The End of Summer Draws Nigh

Idaho: The audio of Larry Craig's post-arrest interview with the arresting officer has hit the Tubes. It is damning. The cop repeatedly suggests that Craig is lying. The cop's best line: "I'm just disappointed in you sir. I'm just really am. I expect this from the guy that we get out of the hood. I mean, people vote for you." There is much speculation about Craig resigning, but that is probably coming from the Republicans who want Craig out of the picture ASAP. All we can do is wait on a Craig announcement (or not) as time rolls on. Meanwhile, we see reports out that Idaho Governor Butch Otter already has Lt. Gov. Jim Risch fitted for the appointment should Craig resign.

We also see two missives on the 2008 Idaho Senate race on the Huffington Post. One is former Senator Jean Carnahan warning us, "The next time you're in a public place and some politician peers into your eyes, broadens his stance, taps for your attention, and begins spouting 'family values' rhetoric, run for the nearest exit." The other is Democratic Senate candidate Larry LaRocco discussing his successful "Working for the Senate" campaign as Labor Day approaches.

Virginia: We'll know a little after 2pm whether or not John Warner plans on retiring. (Pssst, he's retiring. If he's not, I'll be shocked.)

Oregon: Following on the strong roll-out of Veterans for Merkley, Speaker Jeff Merkley's campaign has, with Labor Day just ahead, rolled out the first installment of Labor Democrats for Merkley, including Oregon's Labor Commissioner and several state legislators who are also union members. Meanwhile, Blue Oregon rightly points out that Gordon Smith prefers corporate tax loopholes more than veterans benefits. Real nice, Gordo. Stop Gordon Smith has more on why Smith is bad for veterans.

New Jersey: The 2008 Republican Senate primary combatants are beginning to get a little testy.