OK. Still furious about this whole Toricelli mess. The cynicism and sheer gall of my own party makes me ashamed. Is there nothing left we care about other than "winning" at any cost? No higher priniciple? Like the current law as written, no matter whether or not it suits our purposes? Do we run to the courts each time we have a corrupt candidate losing in tracking polls? Anyone care how bad this looks? Is this the example we want to set for young Democrats? New Jerseyans chose Toricelli to be on the ballot. Chose badly, given who he is. He bailed too late. Bailed with ONLY the stated reason that he wanted to help preserve the seat!! I can't believe I'm saying this, but what about Forrester's right NOT to have his campaign bushwhacked at the eleventh hour? I don't live in N.J., and even if I did I would have abstained rather than vote for that blowhard Toricelli, but still as an interested observer I just cannot believe what has happened. Forrester may win anyway, and I hope he does, but still it's a complete backroom bag job -- in full and bold view of the entire planet!! -- and we've done real damage to our electoral process, assuming the Supreme Court does not intervene and overturn this insane judicial stretch. Our party seems to be self-immolating and we will come to stand for nothing more than dirty tricks once people wise up and pay attention.

You know what? I hope Republicans take control of BOTH House and Senate. In fact I'll help vote in anyone on my ballot! Maybe that's the lesson we will need to change our ways and play by the rules. And don't anyone tell me the end justifies the means because this is BU$$$$H or whatever. That's lame, and we should be of higher mind: If you think your enemy evil, overcome him with good. Keep to the high road.

Anyway, just venting to a board full of folks whom I'm sure keep up with events. And of course a big DB fan here...

Oh, and DB -- LOVE the book chapter I read here last night ... can't wait till it's in full form!