Conway: Search for SecState Expanding

Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, Bob Corker, and David Petraeus: Donald Trump's shortlist for secretary of state is evidently not as short as previously thought, reports Politico. "It is true that he’s broadened the search," said Kellyanne Conway, who's made no secret of her personal contempt for Romney, on Sunday at Trump Tower. "I think you've all seen the list before that already existed. I think there'll be additional interviews with other candidates for secretary of state and other Cabinet positions, and deputy Cabinet positions as well." That reveal syncs up with what Mike Pence earlier told Meet the Press: "With regard to secretary of state, we've been winnowing the list, but it might grow a little bit." The AP floats a potential addition, citing an anonymous transition source: Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.

• Pence is downplaying Trump's call to Taiwan's leader as a "courtesy call." China was not happy.
• Meanwhile, in Russia, Vladimir Putin is praising Trump as a "smart man" as evidenced by his business acumen. Further, "if he is a smart man, that means that he will fairly soon become aware of a different level of responsibility. We expect that he act with these considerations in mind." Putin is said to be antsy that Trump might appoint Romney, whose stance toward Russia is harsh.

(More Kellyanne Conway stories.)