Republicans to Impose Litmus Test on Members?

Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:

Party Favors

Some conservatives on the Republican National Committee reportedly want candidates to undergo a litmus test or risk losing party funding. The proposal could reportedly come up for consideration when the RNC meets in January.

It calls for candidates to agree with at least 8 of 10 points on a checklist. The points include: "opposition to Obama's socialist agenda" of government-run health care and cap-and-trade; opposition to easing union secret ballot rules; along with support of military-recommended troop surges and the Defense of Marriage Act.

Sick Call

The former head of the Democratic Party says Senate Democrats are in deep trouble over health care reform. Former Governor Howard Dean tells The Huffington Post he sees almost no chance of passing strong legislation and predicts congressional losses for Democrats as a result.

Dean says he doesn't know how Majority Leader Harry Reid will get to 60 votes without watering down the final bill to get moderates on board: "This is going to be death for the [Democratic campaign committees.] Why would anyone donate to them— if they're supporting candidates— who defeat the Democratic agenda?"

Red Zone Offense

California's first couple may need a date with a driving school. An entertainment Web site has posted pictures of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in his silver convertible in a no-parking red zone in Beverly Hills.

A few weeks ago, wife Maria Shriver was also caught parking her SUV in a red zone and, before that, breaking state law against talking on a cell phone while driving.

Schwarzenegger at the time promised what he called "swift action" for his wife's violation.

— FOX News Channel's Lanna Britt contributed to this report.