Hey, what's the deal with the Vermont Senate race? Is there a reason why the Dems aren't running a candidate? I gather the Independent (who's looking good to replace Jeffords) is closer to the Dems than Republicans, but I was wondering what the story was.

Bernie Sanders is Vermont's incredibly popular only Representative, and a Socialist.

He actually secured the Democratic nomination for Senator, but once he got it, he renounced it, just to make sure that no Democrat would run against him. He's a Democrat in every way except in name.

Is the live TDS now? I want the damn elections called already!

He actually secured the Democratic nomination for Senator, but once he got it, he renounced it, just to make sure that no Democrat would run against him. He's a Democrat in every way except in name.

Ok, I find that very entertaining. I like Vermont more and more.

In another 'V' state (startiing with V, not overrun with human-devouring lizard-creatures), I bring the news that when George Washington ran for the Virginia legislature in 1758, over 50% of his recorded expenses were for booze. Oh, and in the early 1900s, X-ray glasses (bogus) were offered for sale, prompting a London clothing shop to offer lead-lined women's undergarments in response.

Hey, I get the big square states mixed up -- we're even!

That's funny. I was good with the western states. Could tell you what notches identified what absent of other comparisons. But those weird wiggly ones... that took a bit.

I love that about Bernie.

I bring the news that when George Washington ran for the Virginia legislature in 1758, over 50% of his recorded expenses were for booze.

When I lived in Pennsylvania, bars were closed on election day, so the parties couldn't just round up the drunks and buy their votes for the cost of a drink.

when George Washington ran for the Virginia legislature in 1758, over 50% of his recorded expenses were for booze.

When he was General of the US Army, he didn't draw a salary. But he did submit an infamous expense account to Congress afterwards.

CNN is calling Santorum is out.

The guest house we're in has only an ancient little tv (with a dozen or so channel buttons with fixed channel numbers on them!) so I fiddled with the rabbit ears and managed to come up with some NBC coverage. So no TDS for me, bummer.

But I'm happy, 'cause at least I have sporadic broadband. Yay for internets in rural areas.

Oh, I forgot! When I got to the polls, there was a group of about 10 people waving signs for the Democratic candidates. They shouted "Vote Democrat!" as I walked by. I shouted back "Not a problem." Then I saw this lone guy with an Ehrlich shirt and signs. All by his lonesome. But it made me happy, seeing someone making an effort in such a blue precinct. Someone who gave a damned enough to stand out there, all alone, as wrongheaded as I might think he was. When I left, I walked by him and thanked him for being there. I swear to god, democracy in action makes me a mushy sap. Mr. Smith indoctrinated me well.

Good one, amych. About fucking time.