... He was initially expected to remain hospitalized for only a few days, but has since developed conditions that doctors are describing as “serious.” Mr. Byrd’s absence could pose a challenge to Senate Democrats as they try to pass the financial overhaul bill and win other procedural battles in the week before the Independence Day recess. With the midterm elections on the horizon, Washington is polarized and Democrats will need every vote they can get. ...NYT
That, plus the G-8 decision to start cutting deficits in the face of a deep recession that's threatening to turn downward, are the two worst piece of news we could get.
