The Kennedy Mystique  —  Something fundamental has shifted in the Democratic Party.  —  Last week there was the widespread revulsion at the Clintons' toxic attempts to ghettoize Barack Obama.  In private and occasionally in public, leading Democrats lost patience with the hyperpartisan style of politics …

Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Poll: McCain Lead Widens As Primary Election Day Dawns in Florida  —  Giuliani, Huckabee tied in battle for distant third place  —  UTICA, New York - Arizona Sen. John McCain's lead over former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is growing wider as the Republican campaign ends …

Richardson's Choice  —  SANTA FE, N.M. — Gov. Bill Richardson's phone has been ringing off the hook.  Sen. Hillary Clinton called Sunday night.  That was followed by a call from former president Bill Clinton, then a call from Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who's supporting Clinton.

Where Did All Those Gorgeous Russians Come From?  —  THE SAME PLACE AS THE UNGLAMOROUS ASSEMBLY-LINE WORKERS.  —  There was a particular historical moment, round about 1995 or so, when anyone entering a well-appointed drawing room, dining room, or restaurant in London was sure to encounter a beautiful Russian woman.

Crist endorsement is surprising, risky … For Rudy Giuliani, Nov. 18 was to be a pivotal day on his march to the Republican nomination.  —  Popular Gov. Charlie Crist was to anoint him as the best choice for Florida Republicans, and the two of them, starting in St. Petersburg …

Rep. Grijalva switches to Obama from Edwards  —  PHOENIX — Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona is endorsing Barack Obama after earlier backing John Edwards in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.  —  Grijalva cited Obama's electability and his intention to …

Cash to fugitive's family  —  Some of the $3.5 million went to pay off certain Rezko debts, while $20,000 went to the family of Alber Najjar, who also had extensive connections with Rezko's food companies but became a federal fugitive in 2004 when he fled to Lebanon following his indictment on bookmaking charges, prosecutors said.

Earmark debate roils GOP ranks  —  President Bush made a war on earmarks a key priority of his State of the Union address Monday night — but Republicans remain paralyzed by internal struggles over how to curb their addiction to spending projects.  —  Even as Bush called on Congress …

Robert Kagan on the McCain/Romney Surge Controversy  —  Robert Kagan, a McCain advisor, writes in response to this post:

Tonight: Clinton Parties In Florida  —  Note: polls close in Florida at 7...and 8.  This event begins at 7.  —  Will this really help her?  She is going to be overshadowed tonight by the GOP contest.  This is would be like the New England Patiots celebrating a pre-season victory.  Weird.