In Congress, Vitter promoted President Bush's tax cuts, seeking to make them permanent, but differed from the White House when it came to immigration and the Central America Free Trade Agreement, because it did not exempt sugar imports.

CNN: Vitter fights Dems, history

Sir Nicholas MacPherson KCB, permanent secretary, HM Treasury and Sharon White, director general public services , HM Treasury.

BBC: Week ahead in committees

"Democrats agree that there should be permanent extension to the middle-class tax cuts, that there shouldn't be a permanent extension of tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, " said White House press secretary Bill Burton.

WSJ: Democrats Gird for Tax-Relief Battle

Standing next to Aznar in the White House, Bush also saluted Spain, a non-permanent member of the U.N.

CNN: Bush pushes for end of Iraqi sanctions

Most applauded the economic stimulus package worked out by Congress and the White House, but said they'd go further with permanent, not temporary, tax cuts, and more incentives for business.

NPR: GOP Hopefuls Push Tax Cuts at Florida Debate

Ken Mehlman, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, will not return for a second term next year and lots of fingers are pointing at White House political advisor Karl Rove, whose vision for a permanent Republican majority suffered this week.

NPR: The Politics of the Capitol's New Power Structure

The Duckmill Weir White Water Arena on the River Great Ouse in Bedford opened in May 2012 after permanent slalom uprights, lines and gates were added to the Duck Mill weir.

BBC: Etienne Stott renames Bedford white water arena

Remember those white-knuckle flights through stormy weather where unexpected plunges in altitude result in near-permanent relocations of major internal organs?

FORBES: The Future Of Air Travel: Intelligence And Automation