Long weekend ahead

Since her contest is virtually already won, Senator Clinton is touring states that could be considered battlegrounds.

Cruising to a second term, the New York lawmaker told a gathering of Democratic Party faithful she will be traveling to states with close races next month to boost the party's hopes of taking control of Congress this November.

"I'm always the most paranoid campaigner you can find, but I'm also going to be campaigning around the country in these last weeks for other candidates," Clinton told a women's leadership gathering for the Democratic National Committee.

For months, Clinton has deflected questions about a potential presidential bid by insisting she is only focused on her own Senate re-election.

On Thursday, she indicated that her definition of 2006 politics extends far beyond the New York state line, to places that not only have tight congressional contests but would also be critical in a 2008 election.

"I'm going to be in Ohio, in Florida, in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, around the country," she told the crowd. "Maybe use that as a reason to gather up your friends, raise some more money, get people involved."

Of the states she mentioned, only Rhode Island is not considered a critical piece of the presidential electoral map. While the former first lady can be a divisive figure in many states, she is also a sought-after fundraiser among Democrats.

Clinton aides said after the speech that she will also campaign for candidates in Virginia and Connecticut.

You know, as critical as I've been of HRC in the past, I'm warming up to her but not her potential candidacy for president but her candidacy for SENATE MAJORITY LEADER. She may be the lock right now for the nomination but as more people realize how polarizing she is red states, she'll make the decision to stay in the Senate and run for leadership there. Yes, I've endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton for president, even if she did grow up a Cubs fan.

This is awesome news for fans of KENTUCKY BASKETBALL.

Not quite the name that Kentucky fans were expecting for the Wildcats' first 2007 commitment, but Mike Williams, a 7-foot, 270-pound center from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Va., has given a verbal pledge to Coach Tubby Smith.

This is only something that Mark Warner could think of.

Interesting article on former Weekend Update anchor Kevin Nealon.

Steve Pence is being pushed to run for AG against Stumbo. Here's what I think will happen: Stumbo decides that Ben is waiting to long to make a decision and puts his hat in the ring, and then someone else from the Democrats makes a run for AG.

Bayh is second only to John Edwards in a poll mentioned here. Folks, remember, it's all name recognition at this point. Keep that in mind, please.

Got this in my inbox this morning.

Cincinnati Post/Kentucky Post columnist and former anchorperson Nick Clooney will discuss his recent trip to the Sudan and strategies to improve present conditions in Darfur at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 4:30 p.m. in Room 118 at the College of Law.

It's gonna be a long weekend.

There are 13 days remaining until my 22ND BIRTHDAY!