Daily Political Wire 1-4-2010

George Wenschhof

Obama Returns to White House after Vacation in Hawaii - he began to set the tone he intends to set in the new year as he spoke with reporters on the return flight home. He said he hopes Republicans realize Americans want them to govern and not play politics. You can read more here.

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House Republicans Set January 12 as Date to Repeal Health Care - their first vote will be to repeal the signature bill passed by the Obama administration. A mostly symbolic vote to play to their base as the bill will never pass the Senate. The NY Times has more here.

Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson says the only appropriate Democratic response is "make my day". He spells out why this theatrical based move will backfire on Republicans. You can read his column here.

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Democratic Filibuster Reform will Be Brought up When Senate Meets later in the Month - and not tomorrow as had been expected, due to a lack of consensus as to what changes will be made. The new Senate will convene for one day tomorrow and then come back probably on the 23rd or 24th of the month. At that time, Democrats are expected to use the "constitutional option" to force changes to the filibuster rule. TheHill.com has more here.

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Darrell Issa (R-Calf.) to Begin 6 investigations - the incoming Republican chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee said he intended to conduct inquiries into the release of classified diplomatic cables by Wikileaks; recalls at the Food and Drug Administration; the role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the foreclosure crisis; the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission's failure to identify the origins of the meltdown; as well as business regulations and alleged corruption in Afghanistan. The Washington Post has more here.

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William Daley as New White House Chief of Staff? - He is the youngest child of former long time Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley and brother of Mayor Richard M. Daley. Currently, an executive with JP Morgan Chase & Co.. he would replace Rahm Emanuel who is currently running to replace his brother as mayor of Chicago. Bloomberg.com has more here.

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No Surprises in Republican Debate - between the candidates running for chair of the Republican National Committee. While, current chair Michael Steele is receiving the most heat, drawing 4 competitors, he did the best in the debate yesterday. Reince Preibus is considered the most likely to replace Steele. Chris Cillizza has his take on the debate here.

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