In the Headlines

"Chances are Slim for Stimulus, Auto Aid Till '09" (Gregg Hitt, Wall Street Journal) - Congressional Democrats are scaling back plans for an economic-stimulus package as partisan deadlock clouds chances for passage of either that measure or a proposed bailout of Detroit's auto makers until the party's enlarged majority convenes in January.

"Steele's in for RNC chair: 'I want the gig'" (Alexander Burns, The Politico) - Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele shook up the emerging race for chair of the Republican National Committee Thursday, announcing that he would join the contest in an appearance on Fox News's "Hannity and Colmes." "I want the gig. I'm ready to lead this party," Steele said.

"McCain asks Georgia voters to back Chambliss" (Shannon McCaffrey, AP) - Republican John McCain implored Georgia voters Thursday to back Sen. Saxby Chambliss in next month's runoff, warning that Democrats will increase taxes and cut defense spending and the GOP needs to strengthen its ranks.

Voter turnout didn't set record" (Brian Mooney, Boston Globe) - Turnout in last week's election increased from four years ago but fell far short of some forecasts largely because many Republican voters either stayed home or left blank the presidential section of their ballots.