More proof Republicans will be increasing pressure on Bush regarding Iraq well before this September:

After the Fourth of July recess, “you'll be hearing a number of statements from other (Republican) colleagues,” predicted Sen. John Warner, R-Va., a longtime skeptic of the war strategy.

Perhaps that's why Gates is preemptively looking to cut a deal, withdrawal of most troops in exchange for a long-term presence there ala South Korea. But the fact remains the Republicans are helping to do some of the heavy lifting for the Democrats -- not out of goodwill but rather fear that they'll be voted out of office next year.