Backdraft: When Harry helped Sue Lowden

Political attacks are difficult to design and it's often impossible to avoid leaving finger prints - or traces of napalm - on the perpetrator himself. Case in point: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid who stepped into napalm strength quicksand with a recent string of attacks on Republican Sue Lowden, his strongest potential challenger. Now, Reid's clumsy attacks have him in danger of being tagged a hypocrite.

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Green Lake: Politics Is Local

In Wisconsin, the Green Lake Reporter, one of America's tens of thousands of weekly newspapers holds the key to the 2010 governor's race. Above the fold, photo and stories aren't focused on the healthcare reform debate or even on the effect (or lack thereof) from the federal stimulus plan. Today's lead stories are local and highlight the stress of an economy gone south: "Sunken boat recovered from Green Lake" and "County prepares for potential layoffs." Green Lake voters know what Tip O'Neill knew to be true, all politics is local.

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The GOP's Gettysburg Lost

When Lincoln buried the dead at Gettysburg nearly 150 years ago, he set the gold standard for political speechmaking. Fast forward to a new low for the GOP which lost ground just last weekend when the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF) held their convention to elect new officers.

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One Step Over the Line

Watching the Texas gubernatorial primaries unfold this season is like playing Twister. Texans have their feet on the red and blue circles, but when the wheel turns to purple next year, most won't be able to stand upright with their dignity intact. The latest candidate to enter the contest is Ronnie Earle, the prosecutor infamous for chasing House Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay out of office.

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Sarah Palin's Roman Holiday

In a political remake of Audrey Hepburn's classic character, Sarah Palin is now pursuing a normal life, free of crushing attention. In both stories, this was a personal decision. That's why-unfortunately-the governor told her national consultants to stand down.

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Man in the Mirror

Mark Sanford, whose grip on South Carolina's gubernatorial office is now shaky, suffers from knowing what's right but not being able to get away from his guilt. That's a predicament candidates in California have already overcome.

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Thriller: Keeping FOIA Secrets

In a week when pictures of Michael Jackson visiting with a president are splashed across TV sets, Team Obama is fighting to keep the White House visitor logs secret.

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Liars, Hypocrites and Governors... Oh My!

It seems instant confessions are the norm in the age of instant messaging. The governor's presser about his great loves-love of the outdoors, love of adventure and love of an Argentinean-was painful to watch. It took three tall, dark and handsome staff members to wrestle the governor away from his microphones.

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Voter Revenge

Newly elected Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) is being targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) for not supporting the president's stimulus plan. For a week this month Rooney, like select Republicans across the country, has been the target radio ads, robocalls and emails to voters. What makes Rooney's targeting questionable is the case of Charlie Crist.

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When does an activist become an addict?

Dr. Dora Finds a Cute Pooch
as a Friend!

The Governor's speech Friday night to the GOP faithful in San Jose was a marvel of modern politics. Carefully constructed to be a direct communication of his administration's political affairs, Schwarzenegger's humility and appreciation were welcomed. His family first story lent a sentimental tone in recounting First Lady Maria's efforts to reassure their young son who questioned "Mom, what happens if Daddy loses? Daddy always wins, but what if he loses? It will be embarrassing.' The Governor reported "And Maria said, 'my son, there is no shame in losing. The shame is in not trying."

Read the entire article at Dr. Dora's Rose Colored Politics...