The Hill Articles: December 29, 2011

US nominates Navy admiral to head Pacific Command Obama’s approval rating plummets Top Santorum supporter says he can win Iowa caucus Senators call for joint government task force on adverse drug reactions Pelosi’s office denies report that she wants to retire from Congress DAY’S END ROUNDUP Android gains market share at RIM’s expense Sen. Blumenthal: Payroll-tax cut became ‘hostage’ of ideological Tea Party extremists New poll shows Romney with big NH lead Sen. Scott Brown suggests he could support raising tax rates in reform deal Event planned to mark anniversary of Giffords shooting in Arizona Ron Paul: ‘I had some responsibility’ for controversial newsletters Audit: As e-filing increases, IRS needs to monitor paid preparers Ron Paul asked to detail his ‘greatest weakness’ in radio interview Drink up: Congressman reveals secret to marvelous margarita Government report faults Justice Department for failing Americans with disabilities Bachmann’s former Iowa campaign chairman says conversation about money ‘never happened’ Despite GOP opposition, light bulb standards will phase in on Jan. 1 Senate plans swift action on long-delayed transportation bill Perry radio ad targets Santorum’s earmarks as senator Gallup poll: Romney breaking out nationally Five steps to a competitive third party Rick Santorum finds his moment Dem Rep. Pingree wants troops out of Afghanistan by end of 2012 Report: Alexandra Pelosi says her mom is staying in office for donors Our vulnerable, aging parents Treasury cracks down on money laundering tied to drug cartels Obama campaign chief: Billion-dollar campaign accusation is ‘bull—-‘ Gingrich’s daughter says Callista taught her dad to ‘share his calamari’ Bachmann says Iowa campaign chairman defected to Ron Paul for financial reasons US sells $29 billion weapons package to ally Saudi Arabia Mitt Romney: I’m playing for first Federal judge blocks California’s Medicaid cuts GOP candidates urged to accept climate change by scientists Sen. Burr endorses Romney Perry goes positive in final Iowa ad Book: Petraeus was urged to resign over Afghanistan drawdown Huntsman camp hits Ron Paul for controversial newsletters British doctors decry healthcare rationing Vegas firm files for online poker license in Nevada Romney touts economic message in Iowa ad Perry goes positive in closing Iowa ad News Bites: Google and Facebook top-visited websites in 2011 Newt Gingrich visits a chocolate factory FDA releases draft guidance on medical device applications Pending home sales climb as mortgage rates remain low ‘Idol’ winner rooting for Ron Paul Elections in America and Israel: Four scenarios Santorum spars with Sharpton on MSNBC Rasmussen poll gives Romney the biggest lead yet over Obama Gingrich: Bloomberg bought mayorship Rick Santorum looks to build on his momentum in Iowa before caucus News bites: Feds prepare criminal charges for Gulf oil spill, report says Ros-Lehtinen slams Iran’s ‘tour of tyrants,’ calls for tougher sanctions Labor reports weekly jobless claims have spiked by 15,000 Newt Gingrich raises impressive $9.2 million in fourth quarter Romney makes closing argument with new positive ad in Iowa News bites: Vacillation Obamas enjoy multicourse tasting menu For 2012, White House casts President Obama as warrior for the middle class Sen. Nelson could get $1M from K Street Bachmann’s Iowa chairman jumps to Paul