Big donors bypassing RNC

WASHINGTON — Big traditional GOP donors are contributing less money to the Republican National Committee, shifting instead to other organizations such as the Republican Senate Campaign Committee. The story comes after disclosures about RNC spending under Chair Michael Steele, including a $2,000 tab at a California bondage club.

“There are a whole lot of troubling things going on, and it’s something that gets talked about with some frequency,” said a major Republican donor who spoke to the Daily Caller on condition of anonymity. “These are people who are longtime, loyal donors — serious, successful people — and to be in the front page of newspapers because someone put a chit in for going to a sex club, it’s just dumb."

While we're at, why not repeal the 12th amendment?

WASHINGTON — Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas wants to repeal the 17th amendment to the constitution. That's the one that allows for direct election of senators by the voters of each state. Before the 17th amendment passed in 1913, state legislatures elected senators.

Gohmert's rationale: "Ever since the safeguard of State legislatures electing U.S. Senators was removed by the 17th Amendment in 1913, there has been no check or balance on the Federal power grab for the last 97 years." Presumably, Gohmert remains in favor of direct election of representatives, considering he won 88 percent of the vote in his last election. But then again,

You just can't make this stuff up. As calculated by Talking Points Memo, Democrats would still control the Senate if legislatures did the voting.

Jon Stewart: The real reason behind Bunning's tantrum

He's just a dick ...

Could Sen. John McCain become former Sen. John McCain? Perhaps ...

PHOENIX — John McCain is still the frontrunner in is bid for another term in the Senate, but Talking Points Memo says Republican sources say challenger J.D. Hayworth could take him in the primary. Hayworth, a former U.S. rep and talk show host, is taking on McCain from the right.

Democrats, GOP target health care reform votes

WASHINGTON — The GOP says it will make the vote on health care reform the top issue in the 2010 mid-term elections. It's especially targeting Democrats from conservative districts who voted for the measure that passed the House Saturday night. "There will be a price to pay," National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Pete Sessions told Politico. "This will be a gift that keeps on giving."

Meanwhile, Politico says the Democrats are playing the same game, targeting 32 Republicans from districts that went for Obama in 2008 who voted against the bill. Florida members on the list include Bill Young from the 10th district and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Miami Beach.

Palin, Edwards see popularity dip

WASHINGTON — A Gallop poll finds former VP candidates Sarah Palin and John Edwards less popular then ever. The good news for Palin is that he still has a strong base within the Republican Party.

They wait : The religious left argues for health care reform

TEA Party co-founder owes IRS $500,000

WOODSTOCK, Ga. — Jenny Beth Martin, co-founder of and the national coordinator of the Tea Party Patriots, is bankrupt and owes the IRS more than $500,00 Martin and her husband lost their temp business when the economy went south. They also owe $71,000 to Ford Motor Credit, according to Talking Points Memo.

CBO scores Baucas reform bill

WASHINGTON — The Congressional Budget Office Wednesday released its review the health care form bill that came out of the Senate Finance Committee. The highlights: it would cost $829 billion over 10 years, cut the deficit by $81 billion and would cover 94 percent of the population. Read the full report here. The report will allow the committee to hold a final vote on the bill.

Betsy McCaughy smacked down