In case Congressman Adam Putnam was wondering why his talking points showed up a little late the other morning, he now knows why… According to our friend Anne over at the Politico, Brian Schubert, the House Republican Communications Director, came in second two nights ago in a charity poker tournament. …

From Mike Allen’s Playbook: BREAKING NEWS 1: “BAGHDAD (AP) — An Iraqi government official says U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has arrived in Baghdad for a surprise visit. The official says the California Democrat is meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. … Pelosi’s visit to Baghdad on Saturday comes …

If there was a “Profile in Courage Award,” Lauren W. Whittington of Roll Call would have walked away with it today.  This morning, Roll Call featured a story on Rep. Eric Cantor, and in writing it, Lauren perhaps reached a journalistic milestone when she used the most ever background quotes …

O’Connor: Democrats prepared to waive PAYGO in stimulus package At the speaker’s request, Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill.) are scheduled to meet with Minority Leader John A. Boehner and Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) Wednesday afternoon at …