In the Headlines

"Security, economy are priorities, Obama tells CBS" (Michelle Salcedo, AP) - President-elect Barack Obama said in an interview broadcast Sunday that since terrorists might try to attack the U.S. during the White House transition, selecting his national security team is one of his top priorities.

"Obama Resigns From Senate, Names More Staffers" (Michael Fletcher, Washington Post) - President-elect Barack Obama officially resigned from the Senate yesterday, removing himself from any official role in the lame-duck session of Congress that will convene this week. He also laid more groundwork for the start of his administration by deciding on additional members of his senior staff, including a White House counsel, and preparing to meet with another onetime political rival.

"Among  Republicans, a Debate Over the Party's Road Map Back to Power" (Michael Cooper, New York Times) - In small meetings at the homes of conservative activists and bigger ones at research groups, in conference calls and on blogs, and at gatherings like the Republican governors' conference that just ended here, the questions have been the same: Nearly 30 years after Ronald Reagan ushered in a period of conservative ascendancy in American politics, how should the movement re-energize itself? And how can conservatives chart a path back to power after this month's Republican defeats?

"White House's Help to Automakers Might Diffuse Democrats' Plans" (David Lightman, McClatchy) - The White House Friday tried to take steam out of Congress' bid to give new aid to the ailing auto industry, saying it would make it easier for the carmakers to tap $25 billion in an existing federal loan program.