
News Story

Burlington Lawyer Tristram Coffin Nominated For Vermont U.S. Atty.
The mass replacement of U.S. Attorneys is underway across the country. Here’s the latest. By Sam Hemingway Burlington Free Press BURLINGTON, Vt. — Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said Friday he has nominated Burlington attorney Tristram J. Coffin to become Vermont’s next U.S. attorney. “Tris Coffin is a perfect fit for a difficult job,” Leahy said…

Sec. Napolitano Exudes Confidence By Keeping Old Hands at Homeland Security
By Chris Battle Security DeBrief WASHINGTON–Secretary Napolitano has decided to keep a number of DHS non-career employees on board at the Department through an extended transition phase. It’s a wise move, and one that highlights the confidence the former Arizona Governor brings to her role. As Washington Post writer Spencer Hsu points out, Napolitano’s decision…

Bush Policies Are Complicating Things For Obama and Justice
The new administration faces some tough decisions whether to go after people in the Bush administration who may have violated the law while essentially carrying out policy. Just how much more this issue will impact the confirmation of Atty. Gen. designate Eric H. Holder Jr. is unclear. By Carrie Johnson and Julie Tate Washington Post…

Obama Names Lanny Breuer to Head Justice Criminal Division
By Allan Lengel Ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON – Lanny Breuer, who represented N.Y. Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens in a Congressional probe last year, has been named the chief of the Justice Department’s criminal division by President Obama, FederalTimes.com reported. Breuer, a partner at Covington & Burling in Washington is from the same firm as Atty. Gen. nominee…

Mexico Arrests a Dozen Top Ranking Officials With Links to Drug Cartel
The menacing drug trade in Mexico not only spells trouble for that nation, but the U.S. as well. Here’s the latest in what seems to be a never ending battle. By Mark Stevenson Associated Press MEXICO CITY — President Felipe Calderon ‘s war on drug trafficking has led to his own doorstep, with the arrest…
Gov. Blagojevich Circus Continues: “They’re Just Hanging Me”
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Cheney Says Bush Should Have Pardoned Scooter Libby
Nearly everyone expected Pres. Bush to pardon Scooter Libby. He didn’t, leaving many scratching their heads. Dick Cheney went beyond scratching his head. He simply said it was wrong not to, and said it publicly. By Stephen F. Hayes The Weekly Standard Former Vice President Dick Cheney disagreed publicly with his boss just four times…

FBI and IRS Raid Pa. Company With Close Ties to Rep. John Murtha
Congressman John P. Murtha has brought home the bacon to Pennsylvania, particularly to Kuchera Industries of Penn. He has also gotten loads of contributions from the company’s employees. By JOHN BRESNAHAN The Politico Federal agents on Thursday raided the offices of a Pennsylvania government contractor with close ties to Rep. John P. Murtha, chairman of…