Some passing thoughts on today’s news…
- Today, our friends over at the Capitol Weekly have released a ‘scorecard’ on the state legislature. We’re still digesting it, but are open to any observations from FR readers before we release our ‘rating of the CW ratings’ — though my first observation… In a world where traditionally the higher you score on something, the better, it is notable that on a scale of 0 – 100, it is the 0 that makes you the right winger, and a 100 that makes you a socialist. Go figure…
- From the "Tales of the Bizarre" files — LA Times writer Don Frederick is reporting that Barry Manilow has written a big check to the candidate of libertarian-Republican Ron Paul’s candidacy for the Presidency. I guess watching Uncle Sam take such a big cut of those checks from the MGM in Vegas finally got the better of our favorite 70’s icon.
- I was very impressed with the fundraising numbers posted by Nathan Fletcher, who is the favorite (and only?) candidate for the GOP nomination in San Diego County’s 75th District, where George Plescia is retiring (unless the Nunez/Perata Career Politician Initiative should pass in February). Fletcher has raised $350,000 with almost all of that still on hand. It is very notable that this figure does not include any loans from the candidate himself. A strong conservative, Fletcher promises to be a bright star in the freshman class in ’09!
- FR readers can look forward to a column next week on disclosures of earmarks… We’ve been going back and forth with the offices of California Republican Members of Congress, and now more than half have voluntarily disclosed their earmarks. Which ones? Check it out next week.
- Speaking of Congress… Recently the transcript of an FBI interview with jailed criminal Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the former member of Congress who ‘sold’ America to the highest bidder, became available… You know how sometimes at the end of a book, there is some hint as to what you might expect in the sequel? Well, in this 11 page document, right in the final passage, we have this: "When asked if he was aware of wrongdoing by other members of Congress, Cunningham said that Wilkes had co-hosted fund raisers for Tom Delay and Jerry Lewis." Makes you wonder…
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