Couple of random thoughts.  This story, well covered by Weapons of Mass Discussion blog is quite problematic.  I agree with Rep. Boehner's comments.  SCHIP is a good program as long as it is focuses on low income children which is what it was supposed to do in the first place.  The House passed bill is a political stunt to try and make President Bush look like a bigf meanie who doesn't care about kids.

Second, the news covered by Right Angle that shows Fred Thompson winning the Lake County Executive Committee straw poll is further evidence of the positives I think he has coming in.  Again, he needs to start fleshing out policy ideas though.  Other candidates are writing articles for Foreign Affairs and talking about health care, etc.  The window is wide open, but won't stay that way.  I am already hearing from some good places here in Ohio (not the punditocracy) that Fred could be waning.  He needs to capitalize very soon...