Indicted Louisiana congressman loses re-election bid  —  (CNN) — Nine-term Democratic Rep. William Jefferson, who has been battling scandals and a federal indictment for the past three years, appears to have lost his bid for re-election.  —  Republican challenger Anh “Joseph” Cao …

Obama Picks Shinseki to Lead Veterans Affairs  —  President-elect Barack Obama today will introduce retired Army Gen. Eric K. Shinseki as his nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, bringing to his Cabinet a career military officer best known for running afoul of the Bush administration …

Legal Organization May Become Influential Beyond Its Dreams  —  The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy was founded seven years ago to counter a growing right-leaning legal philosophy that has reshaped the American legal landscape on issues from the reach of federal regulation to the separation of church and state.

Bush insiders reflect on president's legacy  —  WASHINGTON — On a sofa on the second floor of the comfortable Washington home that George W. Bush's career helped put him in, Karl Rove reflects on an administration that didn't turn out as anticipated.  —  “No. It all turns out different,” he said.

Republicans Divided on Aid to Automakers  —  WASHINGTON — As Senate staff members worked through the weekend to draft legislation for a taxpayer rescue of the imperiled American automobile industry, Republicans who have the power to scuttle the plan offered mixed reactions to the preliminary details on Saturday.

Attorneys for Indicted Blackwater Guards Lash Out at Justice Dept.  —  Attorneys for five Blackwater Worldwide security guards charged in a 2007 shooting that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead accused the government yesterday of engaging in unfair second-guessing of the contractors' actions in a combat zone.

SHOCKER: Sebelius removes name from Cabinet consideration  —  Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who was a finalist for vice president last summer and under consideration for several Cabinet posts in a Barack Obama administration, today withdrew her name from the selection process.

New York Times Baffled How a Conservative, Oil-Drilling State Isn't in Recession  —  A real head-scratcher.  Let's see: They drill for oil, are a relatively conservative farming state and actually have jobs they can't fill.  —  So the Times considers this odd. … They obviously have good leadership.

Limbaugh: “I love Sarah Palin”  —  From Baba Wawa's “10 Most Fascinating People of 2008″ special.  I assume it's his new contract and the lure of big ratings from righties that led ABC to put him on the list.  Otherwise, the logic of saluting the power of conservative talk radio …