Democratic Chatter 1-14-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden to visit Supreme Court today - in what has become a tradition, they were invited by Chief Justice John G. Roberts. The Washington Post has more here.

Joe Biden is also expected to brief Obama today on his recent trip to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

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Obama's pick for Treasury Secreatary Tim Geithner receives tough confirmation hearing - turns out the pick who would among other things oversee the IRS, failed to pay some $42,000 in taxes and had a housekeeper whose work permit had expired. The back taxes were paid prior to his nomination and most pundits feel the appointment will be confirmed. Politico.com has more here.

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Three more Confirmation Hearings today - up today are Lisa Jackson for Secretary of the Environmental Protection Agency, Tom Vilsak for Agriculture Secretary and Eric Shinseki for Secretary of Veteran Affairs. The Wall Street Journal has more here.

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Legal Battles continue in Minnesota senate race - Governor Pawlenty and the Secretary of State have refused to certify the election results from the canvassing board recount which showed a win by Franken due to legal challenges by the Coleman campaign. The Franken campaign has now filed suit with the State Supreme Court asking for certification of their victory. CNN.com has more here.

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Roland Burris to be sworn in tomorrow as new Illinois Senator - seems embattled Illinois governor rod Blagojevich won this one. Now speculation begins as to whether Republicans will use this appointment as fodder to crticize Democrats. The other big question is will Burris run in 2010? Politico.com has more here.

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