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First Word: Sounding the sequester alarm

White House press secretary Jay Carney speaks during the daily briefing in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 6, 2013. (Photo by Susan Walsh/AP)

White House press secretary Jay Carney speaks during the daily briefing in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 6, 2013. (Photo by Susan Walsh/AP)

On Friday, the White House stepped up its warning over the automatic spending cuts set to take effect on March 1. White House press secretary Jay Carney said  if the GOP insists on “large and arbitrary” cuts to reduce the deficit only, the middle class will pay the price. The issue will likely resurface again during next week’s State of The Union Address.

Here’s a look at stories shaping tonight’s Last Word rundown.