The debate begins in Carson City, Washington

By Lisa Mascaro

Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 | 10:24 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Greetings, Early Liners. Just moments to go before the start of the legislative session in Carson City, not to mention, the beginning of the economic recovery debate on the Senate floor here in Washington.

For those interested in such things, weeks like this are almost the Olympic games of policy and politics – so many venues to watch, so little time.

For a primer, be sure to read the Sun's Sunday front page, with a package of stories about the opening of the legislative session up north.

Of note is J. Patrick Coolican’s account of the influence of lobbyists in the legislative process:

"The Legislature, which meets for just 120 days every other year, has a small and overworked research staff, often leaving lawmakers in the hands of a nattily dressed army of lobbyists equipped with expertise and information, as well as money for campaigns."

But if you really want to know what the lawmakers are thinking as they head into the session, hear it in their own words at the Sun’s political roundtable.

Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley and state Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, both Democrats, join Assemblyman Joe Hardy and state Sen. Warren Hardy, Republicans for the discussion.

Here in Washington, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is headed to the White House this afternoon as President Barack Obama calls in congressional leaders to discuss the recovery package.

Republicans continue to press for revisions – including their plan for 4 percent, 30-year fixed-rate home loans Sen. John Ensign has been discussing.

Obama has indicated he may be interested in another part of the Republican housing proposal – boosting the home-buyer tax credit from $7,500 to $15,000.

While Reid is at the White House, Ensign will be holding a Senate hearing this afternoon on the economic recovery package as part of his new leadership role as chairman of the Republican Policy Committee.

That’s it for now. Check back later for updates from Carson and Washington.