After running an airtight campaign, President-elect Barack Obama's camp is springing leaks during the transition (Washington Post).
The National Rifle Association slammed Obama Thursday for asking potential appointees about their gun ownership (Politico).
Among the items on their wish list, civil liberties groups want Obama
to close Guantanamo Bay prison, end extraordinary rendition and
investigate President Bush's anti-terrorism programs (Los Angeles Times).
Obama will likely wait until at least 2010 before following through on a controversial campaign pledge to end the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy (Washington Times).
Twenty percent of the government's senior executives don't know their agencies' presidential transition plans, according to a new survey (Federal Times).
Obama's campaign message of "change" has resonated with Iranians, who hope Obama's election marks the beginning of thawed relations between Iran and the U.S. (Boston Globe).
State Drama
Obama plans to offer Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., the job of secretary of State after Thanksgiving (Wall Street Journal).
Clinton, meanwhile, is still wavering on the post because of her disenchantment with the Senate, but Democrats leaders are prepared to offer her a "still-undefined leadership role" if she stays (New York Times).
Latino politicians are pushing New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson for secretary of State and are worried overall about the lack of a Latino pick for the new Cabinet (Washington Post).
Inauguration Conflagration
In the mad dash to secure venues for inauguration balls and parties, "speed is the key now, as is a check in hand. Wire transfer is even better" (Washington Post).
The House ethics committee warned members not to let lobbyists or anyone else bankroll
their inauguration parties (The Hill).
In response to the 4 million revelers expected to descend upon Washington, Mayor Adrian Fenty signed an executive order allowing residents to rent their property without a business license (Washington Post).
The DC Metro is girding itself for record-breaking ridership on and around Jan. 20 (Washington Post).
Through The Grapevine
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is a front-runner for secretary of Homeland Security (New York Times) and the potential nomination is already winning praise across the political spectrum (Washington Post).
Penny S. Pritzker, a major Obama fundraiser whose business ties have been scrutinized in recent weeks, announced she will not be a candidate for secretary of Commerce (New York Times).
Eric Holder Jr., Obama's likely choice for attorney general, has extensive experience combating corporate crime (Wall Street Journal).
Duane Woerth, the president of the Air Line Pilots Association from 1999 to 2006, is a favorite for the top job at the Federal Aviation Administration (Wall Street Journal).
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