More than 10% of the dogs purchased by the military fail to meet the program's physical or behavioral standards, usually because of problems (like fear of gunfire) that weren't evident during the lengthy testing by the dog-buying team.

WSJ: Letting Slip the Real Dogs of War

The Two Rivers veteran was followed 29 minutes later by 2004 winner Mitch Seavey of Seward and his 12-dog team.

NPR: Iditarod Front-Runner Hopes To Claim 5th Win

Tom Daschle, a former Senate majority leader, could help Mr Obama's team put pressure on Congress without alienating its members, a problem that can dog first-term presidents.

ECONOMIST: The new Democratic establishment