A nomination fight at ATF; McDonough's swearing skills; fed offices brave the snow (read this roundup) Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 01/17/2013 Acting ATF Director Todd Jones is President Obama's pick to permanently lead the agency. (Charles Dharapak - AP) Gunning for a confrontation - Seems President Obama is picking a nomination fight. ... The Senate for six years has blocked nominees to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, but Obama named a new director Wednesday in an effort to strengthen the depleted agency. Oh, #@**! - Denis McDonough, who's likely to be named White House chief of staff, has at leastt one thing in common with another guy who's held that job. He is "is not adverse to cursing those who have frustrated or angered him," which sure reminds us of Rahm Emanuel. Open for business - Washington is doing the predictable pre-snow freak-out routine, but federal offices are bravely staying open, despite a small chance there will be a light blanketing of the white stuff. Meanwhile, the scramble for inauguration tickets is on.