EXCLUSIVE: Gingrich, Steele duel privately for RNC job  —  A behind-the-scenes battle to take the reins of the Republican National Committee is taking off between former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele.  —  Neither man will acknowledge his interest in the post …

For South, a Waning Hold on National Politics  —  VERNON, Ala. — Fear of the politician with the unusual name and look did not end with last Tuesday's vote in this rural red swatch where buck heads and rifles hang on the wall.  This corner of the Deep South still resonates with negative feelings …

Obama to Explore New Approach in Afghanistan War  —  The incoming Obama administration plans to explore a more regional strategy to the war in Afghanistan — including possible talks with Iran — and looks favorably on the nascent dialogue between the Afghan government and “reconcilable” …

Darkness at Dusk  —  It's only been a week since the defeat, but the battle lines have already been drawn in the fight over the future of conservatism.  —  In one camp, there are the Traditionalists, the people who believe that conservatives have lost elections because they have strayed from the true creed.

Sarah Palin says she'll ‘plow through the door’ if there's an opening in 2012 or beyond  —  That gosh-darned mainstream media.  Can't live with 'em, can't campaign without 'em.  —  Less than a week after she and John McCain lost their bid for the White House, a combative Sarah Palin …

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST  —  John Hinderacker, arguably the most influential conservative blogger in the country ...  At the feet of masters.

Georgia congressman warns of Obama dictatorship  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican congressman from Georgia said Monday he fears that President-elect Obama will establish a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist or fascist dictatorship.  —  “It may sound a bit crazy and off base …

What's happening in Minnesota? part 5  —  As of this morning, Norm Coleman leads Al Franken by 206 votes in the results reported for the Minnesota Senate seat at issue this year.  The mandatory recount is to begin next week.  —  Hennepin County includes the city of Minneapolis and its suburbs.

Obama-Clinton soap opera takes new turn  —  Michelle Obama wasn't always an admirer of Hillary Clinton, but last Wednesday the soon-to-be first lady dialed up the former first lady for pointers on protecting her two young daughters from the media maelstrom of the White House.

Most affluent voters key to Obama sweep  —  Barack Obama promised he would lower taxes for 95 percent of Americans and presumably raise them for the 5 percent who benefited most under President Bush's tax policies.  But, remarkably, the most affluent 5 percent supported Obama and that was perhaps the key to his victory last week.

Obama May Ask Gates to Keep Post  —  WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama is leaning toward asking Defense Secretary Robert Gates to remain in his position for at least a year, according to two Obama advisers.  A senior Pentagon official said Mr. Gates would likely accept the offer if it is made.

Intelligence Policy to Stay Mostly Intact  —  WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama is unlikely to radically overhaul controversial Bush administration intelligence policies, advisers say, an approach that is almost certain to create tension within the Democratic Party.

Don't Count Drudge Out  —  His demise is overreported once again.  —  At the beginning of the summer, the press considered the Drudge Report so influential that its proprietor, Matt Drudge, was thought to be in position to determine the fall election's results.

Most uncounted ballots will be tallied Wednesday  —  90,000 VOTES: Stevens vs. Begich isn't the only race in question.  —  khopkins@adn.com  —  Look for the needle to move on Alaska's landmark U.S. Senate race and other tight contests this week, with the Division of Elections planning …

Obama Asks Bush to Provide Help for Automakers  —  WASHINGTON — The struggling auto industry was thrust into the middle of a political standoff between the White House and Democrats on Monday as President-elect Barack Obama urged President Bush in a meeting at the White House to support immediate emergency aid.

Take Some Political Risks  —  After two straight electoral defeats, it is time for a substantial party shake-up.  We don't need a feather duster; we need a fire hose.  —  We need to be honest about the root causes of our current financial crisis: loose money, crony capitalism and a lack of market transparency and information.

ATTACK IRAN!  —  Without getting into the argument over what “Taqiya” actually is, I'm fascinated by the conservative attempt to make a simple concept — “lying” — sound much more sinister and essential by giving it an Islamic name, which sounds rather like one of the notes Jews blow on the Shofar.

Iraq, Afghan war vets find a voice  —  Nonprofit becomes powerful new player for recent wars' 1.8 million vets  —  WASHINGTON - Some lobbyists come to Capitol Hill armed with PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets.  Todd Bowers brought the rifle scope that saved his life.