Congressional Democrats have a bigger majority than they’ve enjoyed in decades, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be unity on Capitol Hill.

President Bush says he wants to be remembered “as a person who, first and foremost, did not sell his soul in order to accommodate the political process,” according to the New York Times.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s U.S. Senate showdown is veering down a path toward the courts and possibly the Senate itself after a panel’s ruling on rejected absentee ballots dealt a blow to Democrat Al Franken’s chances.
For the first time, his campaign on Wednesday openly discussed mounting challenges after the hand recount involving Franken and [...]

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Republican U.S. Rep. Virgil H. Goode has made it official: He wants a recount in his narrow loss to Democrat Tom Perriello.
Attorneys for the six-term incumbent filed a petition Tuesday in Albermarle County Circuit Court requesting the recount.
The filling came a day after the State Board of Elections certified Democrat Tom Perriello [...]

There’s just no rest for the tax savvy. So far this year, Congress has made more than 500 changes to the tax code, including 290 in the $700 billion financial rescue package passed in October.

Zach Ambrose, Governor-elect Bev Perdue’s chief of staff, is doing some reorganizing.

Dr. Robert Califf may have a second shot at running the Food and Drug Administration.
The respected Duke University cardiologist and head of the Duke Clinical Research Institute is among people mentioned as possible candidates for FDA commissioner in the administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

CHICAGO – Clout-heavy Chicago politicians are lining up to replace U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, prompting some experts to wonder if the local Democratic party will split on whom to anoint as his successor.
The strength of the contenders may make it tough for Democrats to unite behind one candidate for the congressional seat. Also in question [...]

By MARSHA MERCER
Media General News Service
WASHINGTON – President-elect Barack Obama’s picks for his Cabinet are reassuring because they have Washington experience – unless they’re disappointing for that very reason.
It depends on where you’re standing. Inside-the-Beltway types are relieved to see a familiar cast of characters returning to power, even if they disagree with some previous [...]