In a bit of colonial effrontery, NASDAQ announces a $5.1 billion takeover bid for the London Stock Exchange.

The New York Times: Governor Pataki (remember him?) gives the special counsel investigating the Hevesi scandal subpoena powers.

Also in the Times, a closer look at the goals of Attorney General-elect Andrew Cuomo:

“We started this campaign talking about a reform agenda,” Mr. Cuomo said. “And we laid out specific legislative priorities. I think that’s the mandate from the people. They want reform in Albany. They say: Clean it up. Fix it. There is a lack of trust between the people and the government. It’s not a perception problem. It’s a reality.”

The Washington Post: Charlie Rangel calls for a draft, again; John McCain says U.S. troops are "fighting and dying for a failed policy." Way to go in helping the terrorists, attacking the troops, blaming America first, blah blah blah, Senator.

Rats leave the sinking ship.

The Albany Times-Union: The best-kept secret in New York, Lieutenant-Governor Mary Donohue, may be kicked upstairs for a nine-year term on the Court of Claims. Still desperately sucking at the taxpayer teat, republicans are; isn't it odd how they never seem to head to that private sector they always extol, unless there's a government-dependent lobbying job, that is?

Lastly, Ben Smith takes a closer look at the past of Malcolm Smith, Senate Democratic leader.