WASHINGTON — Senators, governors, congressmen and other politicians are gathered in the nation's capital for the inauguration of Barack Obama.

But you don't have to look too hard to find political newcomers.

At a reception Monday at the New Zealand Embassy, the invited guests included young campaign workers and aspiring public servants just starting to climb the political ladder.

Dan Black is the son of Jackie Potter of Portland, a chief of staff for former Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen. Black, 20, a student at Vassar, worked on the Obama campaign in Denver last year, organizing voter registration drives.

"I'm just generally excited," he said of the inauguration. "I'm not sure I understand the full of extent of it. I'm 20 years old and still have a lot to learn."

Slightly less self-effacing was Alex Cornell du Houx, an Iraq war veteran and recent Bowdoin College graduate.

He was elected in November to the District 66 seat in the Maine House of Representatives, his first office.

"It's extremely exciting and historic to be here," said du Houx, who also worked on the Obama campaign. "I look forward to the change we can bring to Maine and the nation."

BRENNAN'S SON PROTECTED OBAMA

Former Maine Gov. Joseph E. Brennan is camping out at his son's place in Washington this week.

It's fair to say he'll probably be safe.

Brennan's son, also named Joseph, is a member of the U.S. Secret Service and spent about a year and a half assigned to protecting Barack Obama during his presidential campaign.

Brennan said his son still maintains a home in Washington but now works out of New York, a move that will boost his Secret Service career.

Brennan also said that his son is a big fan of Obama, in part because Obama treats his security detail with great courtesy.

"Not every politician is nice to their staff," Brennan said.

HELP FOR LOST CHILDREN

One concern of organizers of today's inauguration is the possibility of families getting separated in the big crowds converging on the capital.

Organizers are urging families to have a predetermined meeting place if they become separated. Also, the Red Cross will have 32 community outreach teams to help lost children and people in distress on the National Mall. These so-called "Go Teams" will then connect lost children with local law enforcement partners.

Anyone separated from their family or group is encouraged to notify the nearest police officer or volunteers wearing yellow vests with orange stripes or red hats. You can also call the D.C. Helpline at 311, or if you're from out of town, (202) 671-5000.

"As with any large crowd situation, a little common sense and forethought will help visitors to the National Mall avoid major headaches," said Emmett S. Beliveau, the Maine native who is executive director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

MITCHELL EYED FOR MIDEAST ENVOY

The New York Times reported Sunday that George Mitchell, the former Senate majority leader from Maine, is a leading candidate to be the Obama administration's special envoy to the Middle East.

According to the Times, which cited anonymous sources in its report, Mitchell's appointment signals that "Obama was attaching a high priority to the Middle East and the current Gaza crisis from his first days in office."

One expert quoted by the Times noted that Mitchell, a Waterville native with Lebanese and Irish roots, would be a more balanced negotiator between the Israelis and Palestinians than recent U.S. envoys to the region.

JENKINS LOOKS FOR MONEY

For Auburn Mayor John Jenkins, this week isn't just about Barack Obama – it's also about money.

Before he heads home, Jenkins plans to meet with an official from the Environmental Protection Agency to discuss possible federal funding...