Massachusetts

GOP strategist Todd Domke takes us through an alternative-universe solution to the Florida/Michigan impasse: Sprawling debate, and have a Star Chamber/focus group decide!

Focused Debate Trial
The solution combines four decision-making tools: a pollster's focus group, Lincoln-Douglas-style debate, jury trial, and a secret ballot.

Here's how it could work in Florida and/or Michigan:

A neutral pollster, approved by both Democratic candidates, would randomly select 600 in-state Democratic primary voters to participate in a focus group.

They'd each receive $2,000 to be voters/jurors in a “Focused Debate Trial.”

 …..

It goes on, in even wilder directions.

(Read the full post about ‘Let the Star Chamber decide!’…)

(What does the hive mind know about this race? - promoted by Charley on the MTA)

Earlier this week, Rep. Geoff Hall announced he would not seek reelection to the seat he has held for 18 years.   The district, comprised of Westford, Littleton, and part of Chelmsford is a prime target for a GOP pickup in the next election.  The GOP candidate is Paul Avella, a personable Littletonian who currently is the Vice-Chairman of the School Committee.

Today, Jim Arciero announced his run for the Democratic nod for the seat.  Arciero is currently Sen. Panagiotakis’ Legislative Director.  Here’s the Lowell Sun story on the race: Senator’s Aide Will Run for Rep Seat.

(Read the full post about ‘2nd Middlesex House Race: the Battle is Joined’…)

Uh … never mind.  ThinkProgress has retracted their story.

(Lessons in hardball, by EB3. - promoted by David)

If I were Gov. Deval Patrick I would set up a small unofficial war room. I would have a big map of Sal DiMasi’s district on the wall. Next to it I would have a list of names of people who rely on the state to make a living. (not state workers) All close friends, who are longtime large $$$ contributors, and lobbyists. Starting with Dickie McDonough.

Then I would find out what and where are the state funded or state related spigots pouring into his district. And one by one shut them off.  

( - promoted by David)

At party website http://massdems.org/index2.cfm

It would appear that neither candidate did much editing, as there are 158 Clinton candidates and 146 Obama candidates.

Candidates are encouraged to identify themselves here.

Full list in extended.

BALTIMORE, Md. (CBS) ―

He’s a superstar athlete who is also a role model for young children who are living with a physically challenging condition that he too had many years ago.

Earl Cole, 36 was CBS Survivor Fiji winner from last season. He also survived Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome — a degenerative disease where a loss of bone mass leads to some degree of collapse of the hip joint.