John Spencer

LOS ANGELES -- John Spencer, who played a tough and dedicated politico on The West Wing who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack yesterday. He was 58. Mr. Spencer died at a Los Angeles hospital, said his publicist, Ron Hofmann. He would have been 59 next week. Mr. Spencer played Leo McGarry, the savvy and powerful chief of staff to President Jeb Bartlet (Martin Sheen), on the NBC series. In a sad parallel to life, Mr. Spencer's character suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White House job. McGarry recovered and was picked as a running mate for Democratic presidential contender Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits; the campaign against Republican Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda)

NATIONAL Bush move a first, analysts say President Bush is exerting a wholly unprecedented, but perhaps legally defensible, use of executive power in authorizing domestic spying without a court-approved warrant, several national security analysts said. pg 1a WORLD Hamas wins sweeping victories The Islamic militant group Hamas won sweeping victories in local elections in some of the West Bank's largest cities, according to preliminary results released yesterday. The vote was a considerable blow to Fatah, which has fractured since the death of Yasser Arafat.

On March 11, 2005, PIERCE JOHN FLANIGAN, 93, longtime resident of Baltimore and Gibson Island, MD; beloved husband of Mary Ann Spencer Flanigan; dear father of Pierce John Flanigan, III, Anne Flanigan Emmett, Kathleen Flanigan Asmuth and John Spencer Flanigan, M.D. and the late Eileen Flanigan Serene. Also survived by fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be offered in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Baltimore, on Tuesday, March 15, at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Eileen Flanigan Serene Educational Trust, The Catholic Family Foundation, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

LOS ANGELES -- John Spencer, who played a tough and dedicated politico on The West Wing who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack yesterday. He was 58. Mr. Spencer died at a Los Angeles hospital, said his publicist, Ron Hofmann. He would have been 59 next week. Mr. Spencer played Leo McGarry, the savvy and powerful chief of staff to President Jeb Bartlet (Martin Sheen), on the NBC series. In a sad parallel to life, Mr. Spencer's character suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White House job. McGarry recovered and was picked as a running mate for Democratic presidential contender Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits; the campaign against Republican Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda)

NATIONAL Bush move a first, analysts say President Bush is exerting a wholly unprecedented, but perhaps legally defensible, use of executive power in authorizing domestic spying without a court-approved warrant, several national security analysts said. pg 1a WORLD Hamas wins sweeping victories The Islamic militant group Hamas won sweeping victories in local elections in some of the West Bank's largest cities, according to preliminary results released yesterday. The vote was a considerable blow to Fatah, which has fractured since the death of Yasser Arafat.

This year's public school state football championships, slated for Nov. 29-30, will not be played at the University of Maryland because of a scheduling conflict. The Terps play host to Wake Forest on Nov. 30. "It was just one of those things that sort of fell through the cracks," said Ned Sparks, state association executive secretary. "They [Maryland's athletic department] apologized profusely for not letting us know earlier, and we didn't anticipate them going that late into the season."

Rob Lowe's West Wing character became so scarce this season the actor finally distributed a milk carton with his picture on it, instructing anyone who sees Sam Seaborn to contact his manager. Wednesday, Seaborn left Washington for good. The mini-drama behind Lowe's exit, cobbled together through conversations with those who know the history, is the story of a wild ride on the prime-time roller coaster. Four years in the making, it involves a show with dubious commercial prospects becoming a major hit, a cameo role becoming its centerpiece, and a recognizable star soon to become a memory.

Dave Rigot is tired of the stereotypes."Everybody keeps saying Glen Burnie is a ball-control team. We throw the football all over theplace," said the 15-year coach, trying to relax in his office after rain had shortened a morning practice."

Edward John Spencer, 68, the 8th Earl Spencer and father of Princess Diana, died yesterday of a heart attack in a London hospital. Earl Spencer had been suffering from pneumonia. Princess Diana and her husband, Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, were in Austria with their two sons on a skiing vacation when the death was announced.

On June 16, 2004, JOHN M. SPENCER, SR., of Millville, DE, formerly of Towson, MD; beloved husband of Mary W. "Nan" Spencer; devoted father of John M. Spencer, Jr. and William C. Spencer; loving grandfather of three. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to Delaware Hospice, 600 N. Dupont Highway, Georgetown, DE, 19947. Arrangements by Hastings Funeral Home, Selbyville, DE.

On March 11, 2005, PIERCE JOHN FLANIGAN, 93, longtime resident of Baltimore and Gibson Island, MD; beloved husband of Mary Ann Spencer Flanigan; dear father of Pierce John Flanigan, III, Anne Flanigan Emmett, Kathleen Flanigan Asmuth and John Spencer Flanigan, M.D. and the late Eileen Flanigan Serene. Also survived by fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be offered in the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Baltimore, on Tuesday, March 15, at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Eileen Flanigan Serene Educational Trust, The Catholic Family Foundation, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Rob Lowe's West Wing character became so scarce this season the actor finally distributed a milk carton with his picture on it, instructing anyone who sees Sam Seaborn to contact his manager. Wednesday, Seaborn left Washington for good. The mini-drama behind Lowe's exit, cobbled together through conversations with those who know the history, is the story of a wild ride on the prime-time roller coaster. Four years in the making, it involves a show with dubious commercial prospects becoming a major hit, a cameo role becoming its centerpiece, and a recognizable star soon to become a memory.

This year's public school state football championships, slated for Nov. 29-30, will not be played at the University of Maryland because of a scheduling conflict. The Terps play host to Wake Forest on Nov. 30. "It was just one of those things that sort of fell through the cracks," said Ned Sparks, state association executive secretary. "They [Maryland's athletic department] apologized profusely for not letting us know earlier, and we didn't anticipate them going that late into the season."

Dave Rigot is tired of the stereotypes."Everybody keeps saying Glen Burnie is a ball-control team. We throw the football all over theplace," said the 15-year coach, trying to relax in his office after rain had shortened a morning practice."

On July 6, 2005, CRYSTAL J., of Westminster, mother of Steven L. Bower and Stephanie A. Bower, daughter of Freddie L. Ferguson, sister of Freddie L. Ferguson, Jr., devoted companion of John Spencer, devoted cousin of Vanessa Bower and Donna Turner. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.Funeral services from the Fletcher Funeral Home, P.A., 254 E. Main St., Westminster on Monday 11 AM. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM.