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EARLIER ON THE FIX:
Brian Schweitzer, 2016 dark horse
Do Democrats actually want to go over the fiscal cliff?
The White House’s fiscal cliff wish list (VIDEO)
Why the White House kept Debbie Wasserman Schultz as DNC Chair
Missouri Rep. Jo Ann Emerson to resign from House
Jay Leno on rebranding the ‘fiscal cliff’ (video)
5 (more) key fiscal cliff players
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
* Republican congressional leadership presented the White House with a counteroffer to avert the fiscal cliff that would raise $800 billion in new tax revenue and cut $600 billion from federal health programs. The framework was first laid out by Democrat Erskine Bowles during the 2011 budget battles. The offer comes days after the White House offered its initial proposal, which was panned widely by congressional Republicans. “We could have responded in kind. But we decided not to do that,” House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) told reporters. “What we’re putting forth is a credible plan that is worth serious consideration.”
* House GOP leaders informed several members they will lose key committee assignments in a move that the ousted Republicans believe is punishment for not following GOP leadership during votes. Reps. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) and Walter Jones (R-N.C.) lost slots on the House Financial Services Committee; Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.) lost his seat on the Agriculture Committee; and Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) will no longer serve on the House Budget Committee. The anti-tax Club for Growth responded to the news by praising Schweikert, Amash and Huelskamp as “three defenders of economic freedom.”
* Sen.-elect Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has tapped campaign manager Mindy Myers to be her chief of staff. Two other campaign workers will also join Warren’s staff: Senior adviser Dan Geldon will become deputy chief of staff, and political director Roger Lau will be Warren’s state director.
* Former Illinois state representative Robin Kelly will run in the state’s 2nd District special election. Kelly joins the crowded field pursuing former Democratic congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.’s seat. Check out our full rundown of candidates here.
WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T MISS:
* Only car salespeople received lower marks than Congress for honesty and ethical standards, according to a new Gallup poll.
* The conservative group Americans For Prosperity launched a 60-second radio ad urging New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) to veto a health care exchange measure the group argues will establish ”an Obamacare health insurance exchange in New Jersey.”
* For the third time in his career, Mitt Romney will serve on the Marriott International Board. Romney served on the board from 1993-2002 and 2009-2011.
* Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.) resigned from the House on Monday, an hour after he was sworn in as San Diego’s next mayor. Rep.-elect Juan Vargas (D) will take over Filner’s seat in the next Congress.
THE FIX MIX:
Please go (un)make your bed!
With Aaron Blake