Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama is speaking at 9 a.m. at the National Prayer Breakfast. At 11 a.m. he will sign an executive order establishing the President’s Advisory Council on Faith, which will revamp the former Bush Administration’s faith-based initiatives. At 12 p.m. he will speak at the Department of Energy. At 3 p.m. he and Joe Biden are meeting with Tim Geithner, and at 3:45 p.m. Obama and Biden will meet with Hillary Clinton. At 8 p.m. ET he will speak to the House Democrats’ Issues Conference.
Biden Meeting With O’Malley, Cardin And LaHood
Joe Biden is holding a public event at 10 a.m. with Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Senator Ben Cardin, plus Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, to discuss the need for greater investments in infrastructure.
Today: Minnesota Supremes Hearing Case For Franken Certification
The Minnesota Supreme Court will be hearing arguments in a very important lawsuit at 10 a.m. ET this morning: The Franken campaign’s case that he is entitled to a certificate of election, while Norm Coleman continues to dispute the election result in court. Franken’s attorneys believe they have found a state statute that requires a certification, as opposed to the conventional wisdom that one can’t be issued until the court case is over, and also argue that he is also entitled to his Senate seat under the federal Constitution.
Gregg: We Need To Work Together On Economic Measures I’ve Recused Myself From
In his interview with CNBC yesterday, Judd Gregg called for bipartisanship as Washington works to improve the economy: “I think it’s necessary we work together.” Note: Gregg has recused himself from voting on the stimulus package while his nomination for Secretary of Commerce is pending, which in terms of parliamentary procedure is the same as if he were voting No on every cloture motion.
Poll: Dems Start Out Ahead In Wide-Open 2010 Ohio Senate Race
A new Quinnipiac poll shows Republican former Congressman Rob Portman trailing two potential Democratic candidates in the 2010 Ohio Senate race, which is an open GOP-held seat. The undecideds remain rather high, though: Portman trails Democratic Lt. Governor Lee Fisher by a 42%-27% margin, and Portman trails Dem Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner by 38%-28%.
Mitt To Headline GOP Dinner
The Hill reports that Mitt Romney will be headlining the National Republican Senatorial Committee’s annual fundraising dinner, keeping his name and political presence out there for any potential 2012 presidential candidacy. The dinner is scheduled for April 1.
Iowa’s David Yepsen Leaving Journalism
David Yepsen, the long-time top political columnist in Iowa, is leaving the Des Moines Register to become director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute in Southern Illinois. Yepsen has been a major presence in the coverage of past Iowa caucuses, and his departure is a sign of just how much the political journalism field is now changing.
AP Makes Copyright Infringement Claim On Obama “Hope” Poster
The Associated Press is claiming copyright infringement on the iconic “Hope” poster of Barack Obama, which appears to have been modeled after a photo of Obama from 2006. The AP wants credit and compensation for the use of the photo, while poster creator Shepard Fairey believes he is protected by fair use, and his attorney is in discussions with the AP.
