Democratic Chatter 1-17-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Today, President-elect Barack Obama begins his Whistle Stop Tour - He and his family will depart from Philadelphia this morning and head to Wilmington, Delaware to be joined by Vice President-elect Joe Biden and his family. After a late afternoon stop in Baltimore, the final destination will be Washington, D.C. - We posted the schedule yesterday and it can be seen here.

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Solis nomination for Labor Secretary receives Republican opposition - Representative Hilda Solis continues to receive opposition that threatens to derail her nomination. The republican opposition surrounds her ties with Labor and her vague answers to questions pertaining to right-to-work laws and the card check bill. Politico.com has more here.

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Minnesota Senate race may be determined soon - the Coleman campaign challenge has been scheduled for January 26. Democrat Al Franken won the state mandated recount by 225 votes and was certified the winner by the state canvassing board but due to the legal challenge has not been able to be seated in the Senate. The Minneapolis Star-tribune has more here.

As to the only other open senate seat, NY Governor David Paterson has said he will make his decision on the person to fill the vacant Hillary Clinton Senate immediately following the Inauguration. Caroline Kennedy and Andrew Cuomo are the favorites to receive this appointment.

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Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich update - His lawyer, Ed Gensen has informed the Governor he will not defend him in the upcoming impeachment proceedings in the Illinois Senate. The reason was the rules were not fair. Gensen will continue to represent the Governor in the criminal charges against him. NBC affiliate has more here.

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No job for outgoing DNC chair Howard Dean in Obama administration - Howard Dean will step down as chair of the Democratic National Committee the day after the Inauguration of the President-elect and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will be his replacement. To date, there have been no offers forthcoming from the incoming Obama administration. This, in spite of his successful 50 state strategy which was embraced by the Obama campaign. MSNBC.com has more here.

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