Not quite baked, this year

We got news here in Texas this morning that we need not apply to the Democratic primary process. John Edwards is dropping out, leaving Kerry an open field to beat Bush in November. (Hopeful headlamps in ON position)

We don't get into the primary voting booths here until next Tuesday, alas. One more year where the biggest state in the Southwest has nothing to say about who might be your president. At least Howard Dean finally won a primary, up in Vermont. His campaign left a message thanking all of us for our support. I sat under the oaks here in Austin last June and hand-wrote letters to Iowa voters on his behalf. It was some of the most fun activism I've ever practiced.

Dean's not done yet, not by a long shot. He's cleaning up his campaign debt quick. From an e-mail in my in-box this morning:

"Things are moving quickly. The Governor, the staff, and supporters across the country are busy planning for the next step in our campaign for fundamental change. As we look forward, however, it’s important that we meet the obligations we’ve taken on already.

"Governor Dean asked for your help retiring over $400,000 in debt – and the grassroots responded. I am pleased to report that we have raised more than $225,000. Only $175,000 remains – with your help we can eliminate this debt and be free to focus our full attention and resources on building the new organization. Please contribute now"