The death toll of a series of bomb attacks in Iraq near the Syrian border rose to 250 today.

At the same time, Gen. David Petraeus says he is considering recommending troop reductions when he reports to Congress in September, but declined to offer specifics.

Dueling Ads: Reid took a look at Mitt Romney's "I Won" Iowa ad below. Rudy Giuliani, continuing his anti-illegal-immigration push, released a radio ad today.

And Bill Richardson released the latest in his popular "Job Interview" ads in Iowa:

An Edwards-Edwards Ticket? "For the next 11 months, I'm his running mate," Elizabeth Edwards said about her husband.

Dow-ner: another bad day for the markets as the Dow slipped below the 13K mark.

Dirty Zebra: Former NBA ref Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty today to two felony charges.

Running out of hope in Utah.

New Zogby/Reuters poll: Bush doing bad, Democratic controlled Congress doing worse.