updated 6:09 PM EST, Fri December 5, 2014

FEATURED POLITICAL STORIES

Carter nominated to lead Defense, Hagel skips ceremony
President Barack Obama will announce Friday that Ash Carter is his pick to replace outgoing-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the White House confirms.
CONGRESS OUTLOOK
McConnell 'may' hold Obamacare repeal vote

In his re-election pitch, the likely incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed to repeal Obamacare, saying the law should be pulled out "root and branch."

Rangel: Garner ruling 'Not gonna stand'

Longtime New York Rep. Charlie Rangel, a Democrat, says he is "OK" with the ruling not to indict the white police officer whose July chokehold during an arrest killed Eric Garner, an unarmed black man, because "it's not going to stand."