In response to the story below about the war between Rumsfeld and the Pentagon, the Washington TImes reports that there might be a political effect on the 2004 election.

The Washington defense establishment is less likely to vigorously support President Bush's election next year than it did in 2000 because of the turmoil caused by the Pentagon's aggressive transformation project. Top Stories

Interviews with defense-industry executives in Washington and senior retired officers reveal discontent among this inside-the-Beltway, Republican-leaning constituency.

They complain of an ongoing military-transformation effort that has the Pentagon in constant upheaval, making it more difficult to stick to a business plan. They also complain that access to senior aides to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld is limited during the yearly budget process, or program objective memorandum (POM).