Freshman Rep. Stephen I. Cohen, D-Tenn., is not joining the Congressional Black Caucus after several current and former members made it clear that a white lawmaker was not welcome.

In politics, as in most of life, it pays to be nice to the people you meet on the way up. Take Terrance Gainer, who came and went under Republican rule as the top cop on Capitol Hill, only to re-emerge in the new Democratic-led Senate as sergeant-at-arms.

1. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. -- This is her House -- for now. She not only became the first woman speaker ever and made good on her promise to ram through a popular agenda in less than 100 hours.

Power publicist Mark Corallo, Former White House deputy press secretary Trent Duffy, and Todd Webster, who served as communications director for Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, are just a few of those in DC who are working comfortably without the fast-paced, glorified, political "dream" job titles, and loving it.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a cheerleader? Sen. Chuck Schumer head of his class? Sen. Coleman a liberal democrat in his youth? You'll have to read it to believe it.

Hispanic Lobbyists organize to expand influence over minority public affairs.

This is the politico welcome video.