Howard Dean endorses Daley for chief of staff, rips White House  —  Former DNC chairman and Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said Wednesday that William Daley would be a “huge plus” for the Obama administration if he is tapped to be the president's new chief of staff.

19 Democrats Oppose Pelosi's Bid for Speaker  —  House Democrats had a small uprising on their hands today, when 19 members cast protest votes against Nancy Pelosi, their caucus leader, to be speaker of the House.  —  Ms. Pelosi assuredly had no chance of being re-elected speaker, as Democrats are now in the minority.

Pomp, and Little Circumstance  —  A theatrical production of unusual pomposity will open on Wednesday when Republicans assume control of the House for the 112th Congress.  A rule will be passed requiring that every bill cite its basis in the Constitution.  A bill will be introduced to repeal the health care law.

Tea Party leaders not swayed by Lugar meeting  —  Washington (CNN) - Hoping to head off a primary challenge from the right, Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Indiana, sat down with Tea Party leaders last month but did little to persuade them of his conservative credentials.

Hoyer: Tea Party People Come From Unhappy Families  —  On the eve of his demotion by voters from House Majority Leader to House Minority Whip, Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., Hoyer offered this insight into the psychology of the Tea Party movement: … So, there you have it.