Archive - January 9, 2009 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Report: Stimulus Bill Could Be Introduced Monday

ABC News: Obama transition team hopes to introduce the legislation on Capitol Hill next week, perhaps as soon as Monday. The House will likely hold hearings on the plan next week with markups taking place the Wednesday or Thursday after the inauguration. Could come to a vote during the week of January 26, with the Senate voting shortly thereafter. Permalink

Biden to Leave Senate Thursday

The VP-elect will step down from the Senate next week after 36 years. Longtime adviser Ted Kaufman will take over the seat for two years. Permalink

DEFIANT BLAGO REFUSES TO RESIGN

The embattled Illinois Governor reacts to his impeachment by pointing a finger at the House, says they've had it out for him since he got re-elected. In a strange and rambling media avail, he touts his record as governor, says the legislature wants to oust him because of his policy agenda. "I'm confident at the end of the day I will be properly exonerated." Caps off the odd presser by reciting poetry. Click above to watch. Permalink

Illinois Politicans Call on Blago to Step Down

Lt. Gov. Quinn says he wishes the governor had announced his resignation Friday, he's lost the confidence of the people and consent of the governed. Adds Blago "needs to realize there are times in one's life where you have to put your country first." Plus: Illinois' senior Senator Durbin releases a statement urging Blago to remove himself from office "immediately." Read it here. Permalink

Illinois Supreme Court: No Signature Needed for Burris

The state's high court rejects Burris' effort to compel Secretary of State White to sign his certification of appointment in a ruling Friday. Says the secretary's sole responsibility was to register the appointment, which he did. U.S. Senate leaders cited the lack of White's signature as a reason not to allow Burris into Congress earlier this week. Permalink

Powell: "I Am Not Looking for a Job"

At Friday presser on Obama's community service plans, the former secretary of state says he's happy in private life and doesn't want to return to government. Says he wants to help administration "from the outside by being a spokesman and a champion for service to others." Permalink

Make Room for Grandma

Obama's mother-in-law will join the first family in the White House, at least temporarily. Marian Robinson, who has helped raise Sasha and Malia, plans to help the family settle. She'll decide later whether to stay permanently. Permalink

Inaugural Tickets Sell Out Fast

The 5,000 inauguration tickets put on sale Friday afternoon were all snapped up in under a minute, Ticketmaster says. The $25 tickets are for Jan. 20 bleacher seats lining the parade route between the Capitol and the White House. Read pre-sale release here. Permalink

Solis Takes Heat for Union Bill

During Friday's confirmation hearing, GOP Senators criticize the Labor Secretary-designate for her support of the Employee Free Choice Act. Solis declines to comment on the labor bill. Despite criticism, her confirmation appears assured. Permalink

Blago: I'm a Long-Distance Runner

The embattled governor comments briefly Friday after the Illinois House votes to impeach him. "I feel like the old Alan Sillitoe short story 'The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner.' ... And that's what this is by the way, a long-distance run." 114-1 vote triggers a trial in the state Senate, which will decide whether to remove him from office. Trial could be complete next month. Permalink

Obama Rounds Out National Security Team With Panetta, Blair

The president-elect names the former Clinton White House aide to head the CIA and the retired admiral as national intelligence director Friday. Both nominees have been labeled unusual choices, particularly with Panetta having no direct intelligence experience. Read Obama's full remarks here. Also vows no torture in war against terrorism, says he's directed his team to abide by Geneva Conventions. Permalink

Obama: We're Open to Ideas on Stimulus

The president-elect tells reporters Friday he's not discouraged by some criticism of his plan, assures they're still refining and honing the package. Says his teams welcomes good ideas from Republicans and Democrats alike -- including NY Times columnist Krugman -- on how to better his plan. Full remarks here. Permalink

America's Gift to the New President: A Bowl

At a Congressional luncheon following the inauguration, Obama will receive a hand-etched crystal bowl from Congress on behalf of its constituents. Made by Lenox, the $2,500 one-of-a-kind bowl weighs eight pounds and has an image of the White House surrounded by cherry trees. Permalink

Biden Assures Pakistan of Long-Term U.S. Support

The VP-elect tells President Zardari Pakistan is an "important ally and partner" during a meeting with him Friday on the first leg of his Southwest Asia congressional trip. Afterwards, Biden sits down with PM Gilani in Islamabad, is given the civilian award "Hilal-i-Pakistan," to recognize his consistent support. Permalink

Obama Congratulates Florida, Renews Call for College Playoffs

The president-elect again advocates for a college football playoff system to determine the U.S. champion when asked Friday about Florida's win over Oklahoma. Says in one of the lighter moments of Friday's presser: "If I'm Utah, or if I'm USC or if I'm Texas, I might still have some quibbles... That's why we need a playoff." Permalink