In the Headlines

"For Obamas, a Tour of the White House and the Issues Ahead" (Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Jeff Zeleny, New York Times) - Michelle Obama kissed Laura Bush lightly on the cheek. President-elect Barack Obama gave President Bush an athletic pat on the shoulder. With those simple gestures, carried out Monday afternoon on the South Portico of the White House, a time-honored ritual of American democracy — the peaceful transfer of power — officially began.

"Obama plans aggressive agenda" (Mike Allen, The Politico) - President-elect Obama plans a quick, aggressive start to his presidency by filling several Cabinet jobs in the next three weeks and by presenting Congress with a broad agenda, according to advisers.

"Gingrich, Steele duel privately for RNC job" (Ralph Hallow, Washington Times) - A behind-the-scenes battle to take the reins of the Republican National Committee is taking off between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.

"In Northeast, Lost in a Blue Wave" (Keith Richburg, Washington Post) - Among the biggest casualties from last week's election here in the Northeast may be the Republican Party itself.

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