Good morning, D.C. It’s the Monday after New Year’s, and we’re all back in our offices for the first totally full work week we’ve been faced with in some time. President-Elect Barack Obama has arrived in town, the 111th Congress convenes tomorrow with a mandate to hammer out an economic stimulus package, and the D.C. Council starts its 18th session since Home Rule this week with one new member. It’s back to school day for Washington, and as much as we’d like to stay in bed just a little longer, 2009 is comin’ atcha whether you’re ready for it or not.

Tim Kaine Picked for DNC Chair: What does the governor of Virginia get after being passed over for the VP nod? By all accounts, it looks like it’s the Democratic National Committee chairmanship. Gov. Tim Kaine appears to have a lock on the job, and will formally succeed Howard Dean as the full-time chair in 2010, working part-time from Richmond until his term as governor is up next year. Look for Kaine to be a visibly weakened governor in the eyes of the Virginia General Assembly, who haven’t taken too kindly to previous governors who shifted focus during their final year in officer.

Briefly Noted: Amtrak accident Sunday night delays trains arriving in D.C. … Suspects still at large after carjacking, police chase … Loudoun County wants piece of stimulus pie … Drunk driver’s best friend killed in Fairfax County car accident.

Photo by Mr. T in DC