Gingrich '06 Memo: “Agree Entirely With Gov. Romney” on Health Care  —  To conservatives, the biggest strike against Mitt Romney is the health care plan he put in place in Massachusetts, but Newt Gingrich lavished praise on Romney's plan after it was passed in 2006.

Former Ron Paul staffer contends GOP candidate is ‘uncomfortable’ with gay people  —  Eric Dondero also says his ex-boss is anti-Israel  —  Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul of Texas.  —  A former Ron Paul staffer says the Republican presidential candidate is “unsettled …

Growing wealth widens distance between lawmakers and constituents  —  BUTLER, Pa. — One day after his shift at the steel mill, Gary Myers drove home in his 10-year-old Pontiac and told his wife he was going to run for Congress.  —  The odds were long.  At 34, Myers was the shift foreman at the “hot mill” of the Armco plant here.

Gingrich Doesn't Make Republican Primary Ballot in Virginia  —  (Updates with Huckabee comments starting in 10th paragraph.  For more campaign news, go to ELECT.)  —  Dec. 25 (Bloomberg) — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, atop a recent opinion poll among Virginia Republicans …

Predictions gone wrong  —  Dave Weigel had a good item yesterday on his “2011 Pundit Audit.”  It's a worthwhile idea, so I thought I'd join the fun. … Weigel points to four flubs: the assumption that Rick Perry would be a competent candidate; the belief that Perry's book and agenda …

Democrat wants grants for women's restrooms in fire stations  —  Rep. Laura Richardson (D-Calif.) has proposed legislation that would let fire stations around the country apply for grants of up to $100,000 to build women's restrooms, showers and changing facilities.

7 Days Out: Good Morning Iowa  —  Good morning from Des Moines.  We are 7 days out from the Iowa caucuses...exactly one week away.  We here at Good Morning Iowa are always open to news tips, suggestions, and praise...critiques too.  Thanks to the other morning notes that this takes much of its inspiration from.

‘Mischief’ voters push Paul to front of GOP race  —  Ron Paul is surging in the Republican presidential race.  Just not among Republicans.  —  The Texas congressman is leading some polls in Iowa and is in a tie for second in New Hampshire.  A candidacy once dismissed as sideshow …

The Obamas celebrate Kwanzaa in spirit of umoja  —  The Obamas mark Kwanzaa in the spirit of umoja  —  Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season.  —  Today marks the beginning of the week-long celebration honoring African American heritage …