MORNING READ
Obama could have done worse that Salazar, who has a strong record on environmental issues, mcjoan writes at Daily Kos. But a better choice would have been the more progressive Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Chris Bowers contends at Open Left. As far as Salazar’s replacement in the Senate goes, RedState’s Moe Lane proposes that if Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.) takes his brother’s place, Republicans could swoop in on his House seat.
Defense lawyers are starting to wonder if all of Blagojevich’s taped phone calls actually amount to a crime, suggesting U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald may need more evidence to convict the governor of corruption, Jeralyn notes at TalkLeft. Did Blagojevich’s conversations go further than the usual political deal-making? Jennifer Rubin asks at contentions, wondering if Blagojevich actually went beyond talking about a “deal.”
And the fate of the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush has some bloggers worried. Amid rumors and reports that the journalist was badly beaten and taken to a U.S. military hospital, Newshoggers’ BJ says that how he is treated in custody will indicate how much progress has been made in Iraq.
FROM THE BLOGS:
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Kennedy Seeks to Prove Qualifications – NY Times
Salazar Accepts Obama Offter to Join Cabinet – The Hill
Obama Taps Chicago Schools Chief for Post – Washington Post