Political News

OBAMAS ARRIVE IN WASHINGTON

An emotional President-elect Barack Obama arrived in Washington last night. He will be staying at the Hay-Adams Hotel until Jan 15. His daughters begin school today and Obama has a busy week of meetings with Congressional leaders and a lunch with former presidents on Wednesday.

Obama waves Midwest goodbye

Emotional Obama arrives in Washington

Washington welcomes Obama

Speaker makes room for new No 1 Democrat

OBAMA PLANS $300B TAX CUT

Obama is planning a tax cut for businesses and individuals worth some $300 billion. This would account for roughly 40% of the stimulus package. It is hoped that the proposals will convince skeptics to support the stimulus.

Obama, Dems eye $300B tax cut

Obama plan includes $300 bn in tax cuts

Obama plans to unveil big tax cuts

Obama to meet leaders on economic plan

RICHARDSON WITHDRAWS

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has withdrawn himself from consideration for commerce secretary claiming an ongoing investigation would have caused troublesome delays druing the confirmation process. Reports suggest the Obama team is unhappy with Richardson, who they feel was not forthcoming about the investigation.

Richardson withdraws as commerce nominee

Richardson won't pursue cabinet post

Obama team feels Richardson wasn't forthcoming

Obama and Richardson statements

ISRAEL'S GAZA OFFENSIVE CONTINUES

Israeli ground forces have moved deep into Gaza and are involved in heavy fighting with Hamas militants. Hamas have vowed to turn Gaza into an Israeli "graveyard", though Israel has maintained that the offensive has greatly damaged Hamas.

Israel slices deep into Gaza

A gamble in Gaza

Israel attacks splits Gaza

Israel's ground assualt marks strategy shift

US AND GAZA CONFLICT

The US blocked approval of a UN Security Council statement calling for an immeadiate cease-fire in Gaza. Though the White House has urged a cessation of hostilities, the onus has been put on Hamas to end its rocket attacks. Vice President Cheney said that Israel did not seek prior approval from Washington before launching the offensive into Gaza.

US transition slows negotiations over Gaza

Chance to attack before ally departs

US officials stand behind Israel

Obama must get tough with Israel

REID MAY NEGOTIATE ON IL SEAT

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said that the Democrats have the "legal authority" to block the appointment of Roland Burris but added "there's always room to negotiate." He is to meet with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) with a view to solving the problem on "a bipartisan basis."

Burris might have a chance at Senate seat

Reid appears to give Burris an opening

Reid to meet Blago Senate pick

Roland Burris vows to fight on

GOV KAINE TO HEAD DNC

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will be the next DNC chair having been tapped by President-elect Obama. Kaine will serve in a part-time capacity until his term as governor finishes, and will take over full time in 2010.

Sources: VA governor tapped for DNC chair

Kaine named DNC chairman, officials say

Kaine poised to chair the DNC

Obama picks VA gov to lead DNC

FRANKEN LEADS AT END OF MN RECOUNT

Democrat Al Franken led by 225 votes as the Minnesota Senate recount came to a close on Sunday. The result is to be certified by the state Canvassing Board today, however, the Minnesota Supreme Court may yet rule that more ballots are to be counted, while GOP incumbent Norm Coleman may make a legal challenge.

Star Tribune: Franken up 225 votes

Lawsuits await MN Senate tally

Franken's lead widens in recount

Funny business in Minnesota

Associated Press UN envoy: Nations must take Gitmo inmates

Politico Obama to webcast inaugural ball

Associated Press Crocker: 2009 key year for Iraq

Why are there no black senators?

Source Sasha and Malia's first day in pictures

Washington Post The long wait for a glimpse of history

Politico Gibbs: stimulus "unlikely" to be ready

Washington Post