The version of the stimulus package we're all familiar with passed the House. The Senate is still working on its own version with provisions for Social Security rebates and extended unemployment benefits.

Yesterday Senate Democrats put at least a temporary stop to the White House's push to expand warrantless wiretapping and grant immunity to telecom companies that freely gave over private information about customers to the government. By a vote of 48-45, an attempt to force a vote on the bill was rejected.

Yesterday, some sources reported on Giuliani's assertion that whichever Republican wins Florida will win the nomination. This morning the big story was not about a big surge for Rudy in the polls, but rather about the autographed baseballs he'd given to his press corps. All signs point to "out."

Some promises, some ideas, some pledges for funding, and some good old-fashioned finger-wagging. There wasn't much new in tonight's address, and if it was new, it was probably Bush complaining that Congress hasn't been giving him what he wants.

It isn't official yet, but the Chron is reporting that Senator Kyle Janek will announce tomorrow that he is retiring from the Texas Senate effective March 10.

Now the question isn't whether Giuliani will win or come in second place in Florida — new polls show Rudy now being beaten by Mike Huckabee, shoving him into fourth place.

Are you man enough to boycott Chuck Norris? Former Thompson staffer Daniel Ng is, roundhouse kicks notwithstanding.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a union membership increase by some 311,000 workers in 2007. This represented an actual increase in unions' share of the total labor force (to a not insignificant 12.1 percent from 12 percent) for the first time since 1983.

Taking note that the wheels are coming off, Republican Harris County Judge Ed Emmett warns his pals that the GOP salad days are over.

First, Upstate New York GOP 10-Termer James Walsh gets out of the governing business. Then, Florida Republican Dave Weldon says he wants to go back to being a doctor, and will likewise be quitting the House.