Richardson bows out...Obama in Wash...Support for Burris

Washington (AP) A spokesman for President-elect Barack Obama says there's no timetable for a new nominee for commerce secretary to be chosen, but that he expects it will be soon. New Mexico Gov.

Bill Richardson bowed out under the pressure of a grand jury probe of a lucrative state contract given to political donors.

WASHINGTON (AP) President-elect Barack Obama isn't in the Oval Office yet but he's moved in to the neighborhood. He flew in from Chicago today to join wife Michelle and the girls at a posh Washington hotel just across from the White House. Sasha and Malia start their new school tomorrow, and their dad meets with congressional leaders.

CHICAGO (AP) The man picked by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich) to fill the state's vacant Senate seat is getting lots of support in Chicago. Hundreds rallied around Roland Burris at a church today including Congressman Bobby Rush and dozens of ministers who condemned Democrats for saying they wouldn't seat Burris.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) New York Sen. Charles Schumer says that Democrat Al Franken is the clear winner in Minnesota's Senate race and should be seated as soon as possible. The state Canvassing Board is expected to certify the results of the recount tomorrow, then there will be a seven-day waiting period before the election certificate is completed.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Thousands of Israeli troops backed by tanks and helicopter gunships have surrounded Gaza's largest city and are fighting militants at close range. They've effectively cut off Gaza City from the rest of Gaza to the south.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-04-09 2049CST | save this article / add to your favorites list