The Hill Articles: December 9, 2012

Tapping Hagel for Obama Cabinet could raise Republican concerns Iraqi violence sparks lawmakers’ fears about stability of post-war Afghanistan Boehner, Obama meet to discuss deficit deal Durbin: Rice could win Senate confirmation for secretary of State After 2012 setbacks, Tea Party struggles over need for inside influence Gingrich: Current GOP ‘incapable’ of beating Hillary Clinton in 2016 Bowles ‘encouraged’ by deficit talks Lagarde: ‘Zero’ growth for US if Congress, Obama don’t get deal Simpson expects tax rates on wealthy to rise Israeli ambassador: Settlements opposed by US could be bargaining chip Newark Mayor Booker considering runs for Senate, NJ governor McCarthy: Obama needs to ‘get in the room’ and spell out spending cuts Shell’s US chief sees Obama approving ‘phased’ natural-gas exports Coburn: US will need to face ‘discomfort’ to get deficit deal done Reps. Cole, Blackburn: Boehner will remain Speaker in next session Sen. Corker open to higher tax rates as part of deficit-cutting deal GOP Rep. Cole: Take Obama’s offer to gain tax cuts for ‘98 percent’ Mitt Romney attends Pacquiao boxing match White House could protect middle class from tax hikes if deficit talks falter FCC’s Internet authority in balance Boustany Jr. tops Landry in La. runoff US citizen rescued in Afghanistan