Sarah Palin of Alaska announced she is stepping down.  She gave no good reason but the speculation includes talk that her move is a reaction to public criticism like that recently made by Late Night comedian David Letterman.

Mark Sanford of South Carolina continues to battle calls for his resignation.  The Lt. Governor of South Carolina cited Letterman jokes as a reason why the governor should step down.

There is no local version of Letterman but former Democratic running mate Dennie Oxley should know that his recent legal trouble is the source of much Statehouse humor. 

The future is bleak whenever a politician becomes a punchline.

Oxley tried to avoid the subject today.  He won’t say he is considering a run but won’t rule it out, either.  Said Oxley, “I’m not, not considering it.”

Look for others to be more definitive soon.

Asked about Republican rumors that Dennie (the latter) will step down so that Dennie (the former) can return to the General Assembly, he said, “That’ won’t happen.”

Asked about rumors that he will become a member of the House Democratic staff, Dennie (the former) said he was just there to witness Dennie (the latter) take office.

So, is it a problem if Congressman Mark Souder is called “Mike” in attack mailers from the Democrats?

I know its a problem when an AFL-CIO operative calls me about an event featuring Lt. Governor candidate Dennie Oxley and calls him “Dennis.”  That’s not his name.

Oxley prepared a written speech.  Then Indiana was told that Illinois (just before Indiana) would be the last state to make a presentation, because Illinois would yield to New York which would put Barack Obama over the top.  Protests ensued, vigorous protests. 

About a minute before the moment of truth, Indiana got the word that it was back on.  By then Oxley had discarded his speech.  After a brief search he decided to ad lib the whole thing.

Congressman Brad Ellsworth told a story of how, when he made his first speech on the floor of Congress, he misspoke saying, “I want to spank the Congressman from Minnesota.”  He says that sort of thing doesn’t go over well in Indiana.

Andre Carson told delegates to call him if they have problems.  He said, “I have a 21 month old so don’t call after 8.  But call me.”

Finally, Lieutenant Governor candidate Dennie Oxley went after Governor Mitch Daniels.  “When he comes to southern Indiana, he talks like me,” said Oxley.  “That accent comes and goes.  Mine stays the same.”

Four years ago I was able to pose what may be my best debate question ever at that event.  It was prompted by onetime candidate for governor Joe Andrew who, at a press conference, made reference to some “Heffords.”  I asked if he meant to say heifers or Herefords and he insisted that he meant what he said.

That led me to quiz then-Lieutenant Governor (and agriculture commissioner) Kathy Davis about the matter at the 2004 debate:  “What is the difference between a heifer and a Hereford?”

She answered that “heifer” refers to gender and that “Hereford” refers to breed.  Close enough.

I wonder if Dennie Oxley knows that.

It reads WOS which is short for Women of Steel.  It comes from the Steelworkers Union, one of her biggest support groups.   Long Thompson says she draws inspiration from it and believes all women are women of steel.

Meantime, while Republican blogs accuse her running mate, Dennie Oxley, of being unemployed, Oxley reports that he has a new part-time job.  Its a public relations position with Certified Engineering.

Dennie Oxley, the new legislative candidate, is not named Dennis because he has an older brother Donald.  Donald is known as “Donnie” and his parents didn’t like it when people called him “Donald.”  They wanted sons named “Donnie” and “Dennie.”  Therefore, when Dennie was born, naming him Dennis was out of the question.

Dennie Oxley II, the candidate for Lieutenant Governor, is not named Dennie Oxley, Junior because his parents didn’t want him called “Junior.”  Just as the generation before, they wanted him referred to as “Dennie.”  He seldom uses the “II” designation choosing to simply go by Dennie Oxley. 

*(Information supplied by Dennie Oxley II.)

But freestyle campaigning is on hold.  No policy announcements, no partisan attacks, no television commercials.

Both Oxley and Thompson are focused on fundraising in the effort to make a good showing on campaign finance reports due June 30th.  That’s when we get a good read on strength of her campaign.  Evan Bayh takes part in a big fundraiser for the Democratic candidate for governor tomorrow. 

Thompson spokesman Jeff Harris says it will be July before we witness much public campaign activity.  On the day after Thompson’s primary defeat of Jim Schellinger I said in this space that she had no time to celebrate.  This is what I was talking about.