Election Central Morning Roundup
Today: Big Canvass Board Meeting In Minnesota
The Minnesota state canvass board is meeting again today, at which they could end up finishing the review Norm Coleman's ballot challenges -- with Al Franken seemingly poised to take the lead for the first time in the never-ending Senate recount. But this wouldn't necessarily end the race, as there still remains a whole lot of legal wrangling left over those rejected absentee ballots.
Obama Holding Presser, Announcing Final Cabinet Picks
Barack Obama is holding a 2:15 p.m. ET press conference in Washington, at which he's expected to roll out his final cabinet choices. The appointees to be announced include retiring Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) as Secretary of Transportation and Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA) as Secretary of Labor, plus former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk (D) as Trade Representative.
Rick Warren Thanks Obama For Taking Heat From The Dem Base
Rick Warren has put out a statement praising Barack Obama for selecting him to deliver the invocation at the inauguration, and courting controversy in the process. "I commend President-elect Obama for his courage to willingly take enormous heat from his base by inviting someone like me, with whom he doesn't agree on every issue, to offer the Invocation at his historic Inaugural ceremony," Warren says. "Hopefully individuals passionately expressing opinions from the left and the right will recognize that both of us have shown a commitment to model civility in America."
Solis, Kirk Disagree On Trade
The New York Times points out that two of today's Obama picks, Hilda Solis and Ron Kirk, have contrary views on trade. Solis has opposed the Central American Free Trade Agreement and the Colombian trade deal, while business groups have already praised Kirk for his advocacy for free trade.
WaPo Looks At Foreign Money On Bill Clinton's Donor List
The Washington Post has dug through the newly-released donor list for Bill Clinton's foundation, finding a whole lot of money coming from foreign governments and state-sponsored enterprises, including $10-$25 million from Saudi Arabia. The Obama transition team says any potential conflicts of interest for Hillary Clinton have been dealt with through the disclosure, combined with a wide-ranging set of new concessions by Bill on donations that he'll be receiving from now on.
Caroline Kennedy Has Missed Some Elections
The New York Post reports that Caroline Kennedy has had a less than perfect record of voting, having missed the New York City mayoral primaries in 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2005, plus the 2002 general election. On the other hand, she has made it out for most general elections -- and besides, this isn't Australia, so she won't have to pay any fines.
Pawlenty Looking At Possible Interim Senate Appointment
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) is looking into the possibility that he might have to appoint an interim Senator if the recount drags on after Jan. 6, when the new Senators are supposed to be sworn in. Buckle up, folks -- we might be in for a very long ride.














