From NBC's Pete Williams
According to various government officials, Justice David Souter plans to retire either at the end of this court term or once President Obama's choice to replace Souter is confirmed by the Senate. Look for more on the Souter retirement news tomorrow morning on TODAY.

From NBC's Harry Enten
For the first time in a nationwide survey, more Americans say they support gay marriage (49%) than oppose it (46%), according to the latest Washington Post/ABC poll.
 
That 49% supporting gay marriage, in fact, is a significant jump from 2004, when the Post/ABC poll found just 32% in favor.
 
This surge within the past month suggests that any backlash against the recent moves across the country to legalize gay marriage has yet to emerge.
 
Also in the new survey, a majority of Americans (53%) believe that their state should recognize gay marriages from other states.
 
Other recent polls have shown a similar increase in support for gay unions nationwide. The New York Times/CBS News poll released this week showed 42% of Americans supporting gay marriage -- the highest number ever recorded in that poll. This week's Quinnipiac poll, which found a majority (55%) against gay marriage, also showed 57% of Americans support civil unions.

From NBC's Pete Williams
The AP is running a story this afternoon that raises the question of whether Supreme Court Justice David Souter might retire.

Answer: He might. Then again, he might not.

Here's the background: Souter is usually the last of the justices to hire law clerks for the coming term. He typically gets around to it in March or April -- well after the other justices have chosen theirs. But this year, Souter hasn't done it yet, and that has been the subject of gossip in legal circles.

Those familiar with Souter's practices say he asked around for names of potential candidates for clerks earlier this year, a sign he was thinking of staying on the court.  But it's not clear yet that he has actually interviewed them, which might be a sign that he's considering retirement. It might be that he's just late in attending to clerk duty this year. Souter's chambers are saying nothing, not even giving winks or nods for guidance.

Clerk-ology is an undependable indicator of a pending retirement. Some justices have decided to retire even after hiring clerks, who then go on to work for the retired justice.

If anyone were to retire this term, Souter has long been thought to be the likely one. John Paul Stevens, at 89, is the court's oldest. But he is, in the view of many, at the top of his game, a master court strategist at assembling votes. Next oldest, at 76, is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. But anyone who thinks she might retire wasn't watching when she made her triumphant return during President Obama's speech to Congress. 

Souter, at 69, is a comparative youngster, the 5th oldest on the court.

From NBC's Athena Jones

In his daily briefing, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said a member of the advance team for Energy Secretary Chu went to Mexico and developed flu symptoms. He and three members of his family tested positive for type A influenza and that it's probable they have H1N1. Further testing is being done by the CDC, and all four sick individuals experienced only mild symptoms and all four have recovered.

This person, in fact, has been cleared to go back to work by doctors and is working today.

Gibbs also said that Chu has not exhibited symptoms and there are no plans to test him. Same is true of the president, he added.

From NBC's Athena Jones

President Obama said Chrysler's decision to merge with Italy's Fiat and file for bankruptcy would give the company "a new lease on life," and he assured its employees and communities depending on it that the company would continue to operate normally during the process.

Chrysler has borrowed some $4 billion from the government and needs more aid to keep operating. Under the new agreement, the government will provide an additional $8 billion in loans to Chrysler -- including $3.3 billion in working capital.

"Today I am pleased to announce that Chrysler and Fiat have formed a partnership that has a strong chance of success," Obama said. "It's a partnership that will save more than 30,000 jobs at Chrysler and tens of thousands of jobs at suppliers, dealers, and other businesses that rely on this company."

Members of the auto task force and key Cabinet members -- including chief economic adviser Larry Summers, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, OMB Director Peter Orszag, Carol Browner, economic adviser Austan Goolsbee, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Biden economic adviser Jared Bernstein -- joined the president at the event in Grand Foyer.

The car industry employs millions of Americans, directly and indirectly, and a collapse of any of Detroit's Big Three could have far-reaching effects on the already-weak economy. Obama has said repeatedly that his goal is an American auto industry that can compete globally and that does not require taxpayer support.

During his 12-minute remarks, the president hailed Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli for his role in the restructuring process and praised the United Auto Workers and several of the company's biggest creditors for making "unprecedented sacrifices" to save Chrysler. Obama slammed a group of investors and hedge funds that had decided to hold out for what he called an "unjustified taxpayer-funded bailout," in some cases demanding twice the return others were getting.

"I stand with Chrysler's employees and their families and communities," Obama said. "I stand with Chrysler's management, its dealers and its suppliers. I stand with the millions of Americans who own and want to buy a Chrysler car. I don't stand with those who held out when everybody else was making sacrifices."

Under the new deal, GMAC, an independent bank holding company that finances General Motors, will finance new Chrysler sales, and the government will provide capital to GMAC to help unlock the credit market for auto loans.

The Small Business Administration will announce an expansion of some loan programs tomorrow that would help suppliers and dealers, Obama said. And he again encouraged Americans to buy an American car, reminding them that the U.S. government was backing warranties.

"Quick" bankruptcy not a sign of weakness
The president said bankruptcy was "not a sign of weakness -- but rather one more step on clearly chartered path to Chrysler's revival." He also repeated assurances he made to television viewers last night that a Chrysler bankruptcy would be short because the companies biggest stakeholders in the process had already agreed to concessions.

"This process will be quick," he said. "It will be efficient. It's designed to deal with the last few holdouts, and it will be controlled."

Still, the president has said he "would love to get the U.S. government out of the auto business as quickly as possible," and it is unclear just how the administration would go about setting the parameters for the length of any company's bankruptcy process. That will ultimately be up to the bankruptcy court judge.

GM also has received billions in taxpayer money and still has another 30 days to present its restructuring plans to the administration.

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell, Mark Murray, and Abby Livingston
On a conference call with reporters and bloggers, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor and Sen. John McCain announced the formation of a new effort to help the Republican Party take its message on the road and come up with new ideas for the future.

The effort, called the National Council for a New America, will hold its first town hall in Arlington, VA on Saturday, with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Other key movers and shakers are Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. McCain also said that his former running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, was contacted to participate.

On the conference call, Cantor and McCain stressed that the council isn't a re-branding effort for the GOP. "This is not a Contract with America," the senator from Arizona said. "This is a conversation with America."

Cantor, the driving force behind the council, said its other purpose is to have this conversation outside of Washington (although the first town hall is just a few miles away) and to have Republicans, independents, and Democrats all participate. 

From NBC's Mark Murray
The folks at the liberal group Americans United for Change say they're running a TV ad in Minnesota to put pressure on GOP. Gov. Tim Pawlenty to certify Al Franken (D) if he remains ahead of Norm Coleman (R) after the Minnesota Supreme Court considers the case.

"Most Minnesotans -- including Republicans -- believe that once the Minnesota Supreme Court rules, it will be time for Gov. Pawlenty to do his legal duty and certify Al Franken as our senator," the ad goes. "But the national Republican donors don't want Minnesota to have its rightful representation in the Senate... Call Gov. Pawlenty... Ask him to put Minnesota's interest ahead of political ambition."

[Youtube:G8xdCd3MLFY]
 

From NBC's Courtney Kube

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just spoke briefly at the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the budget supplemental about how the State Department is responding to swine flu.

State has established an influenza monitoring group based in the State Department operations center, and they are tracking and monitoring how other governments are responding to the outbreak. Clinton added that her department is constantly reviewing and refining advice to Americans who travel or live abroad. (There was no mention of Vice President Biden's recommendations this morning).

She reminded the committee that USAID is giving the World Health Organization and PanAmerican Health Organization $5 million to help contain and treat the disease in Mexico.

Finally, she said that she is very cognizant of the role the U.S. must play in attempting to stem and contain this outbreak.

From NBC's Mark Murray
After directing most of their fire at the Obama administration on economy and government spending, congressional Republicans are now turning to national security -- in particular President Obama's decision to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay (a move a majority disagree with, according to our new NBC/WSJ poll).

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell just gave a speech on the Senate floor, in which he argued that "closing Guantanamo is not a good option if no safe alternatives exist." And House Republicans have released a Web video, which asks: "What are Democrats doing to keep America safe?" And it concludes with this question: "After 100 days, do you feel safer?"

(Our NBC/WSJ poll actually answers that question: 28% say they feel less safe than before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, 29% say they feel more safe, and 40% say they feel about as safe as before.)

[Youtube:MKNbi-_Mxo8&fmt=22]

From NBC's Chuck Todd
There is a fascinating fact sheet that is making the rounds among folks with American auto industry interests. Clearly, someone at GM is not happy about the president's remarks last night regarding hybrids.

Here's what the president said at the press conference:  "I'm not an auto engineer. I don't know how to create an affordable, well-designed plug-in hybrid. But I know that, if the Japanese can design an affordable, well-designed hybrid, then, doggone it, the American people should be able to do the same."

To try and correct the record, someone at GM points out.

"GM offers nine different hybrid models for the 2009 calendar year, more than any other automaker. With affordable hybrids like the Chevy Malibu, Two-Mode Hybrid vehicles like the Saturn Vue, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, we have the widest variety of hybrids that fit every need."

GM hybrids include:

1. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
2. Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (2-Mode)
3. Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid Crew Cab (2-Mode)
4. GMC Sierra Hybrid Crew Cab (2-Mode)
5. GMC Yukon Hybrid (2-Mode)
6. Saturn Aura Hybrid
7. Saturn VUE hybrid
8. Saturn VUE 2-Mode Hybrid
9. Cadillac Escalade Hybrid (2-Mode)

GM also maintains it will offer 14 different hybrids by 2012.
GM intends to offer 14 hybrid vehicles by 2012.

Now, double-checking the president's words again last night, he did use the "plug-in" description which is different from the current GM hybrids. But the supporter of GM is upset that president didn't acknowledge the hybrids that GM does have on the market.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, appearing on MSNBC's Morning Joe this morning, said of Specter that Democrats may have "bitten off more on that bargain than they can chew on right now." He added later, "The conservatives he's railing against helped his behind in '04."

Video: MSNBC's Joe Scarborough ask Michael Steele what he intends to as party chair about the shrinking Republican Party.

Steele acknowledged the difficulties for his party, and laid blame on an unpopular war, an unpopular president and "mismanagement." But he declined to pin the troubles by name on Bush and Cheney when asked. He said there's a "chance to clearly define" the party and cast this time as a "battle of ideas. ... We need to clearly define what we believe in."
 
He said Republicans have sounded "disingenuous" in criticizing Wall St. bailouts, since "we jumpstarted this thing," he said. "We're the ones who put the $700 billion on the table and started nationalizing the banks." Republicans, he said, need to "own up, do the, 'My bad,' and move forward."
 
He argued that the even though the party has been decimated outside the South, its problems can be traced to those that "got comfortable" and got away from those "core principles." 

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Another busy day: There's so much news today on this busy Thursday. The World Health Organization raised its alert level again, as Fort Worth, TX closed its school system over concerns about the swine flu. The Obama administration is planning to send Chrysler into bankruptcy (and we've just learned that Obama has added a noon speech to his schedule). In the wake of Arlen Specter's defection, Republican lawmakers and officials (including Jeb Bush and John McCain) will today unveil what they're calling the National Council for a New America, which will organize forums for policy debates. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is running robo-calls in Pennsylvania, reminding Democrats there that Arlen Specter backed Bush and won't be an automatic 60th vote in the Senate. And Capt. Richard Phillips, who was rescued from Somali pirates, testifies on Capitol Hill. But we begin with last night's news conference, where President Obama assured the American public that the government was doing everything it can to keep the swine flu from spreading; said the waterboarding the Bush administration practiced was torture (but avoided the "c" word -- "criminal"); stated he was confident that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal wouldn't fall into the Taliban's hands; and -- courtesy of a fun question from the New York Times' Jeff Zeleny -- reflected on what about the presidency has most surprised him, troubled him, enchanted him, and humbled him.

Video: In a press conference marking his first 100 days in office, President Barack Obama says there is still a lot of work to do but that the administration will be "unrelenting" in solving the nation's problems.

*** Ducking abortion and immigration: Yet perhaps the most striking thing to us about last night's press conference was how cleverly Obama ducked the thorny social issues of abortion and immigration. On abortion, he said that passing the Freedom of Choice Act is not his "highest legislative priority." Also, he used language that pro-lifers rarely hear from a pro-choice Democrat: "pro-life" and "moral." And in response to a question about whether Obama would accomplish immigration reform in his first year as president, he answered, "What I hope to happen is that we're able to convene a working group, working with key legislators like Luis Gutierrez and Nydia Velazquez and others to start looking at a framework of how this legislation might be shaped." Translation: It's not happening this year. What this all means is that there won't be tough votes for folks like Heath Shuler or Ben Nelson on Blanche Lincoln on these issues. Unlike what Bill Clinton did to congressional Democrats in 1993, Obama seems determined to not force members of his party to cast tough culture-war votes. The president's political team believes he can keep the congressional Dems on his side if he keeps the tough votes to the economy.

*** Obama, political scientist: For those who opined back in 2005 that the Republican Party was on the verge of a permanent majority, and for those who in 2009 think the same may be true for the Democrats (especially after the Specter news), Obama last night gave some very good advice. "You know, politics in America changes very quick. And I'm a big believer that things are never as good as they seem and never as bad as they seem. You're talking to a guy who was 30 points down in the polls during a primary in Iowa. So I never, I don't believe in crystal balls."

*** Snakes -- er, swine -- on a plane: While the always-careful Obama made little news last night, the same isn't true of his vice president… On TODAY, Biden said he'd advised his family to stay off airlines, even subways, because of the swine flu. "I would tell members of my family, 'I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places right now'. It's not just going to Mexico... It's being in a confined aircraft, where one person sneezes and it goes all the way through the aircraft." An administration official followed up with this background guidance: Biden "was a bit imprecise in simply saying that people are at increased risk for catching the flu if they use mass transportation. As the President said just last night, every American should take the same steps you would take to prevent any other flu: Keep your hands washed; cover your mouth when you cough; stay home from work if you're sick; and keep your children home from school if they're sick." 

Video: TODAY's Matt Lauer talks to Vice President Joe Biden about what the government is doing to stop the spread of the swine flu and President Obama's prime-time news conference.

*** About those three to four million jobs…: We're a tad confused: So all of the pre-stimulus projections made by the president's economic team -- in particular GDP and the unemployment rate -- have all been DRAMATICALLY wrong and yet this morning Biden and again yesterday Christina Romer continued to claim that their job creation projection number (three to four million new jobs) is correct. Just asking: How can all of the actual numbers vs. the projections be so off, but this jobs number be right? And we'll also ask again: How can we actually fact-check a "saved job"? It's a phrase that might have seemed brilliant when the White House came up with it, but is it such a moving target. Will folks buy it when in a year the administration inevitably claims it saved millions of jobs when you can't really account for the number in any statistical way?

*** Targeting Specter: Speaking of Specter, the NRSC yesterday announced that it has launched robo-calls in Pennsylvania to remind Democrats there that Specter wasn't always a Democrat. The call contains this line from George W. Bush: "I'm here to say it as plainly as I can: Arlen Specter is the right man for the United States Senate. I can count on this man -- see that's important. He's a firm ally when it matters most. I'm proud to tell you I think he's earned another term as the United States senator." Also in today's GOP news, the AP reports that Republican lawmakers and officials will today unveil the National Council for a New America -- "a series of town hall-style meetings about their ideas for shaping the country. With the backing of the House and Senate GOP leaders, the new group will operate independent from the Republican National Committee and highlight conservative ideas and seek to draw contrasts with President Barack Obama." Anything that gets the GOP talking policy is probably a healthy step. Right now, though, the GOP these days appears as if it's still debating what the basic principles of the party are.

*** Purists vs. big tenters: As we mentioned yesterday, and as the New York Times' Nagourney front-pages today, there's a divide in the Republican Party over Specter's defection. Some believe that the party returning to its conservative roots and discarding the RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) is the best path back to power. Others argue that the GOP needs a bigger tent to get to 218 seats in the House, 51 seats in the Senate, and 50%-plus one in the 2012 presidential race. The good news for us is that we'll likely find an early test to this debate next year with Pat Toomey's candidacy. If the conservative Toomey wins statewide in Pennsylvania -- which Obama won by 10 percentage points last November -- then the Purists will have a VERY strong argument to make. But if Toomey loses, then the Big Tenters will be able to say, "I told you so." Also, don't miss Ohio Sen. George Voinvoich's comment in Politico about the conservative Club for Growth: "I think it's a big problem." Note that Republicans are not just losing a moderate/liberal to the Dems, but they're also losing Voinovich, Martinez, Bond and Gregg -- all non-purists -- to retirement. Lindsey Graham is even more blunt in the New York Times, and he comes from one of the most conservative states in the country "Do you really believe that we lost 18-to-34-year-olds by 19 percent, or we lost Hispanic voters, because we are not conservative enough? No. This is a ridiculous line of thought. The truth is we lost young people because our Republican brand is tainted."

*** Steele in the news: The latest in the news about RNC chairman Michael Steele: "The embattled Republican National Committee chairman angrily returned fire in his fight with current and former officers over control of the GOP's purse strings," the Washington Times reports. "Under attack from conservatives since taking office on Jan. 30, Michael S. Steele on Wednesday blasted a group of members pushing for new checks and balances on the chairman's spending powers, accusing them of a power grab 'scheme.' Speaking of Steele, we offer another stray thought about his very hot statement on Arlen Specter's defection. ("He left to further his personal political interests because he knew that he was going to lose a Republican primary due to his left-wing voting record.") But wasn't it a bit ironic for Steele to say this, given 1) that he's a Republican from blue Maryland, and 2) that one of his central themes when campaigning for RNC chair was trying to expand the GOP's map in the Northeast? After all, in 2006, it was Steele himself who complained that being a Republican in blue Maryland was a scarlet letter. Just wonderin', but if Steele had won his Senate race in '06, would he have voted for Obama's stimulus?

Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 33 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 40 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 187 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 551 days

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The AP's lead on last night's Obama news conference: "President Barack Obama said Wednesday night that waterboarding authorized by former President George W. Bush was torture and that the information it gained from terror suspects could have been obtained by other means. 'In some cases, it may be harder,' he conceded at a White House news conference capping a whirlwind first 100 days in office."

The Boston Globe: "Marking the end of a feverish first 100 days in office, President Obama last night laid out his agenda for the rest of the year, pledging to forge ahead on a healthcare overhaul, promote energy independence, and revive the banking and auto industries. In a wide-ranging White House news conference that covered the flu pandemic, Taliban encroachment in Pakistan, and congressional politics, Obama touted his early accomplishments but warned that two of his biggest challenges -- achieving healthcare and energy policy reform -- still await him."

The Wall Street Journal: "President Barack Obama said he wants to get the government out of the private sector as fast as possible -- but that as long as his administration is acting as a major shareholder for large sectors of American commerce, from cars to finance, he won't hesitate to shape decisions at those firms." 

The New York Times: "President Obama said Wednesday that he was "gravely concerned" about the stability of the Pakistani government but that he was confident Pakistan's nuclear arsenal would not fall into the hands of Islamic militants. Speaking at a prime-time news conference on his 100th day in office, Mr. Obama called the government in Pakistan, where army forces are at war with Taliban insurgents who have been advancing on Islamabad, "very fragile." Pakistan's leader … is to visit Washington next week, and American officials have been pressing his government to be more aggressive in battling the insurgency."   

The Hill: "On the 100th night of his administration, President Obama defended the moves he has made so far on the release of torture memos and corporate bailouts, as he generally reflected on the whirlwind beginning of his term and posited that the traditional measuring mark was 'a good start.'"

Politico's take on the newser: "Far from electric, this was a tranquilizing performance. So much so that it was impossible not to conclude that a president who certainly knows how to be exciting was making a calculated effort not to be."
 
The second 100 days, the AP's Babington writes, are largely in Congress' hands.

And leading up to the upcoming White House Correspondents Dinner, there's a new blog chronicling the big event.

"Legislation to rein in credit card practices and eliminate sudden rate hikes and late fees that have entangled millions of American consumers is getting closer to becoming law, bolstered by presidential pressure and the backdrop of economic calamity," the AP says. 
 

"Defense Secretary Robert Gates is urging Congress to pass an $83.4 billion spending bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by Memorial Day, saying the Pentagon will deplete its funding for Pakistan next month and money for U.S. operations will start running out in July." 
 
Not so fast, Specter… "Senior Senate Democrats are objecting to the deal Majority Leader Harry Reid made with Sen. Arlen Specter, saying they will vote against letting the former Republican shoot to the top of powerful committees after he switches parties," The Hill reports. "I won't be happy if I don't get to chair something because of Arlen Specter," said Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), who sits on the Appropriations Committee. "I'm happy with the Democratic order, but I don't want to be displaced because of Arlen Specter."
 
"One senior Democratic lawmaker told The Hill that the Democratic Conference will vote against giving the longtime Pennsylvania Republican seniority over lawmakers like Harkin, Mikulski and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) when they hold their organizational meeting after the 2010 election."

The rescued Maersk Alabama captain is slated to testify today before Foreign Relations.

And finally, per Roll Call: "Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she has no words for Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), who earlier Wednesday called it 'a hoax' that Matthew Shepard was murdered because of his homosexuality." Foxx said on the House floor: "The hate-crimes bill that's called the Matthew Shepard bill is named after a very unfortunate incident that happened where a young man was killed, but we know that the young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay." Pelosi: "It is really beneath comment."

Roll Call on the new GOP group: "In an effort to shed the 'party of no' label, Congressional Republican leaders will launch a new initiative on Thursday outlining solutions the GOP hopes will convince Americans that they have tenable solutions to the issues gripping the country."

More: "The program, dubbed the National Council for a New America, which will involve town-hall-style meetings, will include not only House and Senate Republicans but also a panel of former and current state lawmakers whose roster reads like a who's who of potential 2012 presidential contenders, including former Govs. Jeb Bush (Fla.) and Mitt Romney (Mass.). A pair of current governors, Louisiana's Bobby Jindal and Haley Barbour of Mississippi, will also join the group, according to a letter obtained by Roll Call. Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), the party's 2008 presidential hopeful, will fill out the panel of 'experts.'" 

The New York Times: "A fundamental debate broke out among Republicans on Wednesday over how to rebuild the party in the wake of Senator Arlen Specter's departure: Should it purge moderate voices like Mr. Specter and embrace its conservative roots or seek to broaden its appeal to regain a competitive position against Democrats?"

Stu Rothenberg, writing in Roll Call, says Specter's switch "both reflects the depth of the problems facing the GOP and could begin a new chapter for some Democratic officeholders who will face additional political challenges down the road."

GEORGIA: Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) is planning a run for governor. 
 
LOUISIANA: "Republicans are targeting Rep. Charlie Melancon, the lone Democrat left in Louisiana's seven-member House delegation." 
 
NEW YORK: Tedisco says he's unlikely to seek a 2010 rematch for NY-20. 
 
OHIO: Minority Leader John Boehner may get a primary challenger: Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones (R).

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
How's this for a late-in-the-day story for you to wrap your head around... It's a doozy: The National Republican Senatorial Committee playing the part of liberal interest group by "introducing" the newest Democrat to Pennsylvania, Arlen Specter, in robo calls painting him as tied to Bush and anti-labor... cue crazy cartoon character's loose-lipped shaking of head.

Here's the script and audio:
ANNOUNCER:  (Disclaimer) Hello, this is Jack. I've recorded this message on behalf of the National Republican Senatorial Committee located at 425 2nd St, Washington, DC or 202-675-4260 to help you welcome your newest Democrat Senator, Arlen Specter. 

We wanted to make sure that we properly introduced him to you.  Former President George W. Bush said this about Arlen Specter.

PRESIDENT BUSH:  I'm here to say it as plainly as I can, Arlen Specter is the right man for the United States Senate. I can count on this man - see that's important. He's a firm ally when it matters most.  I'm proud to tell you I think he's earned another term as the United States Senator.

ANNOUNCER: Now here is Senator Specter on important issues to Labor and Democrat interest groups. 

SEN SPECTER: I will not be an automatic 60th vote. And I would illustrate that by my position on employee's choice also known as card check. Uh, I think it is a bad deal and I'm opposed to it and would not vote to invoke cloture.

ANNOUNCER: (Disclaimer) For more information, please visit nrsc.org/meetarlen. This call is paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee at www.nrsc.org and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

From NBC's Ken Strickland
The budget passed the Senate, 53-43.

Since it already passed in the house earlier today, this was the last hurdle. Having said that, this is a nonbinding document. It does not go to the president for his signature. It's a framework or outline for Congress on spending and policy for this year and includes most of Obama's priorities.

*** UPDATE *** All Senate Republicans voted against the budget. (Specter voted against.)

Dems voting against: Bayh, Byrd, and Ben Nelson

Not voting: Kennedy, Sessions, Rockefeller

From NBC's Athena Jones

ARNOLD, Mo. -- President Obama marked the 100th day of his young presidency with an event here in the bluest of 2008's red states, taking stock of his accomplishments and the challenges ahead and fielding questions from a jam-packed high school gym.

Obama narrowly lost Missouri to John McCain -- by roughly 4,000 votes out of about three million cast -- making it the only true battleground he didn't win. He campaigned in the Show Me State just two days before Election Day, and today, he told the crowd of about 1,100 people here that he was glad to get out of Washington and come back to middle America "where common sense often reigns."

The president's own aides may be calling it a "Hallmark holiday," but that hasn't stopped them from trying to shape the narrative about this fledgling administration. Obama spent 22 minutes summarizing his first three-and-a-half months in office before opening it up to the floor.  

"After 100 days, I'm pleased with the progress we've made, but I'm not satisfied," he said. "I'm confident in the future, but I'm not contenct with the present."

In remarks that were reminiscent of campaign stump speeches, his February address to a joint session of Congress and a recent event at Georgetown University, Obama told the audience that he had inherited a nation facing huge challenges that could not be dealt with through "half-measures."

He talked about new jobs that were being created in Missouri and elsewhere as a result of the stimulus package, tax cuts for the middle class, the law he signed to protect equal pay, expanding health coverage for children, the plan he introduced to help stabilize the housing and financial markets, his plans to end the war in Iraq and to implement a new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and his belief in the importance of renewed diplomacy and direct engagement with friends and foes around the world.

He also reminded the audience, as he does in almost every major speech, that the road to recovery would be long and that there were still many people struggling unemployment and health-care costs.

"You know that our progress has to be measured in the results that we achieve over many months and years, not the minute-by-minute talk in the media," he said. "And you know that progress comes from hard choices and hard work, not miracles. I'm not a miracle worker."

Arguing that there was still much work to be done, Obama spoke about the need to pass new rules to regulate Wall Street this year and to improve schools, to institute a market-based cap on carbon polluton and restore fiscal discipline.

In a return to the kind of populist rhetoric that was a hallmark of his speeches on the trail last fall, Obama said his campaign had not been born in Washington but in places like this, among  hard-working families, and he told the crowd he spent every day in the White House working for them.

"I promise you, I will always tell you the truth about the challenges we face and the steps that we are taking to meet them," he said in closing. "I will continue to measure my progress by the progress that you see in your own lives."

The president then spent about 50 minutes taking six questions from the audience on the auto industry, education, how to fix social security and the environment. Ever on message, the president turned the conversation to health care at one point, without prodding, and reiterated his goal of passing health-care reform this year.

The crowd, made up of state and local officials, students and people who obtained their tickets through an Internet lottery, interrupted the president frequently with laughter and applause.

Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill and Gov. Jay Nixon joined Obama at the event, along with top advisers David Axelrod, Valerie Jarrett, Mona Sutphen and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Taking on critics, talking massages
In defending his efforts to tackle several areas at once by passing a massive stimulus package, Obama said he wanted to remind people who watch "certain news channels on which I'm not very popular" that his detractors were "playing games" when they sought to portray the $787 billion stimulus package as the source of the country's deficit problems.

He also sought to show his independence from his supporters by mentioning he had heard "some grumblings and complaints from certain factions in the Democratic Party" when he decided to send 17,000 additional troops to Afghanistan, but that this was necessary  to make sure Osama bin Laden and his "cronies" did not have a safe haven.

There was a funny moment during the Q and A when the president told one woman, a massage therapist, that he could use a rub down.

"My back's stiff," Obama said. "I've been working hard."

The crowd laughed when the woman responded: "I'll be happy to help ya."

Obama has made a point of getting out of what he calls the Washington echo chamber and speaking directly to people, often in swing states. It's a tactic he and his aides feel helps him use his popularity to win support for his initiatives. 

But today's escape was short-lived. Obama headed back to Washington after the event, stiff back and all, where he'll likely face tougher questioning from reporters at his third prime-time press conference. 

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Despite Republican Norm Coleman's appeal to the state Supreme Court, Democrat Al Franken continues to hire staff.

Franken hired a state director earlier this month, and today, he hired a chief of staff, Drew Littman. Littman "has advised many Senators-elect, including Franken, on the transition process," according to a Franken campaign release. Littman headed a DC consulting firm, Littman Associates, and served as an adjunct professor at American University, according to the Franken campaign.

Littman began a career on Capitol Hill 20 years ago as "a policy aide for then-Rep. Barbara Boxer, and has since served as a subcommittee staff director and a Senate Policy Director."

"With Drew leading our team, I know that my office will be able to uphold the Minnesota tradition of excellent and responsive constituent service," Franken said in a statement. "With his years of experience and his expertise in helping new Senators hit the ground running, Drew has become a trusted advisor and a valuable resource as I prepare to take office. I will continue to count on him as I work with Senators from both parties and the rest of our state's fantastic delegation to serve the people of Minnesota, make progress on President Obama's agenda, and move our country forward."

Littman said, "I'm honored and excited to join Senator-elect Franken in Washington. Over my long career, I have had the privilege to work with many elected officials and organizations who believed in the same vision Al Franken will work towards as a Senator. I know that Al Franken is ready to serve and that he will work hard on behalf of Minnesota's working families. And I can't wait to help him get started."

From NBC's Mark Murray
Earlier this afternoon, brand-new Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano briefed a bipartisan group of House members on the latest regarding the swine flu.

After the briefing, a small group of Dem lawmakers spoke to reporters and news cameras. John Larson (D-CT), chairman of the House Democratic caucus, said the administration officials were stressing this message -- making sure we're prepared but not panicked. "We have the right people moving at the right time," added Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA), vice chair of the caucus. Both, however, said the death of the child in Texas was a terrible event.

Before those Democrats spoke, Rep. Peter King (R-NY), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, mostly repeated that same message to reporters (although his remarks weren't on camera). "The system seems to be working," he said.

King also said they were told that a vaccine for the swine flu could be ready by September.

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
It's no secret that New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine is in trouble in his re-election bid.

Just this morning another New Jersey poll showed the former Wall St. CEO trailing the lesser-known former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie by four points.

On MSNBC with NBC's Andrea Mitchell, Corzine launched a pre-emptive defense. He said property taxes, which are very high in New Jersey, are the big issue. He also tried to tie himself to President Obama, mentioning his name multiple times.

"The president has done a remarkable job...," Corzine said, adding that he looks forward to "working as a partner" with the White House to improve New Jersey. Then, he said he hopes, "We'll see a different outlook at the polls" in November.

He said the level of property taxes "gets brushed" into the responsibility of governor's office, and that if voters see just "incremental" change on it, it's not enough. "The want faster movement," he said. Combine that with the state of the economy and unease about personal economic situations, then "people want to look at alternatives as well as an incumbent."

He defended his record, touting his efforts on school reform, health care and rebuilding infrastructure -- "things the president is doing" that "we started a year earlier," Corzine said. "Once the message gets through," he said he was confident his standing in the polls would improve.

He joked that he hadn't yet formally announced he was running for governor when asked.

"I am going to be running -- I think that's the first time I've said that on television," he said. "Breaking news, no, no. Everybody knows we filed our papers in front of the deadline."

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Opponents in the Virginia gubernatorial race have criticized Terry McAuliffe for his ties to Washington and national politics. But that hasn't stopped the former national party fundraiser from trying to cash in on his high-profile friendships.

In the past three days, he has enrolled the help of former President Bill Clinton and Democratic strategist James Carville.

McAuliffe campaigned with Clinton this week. And then Clinton then sent out a fundraising solicitation e-mail for his former Democratic National Committee Chairman. Today, with 41 days until the Democratic primary, Carville sent out the first e-mail solicitation of his own for McAuliffe.

Clinton opened his note this way: "I like to think I know a thing or two about running for governor in a southern state as a candidate with lots of energy and ideas.  But, I've got to tell you, there's one guy running in a key 2009 election that -- even back in my best Arkansas shape -- I'd have a hard time keeping up with. I'm talking about Terry McAuliffe." He ended with a post script: "P.S. Believe me, in this vitally important election, Terry is giving it everything he's got. And that kind of energy and commitment deserves our strenuous support.  Please join in before midnight on Thursday."

Part of Carville's note: "It really chaps my hide to witness the hypocrisy, shamelessness and unmitigated gall of sanctimonious Republicans who use one hand to wag their fingers at everybody else while the other hand is shoved in the cookie jar," Carville wrote of Republican Bob McDonnell, the presumptive GOP nominee in the Virginia governor's race. "We have to beat this guy in November. Terry McAuliffe is the best candidate we've got, but he needs our help now to win the nomination. It's crunch time. ... Contribute today to help Terry beat Bob McDonnell in November -- as little as $5 can make a big difference."

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell and Mark Murray

After extended and pointed criticism of Republicans during the first 100 days, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called out to conservatives across the country saying, "Republicans in America, take back your party."

The Speaker insisted, "This is not the Grand Ol' Party." 

She also suggested that "bipartisan conversations" going on among neighbors and friends across the nation are quite different than the sharp party divide she sees in Congress, especially the House. 

Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid charged that the Republican Party only said, "No," these first 100 days. "How much longer can that party stand for 'no?'" Reid asked. Still, he said Democrats would continue to reach out to Republicans. "We're still extending an open hand across the aisle... We want to work together."

Pelosi added that "Republicans in the House of Representatives ... are difficult to deal with," which drew some chuckles from the crowd. And she and Reid argued that congressional Republicans don't represent "mainstream Republicans across the country."

Pelosi ended her remarks by saying the country is better off with a stronger, more diverse Republican Party. But Reid then interjected, "Not too strong..." 

Pelosi: 'A' for Obama's 100 days
The Democratic leaders held the news conference to tout President Obama's first 100 days in office and their own accomplishments during that period.

"I'd definitely give the president an 'A'," Pelosi said, later adding that it would be an A++++ if he were being graded on a curve.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer noted that Obama was off to a "fast start to a long race."

And Sen. Chuck Schumer said that although the president's first 100 days have come to an end, his momentum hasn't. "It is stronger than ever," he said.

The Democratic leader listed what they see as their legislative accomplishment these first 100 days: the Lily Ledbetter Act on equal pay, an expansion of health-care coverage for children (S-CHIP), the economic stimulus and a public lands act.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This note has been updated and revised with more from the news conference.]

From NBC's Mark Murray
Earlier today, the House passed the conference report on the budget -- once again without a single Republican vote.

The vote was 233-193, with 17 Democrats siding against it. The budget now heads to the Senate for final approval. (This budget blueprint DOESN'T require a signature by the president.)

During the floor debate before the vote, Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the budget "a magnificent blueprint for the future," touting its investments in health care, education, and energy.

But Republicans blasted the size of the budget, as well as all the spending in it. House Minority Leader John Boehner said it was "nothing short of the most audacious move to a big socialist government in Washington DC than anything I could have ever dreamed about."

House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (IN) argued that it was the "most fiscally irresponsible budget in American history." He added, "It is more government, more spending, more debt, and more taxes."

*** UPDATE *** The 17 Democrats who voted against the measure are some of the most conservative and/or vulnerable members of the Dem caucus -- with one exception: Dennis Kucinich. Those 17 are: Barrow (GA), Boren (OK), Bright (AL), Childers (MS), Foster (IL), Griffith (AL), Kratovil (MD), Kucinich (OH), Markey (CO), Marshall (GA), Matheson (UT), McIntyre (NC), Minnick (ID), Mitchell (AZ), Nye (VA), Taylor (MS), Teague (NM).