Sources: McCain aide fired for ‘trashing’ staff  —  (CNN) — Randy Scheunemann, a senior foreign policy adviser to John McCain, was fired from the Arizona senator's campaign last week for what one aide called “trashing” the campaign staff, three senior McCain advisers tell CNN.

Dems lower expectations  —  Democratic leaders are tamping down on expectations for rapid change and trying to signal they will place a calm hand on the nation's tiller.  —  “The country must be governed from the middle,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Wednesday.

Obama Turns to Building Leadership Team  —  WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama offered the key post of White House chief of staff to Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, the first step in building a team that is expected to take shape in coming days.  —  The quick transition from campaign …

Novak: 3 Million Vote Margin = Mandate For Bush; 7 Million For Obama = No Mandate  —  Despite resounding progressive victories last night, conservative pundits continue to repeat the myth of a conservative country.  Right-wing pundit Robert Novak climbed aboard the bandwagon …

How the President-Elect Did It  —  The new voters changed the game.  —  Intense and gripping, the 2008 election was also historic.  The son of a Kenyan immigrant and an American mother has risen to the presidency of history's most powerful nation.  Who was not moved by the sight …

Losing California: Last night I stood in the heart of San Francisco's Castro district, the epicenter of the gay-rights movement.  Around me were thousands of people cheering and dancing for Barack Obama's victory and for the promise it brings gay America.  Meanwhile, on a large screen …

Bush immigration chief resigns  —  WASHINGTON (CNN) — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced the resignation of Julie Myers, assistant secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, on Wednesday.  —  Chertoff praised the accomplishments of Myers, who will be leaving her post on November 15.

‘Impeach Obama’ groups pop up on Facebook … Barack Obama has not even been sworn in yet as the 44th president of the United States but groups are springing up online calling for his impeachment.  —  On Facebook, an “Impeach Barack Obama” group has attracted more than 700 members …

For GOP, Boehner and chaos remain  —  As House Republicans assessed the wreckage after a second consecutive electoral bloodbath, this much was clear:  —  Members are willing to spare their leader, Ohio Rep. John A. Boehner.  His No. 2, Minority Whip Roy Blunt, might not be that lucky …

Guy Fawkes Day  —  Revellers celebrate Guy Fawkes Day.  In 1605 Fawkes unsuccessfully attempted to commit the infamous act of terror of blowing up King James I and the Houses of Parliament.  —  The English, among other talents, are adept at nurturing their grudges.

What In The Hell Happened in Alaska?  —  Although Ted Stevens holds a small lead in Alaska and is the favorite to retain his seat, the outcome is not as inevitable as it might appear to be.  Stevens currently holds a lead of 3,353 votes, or about 1.5 percent of the votes tallied so far.