Hillary continues to lead from the State Department, Obama stumbles with the economic stimulus and trips over lobbyists and tax dodging cabinet picks, Eric Holder, Michael Steele, and Iceland break barriers, states pursue domestic partnerships, and more odds and ends archived from our “Red Hot News” section. There’s no new news here unless you are a new visitor.

On the economic stimulus package, “So far, President Obama has mailed in a letter to WAPO, scheduled a national news conference on Monday, and had a super bowl party and the senators from Maine and Nebraska remained unmoved by the charm attack!”

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has surgery for pancreatic cancer.

Is Team Obama trying to defeat their own stimulus package or are they just trying to undermine Speaker Pelosi?

AP Investigation: “Major U.S. banks sought government permission to bring thousands of foreign workers into the country for high-paying jobs even as the system was melting down last year and Americans were getting laid off.”

Daschle withdraws as HHS secretary nominee amid potential conflict of interest and tax troubles … The Chicago Tribune declared that “Daschle is dispensable” and ascertained that “to proclaim high standards and then suspend them exposes Obama to charges that he is either hypocritical or obtuse” … Nancy Killefer, also facing tax troubles, withdrew her nomination for chief performance officer … What Heidi Li said — So “When is Geithner resigning?”

Eric Holder becomes first black U.S. Attorney General.

Moderate conservative, Michael Steele, becomes first black Republican National Committee chairman. Politico and columnist, Marc Ambinder, says that Steele’s “election marks a step away from the balkanized Southern white ethos of the [Republican] party.”

Bye-bye Blago! Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich impeached!

Obama promised during his campaign that lobbyists “won’t find a job in my White House.” Surprise, Obama hires lobbyists. So far 12 lobbyists find top jobs in administration.

Washington set to expand state’s domestic partnership law, offering same rights and benefits afforded heterosexual married couples … New Mexico discusses proposal to allow domestic partnerships.

Hillary’s et.al. work comes to fruition: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Bill signed into law.

Iceland appoints first lesbian Prime Minister.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wants “comprehensive dialogue” with China, says “six-party talks are essential” on North Korea, and signals U.S. openness on Iran dialogue, says Iran has chance to show world a readiness to “engage meaningfully.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton names Todd Stern special (Climate Change) envoy to lead U.S. efforts to reduce global warming and forge new international accords to reduce carbon emissions and develop clean energy.

Our tax dollars hard at work: inquiry into National Science Foundation report showing Fed computers used to view porn.

Is Obamamania going galactic: CNN vid captures UFO at Obama’s inauguration (about 9 seconds into clip); sighting generates news at The Sun and FOX. Could it have been an angel heralding the One?