one of them, does not get indicted, how do they recover their good name? Even Tom Oliphant, that lefty partisan, has expressed his dismay over this aspect of the brouhaha and of attempts by the prosecutor, supposedly, to invent novel readings of statutes to bring indictments in the absence of a crime being committed on the original reason for the investigation. I would hope that those who count themselves as conservatives would not be part of the premature mob drawing conclusions and discussing such before a decision is made. It is not sufficient to issue a caveat about...we don't know yet what will happen... and then proceed to discuss the effects of same. That is cheap and lazy journalism. Please hold yourselves at NRO to a higher standard.”

As I told Florence, I must respectfully disagree. Reporting on unanswered questions is my job. I do not presume to know Karl Rove’s fate. But I do know it is within the realm of possibility that he could be indicted. Also, let’s not forget indicted is far from convicted. Just ask Tom DeLay.

What’s more, regardless of Rove’s legal standing, there are legitimate concerns from conservatives about the White House agenda on spending, the Supreme Court and Homeland Security. I personally am not advocating solutions to these concerns. However, I do think it’s fair, and hopefully helpful, to ask more informed individuals what they know and think about such concerns.

What’s more, the list is lacking of those who restrained their opinion during the months leading up to Bill Clinton’s impeachment. There was open speculation and reporting from all corners on the potential consequences of his actions.

We can believe in Karl Rove’s innocence and we can advocate on his behalf. However, if you care about the conservative agenda that does not mean you should adopt an “ignorance is strength” approach to the very real troubles he faces. Looking for answers is far from a predetermination of guilt.

I just spoke with GOP strategist Charlie Black about the White House agenda. Black tells NRO he doesn’t think the White House has been “off its game” despite the distractions posed by special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald:

“I don’t think there’s a consensus that the White House has lost direction. Most of this criticism comes after they were forced to deal with two hurricanes. Since then, they’ve had the successful confirmation of John Roberts. No doubt the White House was caught off-guard by the response from some conservatives to their appointment of Harriet Miers. But you are seeing them getting out front of that issue now. They still have a big agenda. They are working well with the leadership on Capitol Hill to move things forward. There has been a strong list of legislative accomplishments this year directed from the White House and carried out in Congress. So, I don’t think it’s fair to say the White House has lost direction.”

Even though everyone in Washington has an opinion, no one knows if Karl Rove will be indicted. However, it is obvious that the White House has been off its game for a while now. If Patrick Fitzgerald ends his investigation without indicting Rove, will strategy improve in the Oval Office?

If Rove were to be indicted, who would step up to replace him? As I wrote earlier, some prominent conservatives clearly do not think Andy Card would be up to the task. Rove has been so integral to formulating the president’s agenda that any successor would likely be a shadow in comparison. What about Ed Gillespie? He has been brought on board to help guide the nomination of Harriet Miers. Is Gillespie someone conservatives would trust to help shape and deliver the president’s second term agenda?