Thoughts I felt I should share based on recent and upcoming news events: 

-The recent firing of two Republican ward chairs supports my theory that GOP leaders  worry about the conservative direction of the party at a time where is opportunity for growth in the middle of the political spectrum.

-Rep. Henry Waxman’s (D-California) planned subcommittee hearing in New Albany tomorrow points up that Rep. Baron Hill (D-9th District) really does have clout in the health care debate.  Will the hearing convince Hill to support President Barack Obama, or give him political cover to vote against him?

-Sarah Palin’s exit from office causes Mitch Daniels national profile to rise even more.

California Congressman Henry Waxman made big news by winning the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee supplanting John Dingell.  What’s missing in the national reporting is the fact that, by giving up the House Oversight Committee, Waxman will no longer face off with Indiana Congressman Dan Burton on a regular basis.

The Burton vs. Waxman confrontations lasted through both Republican and Democratic control and really were deserving of a Saturday Night Live routine at times.