War Debate Keeps the House's Only Iraq Veteran Front and Center

Although the well-liked Meehan would be missed by many of his colleagues, the vultures are circling -- and not just for his seat. The real buzz is over what he would do with his bulging campaign war chest, which, as the saying goes, he can't take with him. Well, certainly not for himself.

Federal reports show that Meehan had a handsome $5,119,677 cash on hand as of December -- a figure that caught the eye of those who would certainly like to put it to use for Democratic causes. At one point, Meehan was mentioned as a possible successor to Sen. John F. Kerry, which would account for the stout bankroll. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, money from lawyers, lobbyist and business interests made up the lion's share of his contributions last year.

One thing is fairly certain, though: If Meehan does retire, whatever he decides to do with the money will be very public, given that one of his signature issues has been campaign finance reform.

Meehan would have three options to move the money as a chunk: give the $5 million to the Democratic National Committee, give it to a charity, or create a personal political action committee. Any other political destinations for the money would be subject to campaign finance restrictions.

A spokesman for Meehan said the House member hasn't thought about the future of the money because his own future is undecided. He hasn't been offered the university post and he hasn't decided whether he would accept the job.

Meanwhile, more people are lining up for Meehan's seat than are advising Hillary Clinton. Among them: Niki Tsongas-- wife of the late U.S. senator Paul Tsongas, who once represented the district in the House.

But like we said, Marty hasn't even gotten the job yet.

Better Care Sought for 'Wounded Warriors'

Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) will today introduce a Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act to mandate that wounded soldiers receive proper treatment at decent facilities when they return from war. The legislation comes after a Washington Post series on deplorable conditions for veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Among other things, the bill calls for a Wounded Warrior Oversight Board appointed by Congress, 24-hour bilingual hotlines, federal protections for the jobs of family members who are caring for recovering service members, and establishment of a zero-tolerance policy for pest infestation at medical facilities.

Ted Stevens: In Shape but 'Out of Luck'

Yes, that was Sen. Ted Stevens at National Airport on Sunday taking charge and flinging bags off a stalled conveyor belt to help other passengers and, of course, find his own bag. "He looked quite good and in shape for a man of 83 in the middle of the night lifting bags," said fellow traveler Joe Mendelson, who worked alongside Stevens.

When the music stopped, however, neither man had a bag. "Well, I guess we're [expletive] out of luck," the senator said.