Grovel-Ready: As predicted by Heather Mac Donald , newly appointed U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand seems to have knuckled under to New York Democratic party orthodoxy on a variety of immigration issues . In particular, she appears to have endorsed the worst-of-both-worlds DREAM Act--offering 25% of "comprehensive" amnesty for illegal immigrants with 0% of "comprehensive" enforcement . ... P.S.: Kausfiles always recommends the tried-and-true Paul Kirk formulation when recanting heretical beliefs that offend powerful Dem lobbies. In 1985, Kirk, then chaiman of the D.N.C., suggested the concept of "means testing" Social Security. Within hours he had eaten his words, issuing a statement: "I was wrong. Our party ... is unalterably opposed to any cuts in Social Security benefits. I should not have mentioned the subject of means test." ... 12:36 P.M.

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Mickey's Assignment Desk: Wherein lies the greatness of Tom Daschle? Just asking! ... P.S. He's always seemed to me the model of the modern Senate Majority Leader--i.e., the 50+ prima donnas that make up a majority don't want a strong leader who might crowd their games, so they wind up with a Daschle, an amiable man who will not challenge them. ... 12:11 P.M.

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