State of the Union Early Bird for October 23, 2011

(CNN)-It's early, and State of the Union is bringing you the best of the morning headlines to go with your cup of coffee.

Check out what we're reading, then join us at 9am/12pm ET for three Washington power players:  Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

POLITICS

Jindal easily wins 2nd term as Louisiana governor

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal was re-elected to a second term Saturday, winning in a landslide with little opposition from nine other candidates. Jindal, who was widely favored to win, had 66% of the vote with 98% precincts reporting, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State.

Candidates court Iowa social conservatives at forum

ECONOMY/JOBS

Republicans in Congress are in a quandary on jobs

For months, the party has focused on shrinking the government, sparking ugly battles with Democrats over the budget and the debt ceiling. But with job growth back at the top of the congressional agenda, Republican lawmakers have found themselves without a clear strategy to reduce the 9.1% national unemployment rate.

Monster Prediction From BofA: Another US Debt Downgrade Is Coming In Just A Few Weeks

The credit rating agencies have strongly suggested that further rating cuts are likely if Congress does not come up with a credible long-run plan. Hence, we expect at least one credit downgrade in late November or early December when the super Committee crashes.

IN OTHER NEWS…

Afghanistan to Back Pakistan if Wars With U.S.: Karzai

U.S. Embassy in Kenya warns citizens of 'imminent threat'

Libya's interim leaders set to declare liberation

Tunisia voters go to polls in historic free election

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