Big Business is looking for "common ground" with President-elect Barack Obama and the Democratically controlled Congress, but business interests are not always aligned and the party does not always speak with one voice. (Wall Street Journal)
Obama's Twitter feeds were hacked Monday, with a message sent to followers asking them to take a survey about Obama for the chance to win $500 in gasoline. (Wired)
The number of donors giving the $5,000 maximum to Obama's transition efforts has dropped off in recent weeks, but those heavy-hitters have been replaced by tens of thousands of small-time donors. (NationalJournal.com)
In releasing his donor list Monday, Obama took another step towards a transparent e-government by using a new Web application Blist, while also giving the Seattle-based start-up a belated Christmas present by bestowing its product with the Obama seal of approval. (Tech Daily Dose)
The spotlight was on Malia and Sasha Obama as they began classes at Sidwell Friends Monday. (Washington Post)
Despite talk of record crowds, the Capitol Police are less worried about Jan. 20 than they were about President Bush's second inauguration four years ago -- the first after Sept. 11. (Roll Call -- subscription)
Inauguration Day will be a paid holiday for federal employees in the D.C. area, including teleworkers, while outgoing political appointees will receive half a day's pay on Jan. 20. (Government Executive)
Stimulus Wars
Obama visited Capitol Hill Monday to drum up support for his stimulus plan and woo skeptical Republicans, telling them that "the monopoly on good ideas does not belong to a single party." (Washington Post)
Economists are split on whether Obama's plan to slash taxes will boost the economy any more than similar cuts made by Bush. (Boston Globe)
Democrats would like to begin passing aggressive energy, global warming and health care legislation, but there are threats to that agenda from within the party. (Wall Street Journal)
Name Game
Obama has tapped Leon Panetta, a former congressman and White House chief of staff, but a Langley outsider, to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. (New York Times)
Elena Kagan, dean of Harvard Law School, is Obama's choice for solicitor general. (AP)
Social conservative activists are mobilizing against Thomas J. Perrelli, Obama's pick for the number three job at the Justice Department, because of his involvement in the Terry Shiavo case four years ago. (Washington Times)
Richardson Saga
On Monday, in Bill Richardson's first public comments since he withdrew his name as Commerce secretary nominee, the New Mexico governor said doing so was his idea and hinted that he'd like to serve in the Obama administration in the future. (NationalJournal.com)
But the spectacle may tarnish Richardson's standing as a Latino leader and could hamstring any possible future involvement in the administration. (Los Angeles Times)
Richardson's withdrawal means he will return to New Mexico, where the unexpected resumption of his governorship is being met with mixed feelings. (New York Times)
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