El Gordo's problems are larger than initially thought; they're popping up like Aminitas muscaria after a hard rain in the forests around Coos Bay.

El Gordo's not only managed to tick off folks in the Centrist and Conservative wings of the Oregon Republican Party, but has alienated the Left as well, according to an anonymous comment found recently at NWRepublican.

For a guy hoping to win another six years in '08, it looks like he's in deep doodoo.  His spin may just be winding down.

As I read the posts about the often offensive, but witty Ann Coulter and the witless, but sometimes funny Bill Maher, I was reminded of something I read at The Weekly Standard last week by Larry Miller.  If you don't recognize the name, he's a comedian who is in the same "class" as Leno, de Generes, Jon Stewart, Dennis Miller  and, yes, Bill Maher.  (And what I mean by that is, they started on the stand-up circuit at about the same time).  Mr. Miller hasn't achieved the same name recognition as the aforementioned, but he's written a couple of books and appears in films and from time to time on the Tonight show.  He's an excellent writer and thinker and now writes for The Weekly Standard. His piece on the  anti-surge non-binding resolution in Congress and giving Petraeus a chance to succeed is worth reading.  It's here .

Today The Seattle Times Editorial Board decided to take State Senator Val Stevens to the cliched wood shed.  The State Senator has (been accused of) doing and saying some rather off-the-wall things like linking bestiality and necrophilia to gay rights, denying the state constitution and encouraging total disrespect of tribal police when inside tribal lands.

I am going to leave my thoughts for later, in the hopes of a candid discussion.  I'm going to probably surprise you all - and T-off the left and the right.

Monday night update: I'm working on a lengthy essay about my State Senator.  Let me just say this: I find her to be a passionate person in search of discipline… and less gall.  For instance, I find her statements questioning what does "a paramount duty" one thing but (if this is true) completely denying that public education is Washington State government's #1 duty… unbelieveable, unbecoming and unwelcome.