Monday Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

Lots of news today.

Obviously, the big story is the death of Robert Byrd. Then, there ar the implications of that on upcoming Senate legislation, including the Wall Street reform bill, which hits the Senate floor this week. Then, there will be lots of talk about his succession.

Confirmation hearings begin today for Supreme Court nominee, Elena Kagan, before the Senate Judiciary Committee. We'll actually hear her speak this week. And, we'll see that committee's leading Republican, Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, in action again.

The President is back in town after the G-8/G-20 summits. He doesn't have any public meetings on his schedule today, but that can always change.

Expect another busy week...