McCain skips Benghazi briefing, gets testy when questioned by CNN  —  (CNN) - Most of the Republican members of a Senate committee investigating the terrorist attack at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, skipped a classified briefing by administration officials on the incident Wednesday, CNN has learned.

Maine Republican chairman questions black voters  —  Charlie Webster causes a stir with claims that hundreds of unknown black people cast ballots in rural Maine towns.  —  Maine Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster is once again alleging possible voting irregularities …

Respected agent in Seattle terror probe leaked Petraeus case  —  The FBI agent who started the email inquiry that eventually led to the resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus is known for his work in Seattle leading the investigation into millennium bomber Ahmed Ressam.

Scott DesJarlais supported ex-wife's abortions, slept with patients, divorce transcript shows … A decade before calling himself “a consistent supporter of pro-life values,” Tennessee physician and Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais supported his ex-wife's decision to get two abortions …

Republicans Return Romney's Parting Gift (The Note)  —  By MICHAEL FALCONE (@michaelpfalcone) and AMY WALTER (@amyewalter)  —  NOTABLES:  — UNMASKED — THE AGENT WHO LAUNCHED THE PETRAEUS PROBE: ABC's Brian Ross reports for “Good Morning America” that the FBI agent who launched the probe was identified overnight.

Petraeus: I did not pass classified info  —  (CNN) — Former CIA Director David Petraeus, in conversations with an HLN journalist, insisted that his resignation had nothing to do with his scheduled testimony about the September attack that killed four Americans in Benghazi, Libya.

Murray: Can't guarantee 2014 budget  —  Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) confirmed Thursday that she will seek the chairmanship of the Senate Budget Committee next year but told The Hill that she cannot commit to doing a budget.  —  This opens up the possibility that Senate Democrats …

Gaza missiles fired at Tel Aviv  —  Palestinian militants have attempted to hit Israel's largest city, Tel Aviv, with missiles fired from the Gaza Strip.  —  An Israeli military spokesman said two missiles had been launched towards the Tel Aviv area but neither had hit it.

Exposed: Pallywood Returns to Gaza  —  What happens when the cameras turn up at the scene of an airstrike in Gaza and there simply aren't enough Palestinian dead and injured to produce dramatic footage that can be used against Israel in the international media?  We've seen it before.

John Metz, Denny's Franchisee And Hurricane Grill & Wings Owner, Imposes Surcharge For Obamacare … REACT:  —  FOLLOW:  —  Obama Health Care, Video, Hurricane Grill & Wings, John Metz, John Metz Dairy Queen, John Metz Dennys, John Metz Obamacare Surcharge, Obamacare, Obamacare Hiring Freezes …

Surreal Instagrams From Israel Defense Forces Soldiers  —  As drama unfolds between Israel and Hamas — both in real life and over their Twitter accounts — young soldiers Instagram photos of themselves at ease.  —  Katie Notopoulos  —  an hour ago  —  96 responses

RNC report suggests other reasons why Romney lost  —  While Mitt Romney has attributed his defeat, in part, to “gifts” President Obama was able to shower on key constituencies, a Republican National Committee report on the election points to other reasons — like changing demographics …

Man admits he committed voter fraud to make a point, now being investigated by Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office  —  FAIRFIELD TWP.  — The Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office is investigating a man from Fairfield Township who admitted to voting twice on Election Day in order to prove that the local voting process is flawed.

Gay Support Buoyed Obama  —  While President Obama's lopsided support among Latino and other minority voters has been a focus of postelection analysis, the overwhelming support he received from another growing demographic group — Americans who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual — has received much less attention.

Israeli Prime Minster Deletes Tweet Thanking Obama  —  The campaign Twitter account for the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, tweeted, then quickly deleted a statement thanking President Obama for his support.  “Wouldn't give it any significance,” a spokesman responds.  —  Andrew Kaczynski

The Lessons of Defeat for the GOP  —  Everything from the ground game to the date of the next convention needs to be re-examined.  —  The GOP is undergoing the type of re-examination that occurs whenever a party loses.  That useful exercise should be guided by facts.  Here is some of what we know.

Fox News Captions Footage Of Illegal Border Crossings With ‘The Hispanic Vote’  —  Since Mitt Romney lost the Hispanic vote in record numbers on Election Day, some Republican lawmakers and conservative pundits have openly conceded that the party has a “rhetoric” problem when it comes …

Obama: Donovan to take on recovery role  —  President Barack Obama Thursday tapped Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to be the federal government point-person for Washington's involvement in New York's Hurricane Sandy recovery.  —  “He knows a little bit about New York and building …