Former Australian leader has Blair House reserved

WASHINGTON — It's a D.C. property so exclusive that even the president-elect couldn't reserve it. So who's staying at Blair House, the White House's guest quarters across Pennsylvania Avenue?

Turns out it's former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, according to The Washington Post.

Even Howard is only staying one night: Jan. 12, the night before President George W. Bush will present him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his support in the Iraq war. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe are receiving the honor as well, but they've found other digs.

A spokesman for Howard told The Sydney Morning Herald, "I am sure he was unaware that Mr. Obama wanted to come in early when he accepted the invitation."

Sally McDonough, a spokeswoman for first lady Laura Bush, told the Post that several other events are planned at Blair House over the next week.

President-elect Barack Obama and his family will be allowed to move into Blair House on Jan. 15. Until then, they're staying at the posh Hay-Adams Hotel, across Lafayette Square from the White House.

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