Harry Reid blasts Obama on earmarks  —  'I think it's the wrong thing to do.  I don't think it's helpful,' said Reid of an earmarks ban.  AP Photo  —  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid blasted President Barack Obama on earmarks in advance of his State of the Union address Tuesday, when he's expected to call for a ban.

Congress Pre-Acts to State of the Union Address  —  ABC's Jonathan Karl reports:  —  The speech hasn't been given yet, but we have already heard some reaction from key Congressional leaders to the themes in president's speech.  Some key points -  — Earmark Ban.

The text of the State of the Union Address from a Democratic insider who has violated the White House embargo.  —  Via the National Journal.  —  UPDATE 1: … But the challenges were “bigger than party, and bigger than politics” before, when you “move[d] forward” on your own, with only your party.

National Journal leaks SOTU early  —  So much for all of the White House's efforts to keep the details of President Barack Obama's second State of the Union address under wraps until delivery.  —  At 7:14 p.m. - almost two hours before Obama was scheduled to speak in the House chamber …

CNN justifies airing Bachmann speech: “Tea Party has become major force in American politics”  —  CNN, which is taking some criticism from both sides for agreeing to air Michele Bachmann's response to Obama's speech tonight, sends over a statement justifying the move:

Oops!  Republican Asks Scalia About Constitutionality Of Earmarks  —  The latest in a recent string Constitution gaffes might make Republicans think twice about their earmark moratorium.  —  On Monday, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) hosted a seminar for (mostly Republican) House members on the Constitution.