TODAY'S TOP STORIES

LATEST BALLOT BOX HEADLINES

• GOP slams new Dem senator who skipped votes to attend Christmas party
• Senate rejects DREAM Act, closing door on immigration reform
• Republicans dig in their heels on nuclear treaty as Democrats push for vote 
• Senate votes 65-31 to repeal ban on military gays serving openly 
• McConnell vows to grill vulnerable 2012 Dems on healthcare reform repeal
• Iowa Republicans launch effort to impeach state Supreme Court judges
• Tea Party-backed DeVore hints at 2012 Feinstein challenge
• CNN teams with Tea Party Express for GOP primary debate
• Sen. Corker: No talk of Tea Party challenge back home
• Huckabee hits GOP on 9/11 health bill; 2012 decision coming 'later rather than sooner'