Rove Bets $5 On No New Taxes

Bush political aide Karl Rove appeared at a conservative breakfast this morning and pledged that the president won't sign any Democratic tax increase. In fact, said one attendee, Rove bet a questioner $5 "that Bush would not sign a tax increase in his final two years."

Rove was described as confident and humorous, taking several questions about the president's plans and the political scene. He also appeared to end speculation that he might be considering leaving the White House soon. "He sounds like he plans to be around working hard until they turn the lights out," said one attendee.

By Paul Bedard