The Rick Scott backlash builds  —  With help from Eli Okun, Garrett Ross and Bethany Irvine  —  DRIVING THE DAY  —  LATEST RACE CALLS — Rep. YADIRA CARAVEO (D-Colo.) conceded to Republican GABE EVANS.  Rep. DAVID SCHWEIKERT (R-Ariz.) wins reelection.  —  SAME AS IT EVER WAS …

Will Trump's hush money conviction stand?  A judge will rule on the president-elect's immunity claim  —  A gut punch for most defendants, Donald Trump turned his criminal conviction into a rallying cry.  His supporters put “I'm Voting for the Felon” on T-shirts, hats and lawn signs.

Trump offers Rep. Elise Stefanik role of UN ambassador, sources say  —  President-elect Donald Trump has offered Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik the job as US ambassador to the United Nations, two sources familiar told CNN on Sunday.  —  The New York congresswoman, the fourth-ranking House Republican …

Rep. Dean Phillips tears into fellow Democrats over 2024 loss … - “We have a political system ... that really has incentives that actually are working against us. … - “Both parties are subject to it. … - “I think that's what frankly has led to Trumpism, people getting tired …

Trump talked to Putin, told Russian leader not to escalate in Ukraine  —  President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and discussed the war in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the call.  —  President-elect Donald Trump spoke …

Protecting the rule of law under Trump is going to be precarious  —  The justices must decide, in the wake of last term's decisions, whether they will play any role in that aim.  And, for paid subscribers: Closing my tabs.  —  ∙ Paid  —  The coming period is one that will be difficult for the rule of law.

2024's other big loser?  The mainstream media.  Is there any path forward?  —  The American mainstream media, and its vital watchdog role that once made it a trusted, major institution in a flawed yet functioning democracy, imploded in 2024, and it happened in two ways …

Jockeying kicks off to fill Vance vacancy in Senate  —  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is facing a key decision on whom to tap to fill the term of Vice President-elect Vance as jockeying among Ohio Republicans for the coveted appointment is set to become a knife fight.

‘The behind-the-scenes work starts today’: The 2028 shadow primary is underway  —  For Democrats' rising stars, there was a silver lining to the blow dealt to them by Donald Trump's victory.  —  Josh Shapiro is already fielding calls from Democratic Party leaders in Pennsylvania urging him to run for president.

House Fast Tracks Bill That Would Give Trump Power to Target Nonprofits  —  The legislation would let the Treasury Department revoke tax-exempt status for any “terrorist supporting organization”  —  Donald Trump hasn't even taken office, and Congress is already moving to advance legislation to expand his ability to target his enemies.

Schumer withholds Senate orientation invite from McCormick  —  Democrats are holding out hope that Sen. Bob Casey can pick up enough votes to hold on to the Pennsylvania Senate seat.  —  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will not allow Sen.-elect Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) …

Former Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler to serve on Trump's inaugural committee  —  She will co-chair the committee with New York real estate investor Steve Witkoff  —  President-elect Donald J. Trump announced on Saturday that his inaugural committee will be led by former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia.