Today on NewsTalk, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a leading member of the Democratic leadership team, talked about the prospects for agreement on a long-term extension of the payroll tax holiday and a deal to cut federal spending. We also discussed gridlock in Washington, the 2012 elections and redistricting.

State Sen. C. Anthony Muse announced he is running for the U.S. Senate seat now held by fellow Democrat Ben Cardin and we previewed the upcoming session of the Maryland General Assembly.

And Lisa Mallory, head of the DC Dept. of Employment Services, talked about the agency’s efforts to locate unemployed residents – part of the District’s “One City, One Hire” initiative.

WATCH today’s interviews here:

Friday at 10am: The latest on the charges against DC Councilman Tommy Thomas. Also, Rep. Donna Edwards and Mary Cheh