EARLYBIRD

Monday, February 2, 2009 8:30 AM

Top Transition News - 2/2

The nomination of Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., for Commerce secretary is "nearly a done deal," but the final sticking point is making sure he's replaced by a Republican to avoid giving the Democrats a super-majority. (Politico)

President Obama's executive orders banning lobbyists, closing secret prisons and ending torture are littered with asterisks, and that has watchdog groups calling foul. (Washington Times)

Obama is keeping the controversial tactic of rendition, even as he closes Guantanamo Bay prison and bans torture. (Los Angeles Times)

Richard Holbrooke's appointment as South Asia envoy is ruffling some feathers in the region. (Los Angeles Times)

Obama won't push for an end to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military, instead opting for a review of it before he makes the case for gays to be allowed to serve openly. (Boston Globe)

Obama is "dialing back the ceremonial glitz" in light of the recession, cutting back on his use of the Marine Band and considering more modest fare at formal dinners. (Politico)

Lawrence Summers, director of the National Economic Council, is carving out a big niche for himself in the White House -- and setting up the possibility of conflict with other departments and agencies down the line. (Wall Street Journal)

Even after going to bat for Obama during the general election, Hollywood will need to lobby if it wants the new president to support its causes, which range from stem cell research to action in Darfur. (Politico)

Jill Biden, who has been identified as "doctor" in most White House press releases, is thought to be the first second lady to hold a paying job while her husband is in office. (Los Angeles Times)

Former Education Secretary Margaret Spellings is out of a job, but she's still plugging for No Child Left Behind. (USA Today)

Confirmation Wrangling

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., may be holding up the nomination of Health and Human Services Secretary-designate Tom Daschle, with whom he has a long-running feud. (Politico)

The tax woes clouding Daschle's nomination offer a peek into the world of Washington business and lobbying that is populated by former lawmakers trading on their names and knowledge of the town. (New York Times)

Unpaid taxes aren't the only hurdle facing Daschle's nomination: The former Senate majority leader is also being scrutinized for overseas trips he took on a nonprofit's dime. (Wall Street Journal)

Attorney General-designate Eric Holder will likely be confirmed and sworn in today, clearing the way for the Justice Department to begin drafting a new detention policy for terrorism suspects. (New York Times)