Monday Roundup: Ron Paul Loses

So yes, Duncan Hunter won Saturday's straw poll. But Ron Paul really lost the straw poll by coming in third and being beaten handily by a guy who wasn't even there — Fred Thompson.

Yes, I know. George has long talked about Thompson's fearsome visage, and some Republicans talk about his impending campaign as if it were Gabriel's own trumpet blast. I still don't buy it. I've been wrong before, but I just feel like his recent moves indicate that he might get seriously manhandled by real campaigns.

In general, though, things keep looking worse and worse for Republicans in 2008. The scandals are mounting and have been for a while. It seems like we're running out of things to say about the beatings they keep taking. The scandals aren't all they have to worry about — the rush of resignations at the White House and on Capitol Hill are further decimating the ranks and making the re-elect plan in 2008 even more complicated. The joke is that Bush will end up running the country with just him and Laura and the janitor.

Republicans in other states are getting so nervous, state representatives are calling people to argue with them about their letters to the editor and leaving vaguely menacing voice mails. No, I'm not kidding.

Conversely, things are looking up for Democrats. For instance, in some Labor Day-related news, John Edwards has picked up three union endorsements since last week, from the United Steelworkers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and the United Mine Workers. Union support of candidates looks to be somewhat diverse this time, as Dodd and Clinton have also garnered some endorsements as well.

Here is a decent roundup of some legislative races from the Austin American-Statesman. Lots of primary challenges going around as well as a few vacant seats. In case you hadn't noticed, the 2008 campaign is in full swing.

If you would rather not think that far ahead, you could consider this pondering from Politico, in which they stoke the fuel of speculation over whether Larry Craig will really resign. They parse his language — he said he "intends" to resign — as a signifier for a possibility that he might do something other than resign. I don't think it is likely, but you never know.

A new book on the Bush presidency has some details about the occasional dissent among the top ranks as to what Bush should do. It is an interesting contrast to the ultra-unified image they work on with tireless diligence. I also think this is surprising to hear, but it makes sense once you let it sink in a little:

He also reports that the president took an informal poll of his top advisers in April 2006 on whether to fire Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.

During a private dinner at the White House to discuss how to buoy Bush's presidency, seven advisers voted to dump Rumsfeld, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, incoming chief of staff Joshua B. Bolten, the outgoing chief, Andrew H. Card Jr., and Ed Gillespie, then an outside adviser and now White House counselor. Bush raised his hand along with three others who wanted Rumsfeld to stay, including Rove and national security adviser Stephen J. Hadley. Rumsfeld was ousted after the November elections.

At any rate, today is Labor Day. From all of us at the Texas Blue, here's hoping you take it easy and enjoy the holiday.