Based on Castor's numbers in certain Florida counties, it appears we GOTV for the wrong election.  In 6 counties (Calhoun, Dixie, Holmes, Lafayette, Liberty, and Union) Castor got more votes in the primary vs. the general.  I know some of the affected counties are "Dixiecrat" but... using the primary numbers helps narrow the field to those registered dems who voted for one of the dem senate candidates on primary day (just two months before the general).  So, does anyone care to speculate as to what the hell happened here?  Did Castor bite the head off a baby on live tv?  Also if anyone knows: how difficult is it to change your voter registration in Florida?  Must Florida voters be registered with a party to participate in its primary?            

There are differences in the U.S. church. Bishop Raymond Burke, the archbishop of St. Louis, has said he would refuse to give Kerry communion because of his support for abortion rights.
http://www.salon.com/politics/wire/2004/04/27/cardinal/index.html

My note to Bishop Burke's personal secretary:

Ms. Vlasak,
 What is Bishop Raymond Burke's position on Catholic politicians that support the death penalty?  Should said politicians be refused communion?  Also... the Pope came out publicly against the War in Iraq.  Should Catholic politicians that supported that war (with their vote) be refused communion too?
Thanks in advance for helping to clear these issues up (the media has only reported on the abortion issue).

  Any others wishing to contact Ms. Susan Vlasak can reach her at: svlasak@dioceseoflacrosse.com

The WApost has put up the page that was missing from The Pentagon's official version of events re: Woodward's Rummy interview.  Also, Woodward was on Charlie Rose tonight defending his book and calling out the Bush admin. for their revisionist history.  This is war... and it looks like Woody has their balls in a vice.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28866-2004Apr20.html  

Some questions I have about Kerry...

1. Why was Kerry trailing Dean in MA, during the last few months of 2003?
2. Can Kerry go after Bush on the Patriot Act and the Iraq War without looking like an hypocritical opportunist?
3. Can Kerry convincingly defend his "no" vote for Iraq War 1?
4. The media helped move Kerry from 1st to 5th during summer 2003... can we expect more of the same for summer 2004?
5. How will Kerry appeal to less-government, fiscal conservatives?
6. Will Kerry be able to defend himself against charges that he is anti-gun?

Although I'll definately vote for Kerry if he's the nominee.. I have serious doubts about his electibility.  Please convince me (specificly, by responding to the six questions above) that Kerry has what it takes to beat Bush in November.  

In March of 2002 Bush imposed tariffs on steel imports, in an attempt to buy 2004 votes in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.  Yesterday, the WTO ruled that those tariffs violate international trade rules.  Because of that ruling, the EU now has plans to impose sanctions on 2.2 billion worth of US exports.  And according to yesterday's Financial Times, the US exports that will be affected by these sanctions include citrus fruit and Harley Davidson motorcycles "produced in critical electoral districts."  Meanwhile: on the Politics page of CNN.com there is a headline that reads, "PUSHING HIS MESSAGE: Bush touts free trade."  So... should Democrats go after Bush on this issue -or- are they better off sitting this one out?