Daily Political Wire 1-9-2011

George Wenschhof

Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) Remains in Critical Condition - reports are she awoke briefly last night following surgery and recognized her husband. CAT scans were performed this morning and the hospital plans to hold a press conference this morning to provide an update on her condition. Politico.com has more here.

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Below, Keith Olbermann on Violence and Threats Have No Place in Democracy:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Democrats Mount Serious Defense of Health Care - as House Republicans move to repeal. Democrats have organized a coordinated response that includes using cabinet members writing editorials and appearing on television. Ordinary citizens who have benefited from the health care reform act will also be highlighted. In addition, 70 targeted Republican House members will face new conferences and rallies outside of their district offices. The Washington Post has more here.

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GOP Now Needs to Say What They Will Cut in Spending - for the longest time, Republican leaders have claimed the need to cut spending, but few specifics have emerged since the mid term elections resulted in Republican control in the House.

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) had promised 100 billion in cuts. However, so far, he has offered 35 million in cuts from the budgets of members of congress. Now, the 100 billion in cuts has been replaced with 50-60 billion in cuts, but specifics remain elusive. The NY Times has more here.

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