Good morning, Capitolists! The bad news is it's Monday. The good news is we're here to help. Here's what's making news in Washington today.

* After last week's media blitz, President Obama stays in today -- meeting with senior advisers all day in the Oval Office.

* The House and Senate are both out of session for the Jewish holiday.

* The BBC reports that Iran successfully tested two long-range missiles overnight. Experts say the missiles could reach Israel, Europe and American bases in the area. But nobody worry -- an Iranian spokesman said the launch had nothing to do with the discovery of an Iranian nuclear site and was scheduled for the annual "Sacred Defense Week."

* Cheney lovers take heart -- there's a new kid in town. Mark Liebovich of The New York Times reports that Liz Cheney, the daughter of the former vice president, has become a favorite among Republican audiences, speaking out frequently in defense of her dad and getting standing ovations at conservative confabs. Said one GOP'er, "She's a red state rock star."

* Can a bad voter be a good governor? CNN's Paul Steinhauser reports that after being whacked by local media for months over failing to vote or even register to vote for decades, California gubernatorial hopeful Meg Whitman put out a statement last week acknowledging her "inexcusable" voting record. "California needs leaders who are accountable for their actions. I take responsibility for mine," she said.

* Coming up this week on the Hill, expect a major debate over military spending, including arguments over missile defense, the plan for Iraq and troop levels in Afghanistan. Also on tap: the debate over health care reform continues in the Senate Finance Committee.

* And finally, the husband of Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) died over the weekend while on a hiking expedition in Tibet. The congresswomen told the New York Daily News that she is devastated, but noted, "He died doing what he loved."

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