Frank's bill is still in its infant stages--no word yet on the administration's position. (The White House typically doesn't take a stance this early in the legislative game.) But if history is an indicator, anything that might impose more regulation on U.S. oil companies is not likely to go over well at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Trying to dispel criticism, Mr Olmert's people have been arguing that the defence minister's position is not all that important since the prime minister has the final word in matters of national security.
Of course, if you are in a position of power, it should be easier to notice opportunities where a word, a phone call or a lunch meeting could be the difference in the career of someone who may (should) then do the same for someone else.
It was one of only two known watches Patek Philippe made in platinum with a complex tourbillon movement--the word means "whirlwind" in French--that continually adjusts for error when the watch's position shifts.