Titus arrives in D.C.; Obama, Reid meet

By Lisa Mascaro

Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 | 2:55 p.m.

WASHINGTON -- Greeting Early Liners. Let's get started after the long holiday break and a busy day on the Hill.

Soon-to-be Rep. Dina Titus arrived a few hours ago, touching down in advance of tomorrow's big day as new lawmakers are sworn in.

For those trying to reach the Democratic congresswoman-elect, relax. Her office number is the same one used by the lawmaker she defeated, Republican Rep. Jon Porter.

Of course today’s news is that President-elect Barack Obama is on the Hill – his first visit of the new year as he readies the economic recovery package of tax breaks and public works spending.

Obama and VP-elect Joe Biden met with Sen. Harry Reid in the majority leader’s office off the Senate floor this afternoon, likely under the watchful eye of the Mark Twain portrait.

The three went on to a meeting with House Democratic leaders and Republican leaders of both chambers.

Obama seemed to be in a good mood leaving Reid's office, greeting the crush of media with "Happy New Year's." Reid seemed happy enough, too -- almost a smile. Hard to tell with the Republicans joining them.

The meeting ran long, which made it feel a kind of like waiting for a jury to return – hard to tell which way things were going in there.

But Reid and the other lawmakers emerged more than an hour later with all sides putting a positive front on the new day in Washington and the chances for passing the stimulus package.

As for the Nevadans, Titus and the other lawmakers should be getting their committee assignments any time now.

Probably no A-list appointment on the Energy and Commerce Committee as Titus had hoped -- a long shot for a new lawmaker, especially with so many new Democrats. The UNLV professor (who is on leave) has been aiming for the Education and Labor committee, or Transportation or Veterans Affairs.

With Porter's defeat, Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley stands as the lone Nevadan on the powerful Ways and Means Committee -- a potent post for her to raise money and influence races, if she so chooses.

Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Dean Heller likely stays put on Financial Services – an A-list committee seat he nabbed as a freshman.

That's it for now. Check back later for the latest political news in Nevada.