Influence Alley

Happy Friday, Alley readers. Let's get right to the early headlines. 

The Senate's Gang of Eight is dialing back expectations for the group to forge a resolution in the fiscal crisis, The New York Times reports.  

Sen. Rand Paul is holding up consideration of the Defense Authorization Act, The Hill reports.

Democrat Ami Bera defeated Republican Rep. Dan Lungren in California, the AP reports. 

Sen. Daniel Inouye is "fine and resting at home" after a fall and a visit to the hospital, a spokesman tells The Washington Post.