SOME GOOD NEWS FROM MICHAEL SILENCE:

WASHINGTON — The Census Bureau reported Tuesday that the number of people lacking health insurance dropped by more than 1 million in 2007, the first annual decline since the Bush administration took office in 2000.

WASHINGTON – Sales of new homes posted an unexpected gain in July as heavily discounted properties enticed cautious house hunters to become home buyers.

NEW YORK – Americans became more optimistic in the economy amid declining gas prices in August, marking the biggest jump in two years.

But it’s bad news for the Democrats, I guess.