Why we vote

Sweeter words were never spoke.

WASHINGTON -- In a concession to the Senate's new Democratic majority, four of President Bush's controversial appeals court appointees have asked to have their nominations withdrawn, Republican officials said Tuesday.

These officials said that William Haynes, William Myers and Terence Boyle had all decided to abandon their quest for confirmation. Another nominee, Mike Wallace, let it be known last month that he, too, had asked Bush to withdraw his nomination.