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So Long and Thanks

With the Obama administration in full swing, Becoming44.org is shutting its doors. Thanks for reading!

Inaugural bundlers update

As the Presidential Inaugural Committee heads into the homestretch ahead of Inauguration Day, it has updated its list of bundlers for the inauguration, disclosing the names of 216 bundlers, who together have raised $27.8 million. We've updated our chart to reflect the change.

Meese and Specter on Holder in the WSJ

Edwin Meese III, attorney general under President Reagan, and Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) have an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal this morning drawing attention to a little-known piece of Attorney General-designee Eric Holder's time in the Clinton administration - the so-called "Holder Memorandum." The pair write, "this memo changed Justice Department policy regarding the formerly unquestioned right to counsel and to confidential communication with one's counsel." Calling the policy "unconsitut

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Susan Tierney to be deputy secretary of energy

According to the Washington Post's 44 blog, Susan Tierney, an energy and economics consultant with Boston-based Analysis Group, is expected to be named deputy secretary of energy. Tierney served as assistant secretary of energy for policy under President Clinton, and is a member of the Obama transition team.

Commerce delays LaHood confirmation hearing

The incoming Transportation secretary's hearing has been postponed until next week, says the Washington Post's 44 blog. The paper reported this morning that LaHood, a recently retired Republican Representative from Illinois, has ties to an indicted figure in the Blagojevich scandal, and sponsored earmarks benefitting campaign donors.

Presidential Inauguration, brought to you by the few, the wealthy

Bundlers for the inauguration have been responsible for raising nearly 80 percent of the $35.3 million the Presidential Inaugural Committee has disclosed receiving, mostly by funneling high-dollar contributions of $25,000 or more to the committee, according to our latest analysis, which has more details.

Genachowski to head the FCC

Several sources are reporting that Obama has picked his technology advisor Julius Genachowski to head up the Federal Communications Commission. Genachowski and Obama were classmates at Harvard Law.

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Geithner faces tax and employee issues

Incoming Treasury secretary Tim Geithner is facing questions over reports that he owed more than $40,000 in back taxes and employed a domestic worker who did not have proper immigration papers.

Inaugural bundlers and donors update (Jan. 13, 2009)

The PIC has released new information, including the names behind about 5,600 donations, totaling $56.3 $35.3 million. Also disclosed were the names of 211 bundlers, who have raised $27.6 million. (More after the jump).

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Obama taps lobbyist for HHS Deputy

According to the Politico, Obama has nominated Bill Corr, the executive director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, to be deputy secretary of health and human services. The Politico noted back in November that Corr, also a member of Obama's transition team, was a registered lobbyist as recently as September.

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