Senate Hearing Set on Feingold's Call To Censure Bush On WireTapping; Maloney Explains His Plan To Sue To Halt Program

Reuters reports the Senate Judiciary Committee will take up Sen. Russ Feingold's proposal to censure President Bush over his warrantless wiretapping program. As we discussed extensively yesterday, the Wisconsin Democrat's proposal is a controversial idea on both sides of the aisle.

On Thursday we told you about New York attorney general candidate Sean Patrick Maloney's proposal to sue to stop the wiretap program. In an e-mail to supporters today Maloney outlines his plan and explains why it is within a state attorney general's power to file such a suit. Maloney stresses he favors wiretapping of terror suspects, but wants to make sure the administration's program is within the parameters of the law. Maloney will talk more about his proposed suit on the Kirtzman & Co. talk show tomorrow morning on WCBS-TV at 11:00 a.m. EST.

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Edward Brancati, a former member of Rep. Nita Lowey's staff, has announced he will run for state Senate. Brancati, from northern Westchester County, will challenge Republican Sen. Vincent Leibell, who's 40th District seat covers all of Putnam County and parts of Dutchess and Westchester counties. The Journal News reports Brancati will attack Leibell's alleged "lack of action" in his 12 years in the Senate.