Today: RNC Elects Its Chairman
Today is a big day for the Republican National Committee, as they hold the chairmanship election pitting incumbent Mike Duncan against a field of four challengers who say they can do a better job of rebuilding the party. Nobody is expected to win a full majority on the first ballot, and the big question is whether Duncan will be able to pick up support on successive ballots or whether the opposition will solidify around another candidate.
Obama And Biden To Speak On Middle-Class Task Force
President Obama and Vice President Biden are holding a series of closed meetings with advisers this morning, and then at 10:45 a.m. ET they will both speak about the Middle Class Working Families Task Force. Biden is heading up the Task Force, which is charged with conducting outreach to labor, business and other advocacy groups to formulate policies helping the middle class.
Obama Meeting With Senior Military Officials
The president is also holding a meeting at 1:45 p.m. ET today with senior enlisted military officials, as the new president works with the Armed Forces on his foreign policy.
Obama Expected To Undo Bush Executive Orders On Unions
President Obama is also expected today to undo Bush-era executive orders on some key issues for organized labor. The Bush orders made it easier through various means for federal contractors to discourage workers from unionizing.
Day Five Of Minnesota Senate Trial
This is the fifth day of the Minnesota Senate trial, with the court scheduled to reconvene at 10 a.m. ET. Norm Coleman’s legal team has been questioning Ramsey County (St. Paul) elections director Joe Mansky, trying to build their case that some absentee ballots that favored Al Franken were accidentally counted twice.
Obama: Blago Removal “Ends A Painful Episode For Illinois”
President Obama released this statement last night, regarding the removal from office of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich: “Today ends a painful episode for Illinois. For months, the state had been crippled by a crisis of leadership. Now that cloud has lifted. I wish Governor Quinn the best and pledge my full cooperation as he undertakes his new responsibilities.”
Holbrooke To Travel To South Asia
Richard Holbrooke, who has been named as the special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, will be traveling to the region next week.
Obama Reportedly Eyeing GOP Sen. Gregg For Commerce Pick
The White House is reportedly considering Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) for the role of Commerce Secretary. If this nomination were to in fact go through, it would have huge ramifications for the Senate — New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch (D) would presumably appoint a Democrat, and along with an Al Franken win in Minnesota this would give the Dems a filibuster-proof 60 seats.
