Louisianans and Floridians and Chicagoans wake-up every day and thank God for California. It could only be better if Californians are forced into endlessly recounting and interpreting chads and such.

A decade ago we in Louisiana reached an unmatched level of political depravity. We had a crooked-lawyer, womanizing high-stakes gambler and politician -- Edwin Edwards; running against a more-or-less ex-clansman. Folks had bumper stickers printed for the run-off: "Vote for the Lizard Not the Wizard"; "Vote for the Crook, its Important".

When teh Florida election came along Louisianans laughed that at least half of the voting machines indicated Edwin Edwards won. Thank you Florida, for relieving us of the ignoble position of worst electoral process in the nation.

Now California bumps us up to second runner-up. Oh sweet joy!

Botnst