Emanuel is chief...Bush to meet with Obama...Stocks lower



CHICAGO (AP) Two days after the election, Barack Obama has already made a key appointment to his White House team. Democratic officials say Rahm Emanuel, the third-ranking House Democrat, has agreed to be Obama's chief of staff. Emanuel, a fellow Chicagoan, has a more fiery, hard-charging style than the people who led Obama's presidential campaign. He rose to prominence as a political and policy aide in the CLinton White House.

Washington (AP) President Bush will be sitting down with his Democratic successor on Monday, for talks about Iraq, the financial meltdown, and the future of the country. Bush today told his staff to make sure the transfer of power is a smooth one.

WASHINGTON (AP) Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt says he's giving up the No. 2 Republican post in the House. Blunt says the party is "in a totally new environment now" and needs to find "a new way forward." Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor is already campaigning for the job of Republican whip.

NEW YORK (AP) Stocks are sharply lower for a second day, with the Dow losing more than 400 points by early afternoon. Retailers are reporting generally weak sales for October and that's adding to concerns about widespread economic weakness.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Two young white men charged with plotting to kill Barack Obama and dozens of black people have pleaded not guilty to federal charges in a Memphis, Tennessee, court today. The two white supremacists were arrested late last month. They're being held without bond.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-06-08 1244CST | save this article / add to your favorites list