Ford Bell, a Howard University student from Washington, demonstrates at a pro-affirmative action gathering outside the U.S. Supreme Court, April 1, 2003. In two split decisions, the Court ruled that minority applicants may be given an edge when applying for admissions to universities, but limited how much a factor race can play in the selection of students.
Rep. Martha Wong, R-Houston, bows her head during the invocation surrounded by empty desks on the House floor of the Capitol in Austin, May 12, 2003. More than 50 Democrats, enough to break the quorum needed to do Texas House business, did not show up when the House convened. The walkout, which coincided with the scheduled debate for a divisive congressional redistricting bill, halted House business.
Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss., greets Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, at his graveside at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., June 16. Nearly 100 guests gathered to honor Evers, including Sen. Lott, whose seeming nostalgia for a segregated South cost him his position as majority leader.
A black ribbon and flowers decorate the base of the statue of Sen. Strom Thurmond, R-S.C., on the South Carolina Statehouse grounds, June 26, 2003. Thurmond, a one-time Democratic segregationist who helped fuel the rise of the modern conservative Republican Party in the South, died June 26, 2003. He was 100 and the longest-serving senator in history.
U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., holds up her book, "Living History" prior to a book signing at a store in Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug. 13, 2003.
Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger is joined by wife Maria Shriver as he celebrates his victory in the California gubernatorial recall election in Los Angeles, Oct. 7, 2003.
Democratic Presidential Candidates from left; Former Ill. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, Former Army Gen. Wesley Clark, Rev. Al Sharpton, Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., Rep. Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., Sen. John Kerry, D-Ma., Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Oh., former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, and Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Ct., are introduced to the audience prior to a debate, Oct. 9, 2003, in Phoenix, Ariz.
U.S. President George W. Bush, second left, jokingly grabs a beer tap as Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, laughs during a visit to the Dun Cow pub in Sedgefield, Nov. 21. The visit capped a weeklong visit to Britain by the President and First Lady.
Capitol Hill employees Thomas Shaw, center, and Bill Saunders, right, make up roll-away beds, Nov. 12, 2003, in preparation for a 30 hour Republican-led Senate debate on judicial nominations. The marathon session was organized by Republicans to protest Democratic filibusters.
U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow, R-S.D., walks alone beneath a mural in the Moody County Courthouse, Dec. 1, 2003, in Flandreau, S.D. Janklow was eventually found guilty in his manslaughter trial and resigned from the House.
Democratic presidential hopeful Rev. Al Sharpton, left, proves to his "old self," played by Tracy Morgan, that he's still "got it" by performing James Brown's "I Feel Good" during his monologue on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," Dec. 6, 2003.
President Bush, surrounded by congressional leaders, smiles as he signs legislation that aims to improve Medicare and add prescription drug coverage, Dec. 8, 2003, at Constitution Hall in Washington.
Democratic presidential hopeful Howard Dean, right, speaks during a rally as former Vice President Al Gore looks on, Dec. 9, 2003, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Gore endorsed Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination, urging Democrats to unite behind the front-runner.
Democratic presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark, left, shakes hands with military veterans at a campaign event in Harlem, Dec. 11 in New York. On Sept. 17, Clark declared his candidacy, and briefly moved toward the top of a crowded race for the Democratic presidential nomination, despite having no experience in elective office.