Obama Announces HUD Secretary, Discusses Financial Crisis
Barack Obama used his Presidential YouTube Address today to announce the appoint of New York City housing commissioner Shaun Donovan to be his Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and to discuss the importance of housing issues in solving the financial crisis:

"He knows that we can put the dream of owning a home within reach for more families, so long as we're making loans in the right way, and so long as those who buy a home are prepared for the responsibilities of homeownership," Obama says.

No Obama Or Biden Events Today
Barack Obama is in Chicago today, while Joe Biden is in Delaware. There are no public events scheduled for today.

Trib: Rahm Spoke With Blago
The Chicago Tribune reports that Rahm Emanuel did have discussions with Rod Blagojevich about Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, giving Blago a list of candidates that were considered to be acceptable appointees. "The revelation does not suggest Obama's new gatekeeper was involved in any talk of dealmaking involving the seat," the Trib is careful to point out. "But it does help fill in the gaps surrounding a question that Obama was unable or unwilling to answer this week: Did anyone on his staff have contact with Blagojevich about his choice for the Senate seat?"

Report: Blago Could Announce Plans As Soon As Monday
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Rod Blagojevich could decide as early as Monday whether he should resign. "He was blindsided by this," a source told the Sun-Times. "He needs some time to digest what's going on. He's going to make his position clear shortly."

Senate Dems Plan Quick Confirmation Hearings
Senate Democrats plan to move quickly to confirm Barack Obama's cabinet appointments, once Congress reconvenes on January 6. Most of the appointments should sail through very easily, though there is one sticking point: Senate Republicans have been asking for a delay in the confirmation hearings of Eric Holder for Attorney General.

Bayh Forming Senate "Blue Dog" Group
Evan Bayh is trying to create a new caucus for moderate Democrats in the Senate, modeled on the Blue Dog caucus in the House. "I think we have a wonderful opportunity to break the gridlock that has existed in Washington for too long," Bayh told Roll Call. "We need to do that in practical ways that will solve problems."

Rat Warning Sign Disappears From Near Blago's House
This is funny: Chicago officials believe Rod Blagojevich or an aide may have removed a warning sign noting the presence of rats from an alley outside his house, after he was photographed with the sign in view of the camera. The city plans to put up another sign.