House Approves D.C. Representation — Final Passage And Constitutionality Uncertain
The Washington Post reports that the House of Representatives voted yesterday to add full voting representation in the chamber for the District of Columbia, as well as creating a new, likely Republican seat for Utah. The measure still has a long way to go, however, as it must still make it through the Senate as well as face expected court challenges.

Richardson First Democrat On The Air In Iowa, New Hampshire
The Des Moines Register and The New Hampshire Union Leader report that Bill Richardson will be the first Democratic candidate running ads in the two early caucus and primary states, premiering 30-second and 60-second ad spots starting next week. The campaign did not divulge the full size of the ad buy.

Snowe Defects From GOP Line On Iraq Withdrawal
The Los Angeles Times reports that Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), who previously voted against timetables to withdraw from Iraq, now says she would sponsor her own legislation that would require American commanders to plan a withdrawal unless the Iraqi government is able to meet a series of benchmarks. "The Iraq government needs to understand that our commitment is not infinite," said Snowe. Previously only two Republican Senators, Gordon Smith and Chuck Hagel, have voted for withdrawal timetables.

Law & Order Renewal Uncertain
CNN reports that renewal of Law & Order for another season is uncertain, with potential cost cuts or time slot changes in order to deal with its recently sinking ratings. If the show is canceled, that would put actor Fred Thompson out a job — and seemingly clinch a bid for the White House.

Nebraska Attorney General Considers GOP Primary Challenge Of Hagel
The Omaha World-Herald reports that Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is considering a run against Senator Chuck Hagel in the Republican primary if Hagel seeks re-eletion. Bruning cited Hagel's actions and speeches against the Iraq War, including Hagel's vote for a timetable to exit Iraq and even his public allusions to impachment. "It's extremely counterproductive," Bruning said. "I'm very concerned about the morale of our troops and the potential comfort given to the enemy, who knows now that they can wait us out." Meanwhile, former Democratic Senator Bob Kerrey says he recently had some poll testing done for a comeback bid for the seat, but he is "99 percent certain I'm not going to do this."

Obama: Restrict The Mentally Ill From Buying Weapons
The Associated Press reports that Barack Obama has called for strengthened laws to prevent the mentally ill from buying guns. "If we know that he got mental health services, then there should be some way of preventing somebody like that from buying any kind of weapon," Obama said.

Hillary To Meet With Rutgers Basketball Players
The Associated Press reports that Hillary Clinton will be in New Jersery today, where she will speak at a Rutgers University forum on women and political leadership. Most notably, she will meet with the women's basketball team, who were at the center of the controversy involving Don Imus's firing for using racial slurs against them.

Edwards Reimburses Campaign For Haircuts
The Associated Press that John Edwards is reimbursing his campaign two haircuts that cost $400 each. The campaign says Edwards had always intended to pay for them himself, but the bills were sent to the campaign offices and accidentally paid by them.

Huckabee: Concealed Guns Could Have Helped At Virginia Tech
The Associated Press reports that Mike Huckabee said that concealed weapons might have minimized the damage done in the Virginia Tech shooting spree. "If somebody had been able to stop the shooter before he was able to kill that many people, there may not have been that many," Huckabee said.