Gov. Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination as Obama's Secretary of Commerce amid allegations that a California company that donated to Gov. Richardson's campaign won "lucrative contracts." Apparently rumors of this scandal started back in 2004 but one would have thought that the Obama team would have caught this in their extensive application process.

Though I'm sad to see Gov. Richardson go - without even starting - I'm happy for the bit of good news from Minnesota today that Al Franken has beat Norm Coleman! The Minnesota State Canvassing Board has confirmed that Al Franken has beaten Norm Coleman by roughly 215 votes. Though Norm Coleman and his Republican pals are challenging the results this looks all but in the bag for Franken.

Welcome Sen. Franken - we've been waiting for you!

And it looks like Obama ally Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will be the new Democratic National Committee chairman. Lets hope he is as successful as Howard Dean for the Democratic Party.