Businesses Seek Common Ground

Big Business will be facing a bolstered Democratic majority when the new Congress convenes. But the battle lines aren't clearly drawn because neither the Democrats nor the business lobby speak with one voice on many issues.

Clouds Hang Over Two Senate Seats

The fate of two would-be senators remained unsettled as Congress prepared to resume business, presenting a quandary for Democratic leaders.

Republicans Stress a Return to Roots

The six candidates vying to chair the Republican National Committee agreed that the party must return to core principles after its stinging election defeats.

Gaza Crisis Could Create Openings

In the long run, the Israeli push into Gaza could open some doors for the Obama administration.

• Video: What Gaza Conflict Could Mean for Obama

Panetta Tapped for CIA Director

Obama picked Leon Panetta, a former chief of staff under Clinton, to run the CIA. Panetta was a surprise pick with no experience in the intelligence world.

The Switch to Digital TV Hits a Snag

The demand for cheap digital-TV converter boxes is exceeding expectations. But amid higher demand, the government is running out of money to subsidize the purchase of the converters.

Bush Critic Picked for Justice Post

President-elect Obama picked Dawn Johnsen, an outspoken critic of President Bush over terrorist interrogations, to head the Office of Legal Counsel.

Meg Whitman Mulls California Run

Meg Whitman stepped down from the boards of P&G, eBay and Dreamworks Animation, another signal the former eBay chief is seriously considering a run for governor.

Watchdog Eyes SEC's Shortcomings

The SEC watchdog said he plans to broaden his investigation by examining whether or not the SEC as a whole is effective in its oversight of the financial markets. (Kotz testimony)

Treasury Gives $15 Billion to Banks

The government supplied another $15 billion to seven banks in the latest round of payments from the $700 billion rescue fund.

Withdrawal Leaves Gap in Obama Cabinet

Bill Richardson's withdrawal as commerce secretary was the first bump in the new cabinet and the second "pay to play" investigation that has touched Obama's transition to the presidency.

Franken Declared Winner in Minn.

A Minnesota board certified results showing Democrat Al Franken winning the state's U.S. Senate recount over Republican Norm Coleman, but a legal challenge probably will keep the race in limbo.

Blagojevich Probe Gets Extension

Burris is headed to Washington for a high-stakes showdown on Capitol Hill about whether he'll succeed Obama in Congress. U.S. prosecutors won a 90-day extension to seek an indictment of Blagojevich.

• Reid Appears to Give Burris an Opening
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Richardson Abandons Cabinet Bid

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew his name from consideration to be Commerce secretary, citing a federal probe into a company that has donated to his political organizations.

• Wash Wire: Obama, Richardson Statements

Hispanics Face Wave of Foreclosures

A push to increase homeownership among Latinos resulted in a rise in nonprime lending. Now, many Hispanics are mired in the housing mess.

• Graphic: Loan Types by District

Rail Shippers Seek More Regulation

Railroad customers, claiming unfair price hikes, are making a push for Congress to reinstitute tighter federal regulation.

U.S.: Detainee IDs Can Be Kept Secret

A federal appeals court ruled that the government can keep secret the identities of detainees allegedly abused at the Guantanamo Bay prison camp.