Politics

Transition Today – Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008

By Maria Gavrilovic

December 30, 2008 / 8:52 AM EST / CBS News

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A roundup of news, schedules, and key stories from CBS News, written by Maria Gavrilovic:

President-elect OBAMA continues his vacation in Hawaii. There are no public events scheduled.

EMANUEL

(AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Chicago Sun Times, "Letter to Gov seals Emanuel's exit from Congress": Emanuel, first elected to the House in 2002, formally announced Monday he would end his House career Jan. 2 to join the Obama administration as White House chief of staff. He was the fourth ranking Democrat in the House, given the post after he ran the political operation that won back control of the House for Democrats in 2006. He informed residents of his 5th Congressional District, anchored in Chicago's North and Northwest Side neighborhoods, with robo calls on Monday. Emanuel is on a long-planned vacation to Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, traveling with his wife, Amy, their three children and friends.

AP, "Ill. governor must set election to replace Emanuel": Rep. Rahm Emanuel said Monday that he will resign his congressional seat this week, a development that draws further attention to Illinois' embattled governor and his role in filling vacancies in the state's legislative delegation. The Democratic congressman delivered the news in automated telephone calls to constituents. He is leaving office to become President-elect Barack Obama's new chief of staff. He said he will resign his congressional seat Friday.

INAUGURATION

USA TODAY, "Obama Inauguration Seeks Essayists": The hottest ticket in town — a chance to witness President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration — will be the jackpot in an essay contest being announced today by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. In exchange, participants will be encouraged to donate to the inauguration, though organizers say that is not required.

NY Times, "The Latest Warning on Inauguration Gridlock": The team that is planning Barack Obama's inauguration just put out an advisory for anyone with tickets to the swearing-in ceremony, and here's the bottom line: This won't be a picnic. The advisory says that ticket-holders should arrive at least three hours before the ceremony begins at 11:30. The place will be jammed. Streets will be closed and so probably will the bridges and major roadways into the district, unless you're on a special bus. If you're already staying within two miles of the Capitol, you should walk to the swearing-in. If you have special needs (like, you can't walk), you'll still have to walk, or use a wheelchair.

Politico, "Journos may not get inaugural spots": There's a warning for the press, too: Those credentials you requested might not be available. While every day seems to bring another report of media layoffs and buyouts, the Senate press galleries say they've received an unprecedented number of requests from journalists seeking to cover Barack Obama's inauguration. The galleries plan to start saying no this week to those who don't qualify for credentials.

PALIN

People, "Bristol Palin Welcomes a Son": Bristol Palin, the 18-year-old daughter of former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, gave birth on Saturday to a healthy 7 lb., 7 oz., baby boy in Palmer, Alaska. "We think it's wonderful," said Colleen Jones, the sister of Bristol's grandmother Sally Heath, who confirmed the news. "The baby is fine and Bristol is doing well. Everyone is excited." The baby's name is Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston and he was born at 5:30 a.m., according to Jones.