Will the Kentucky Derby end the Republican filibuster of FinReg?  —  Word is that the Democrats might make the Republicans actually filibuster FinReg tonight.  That is to say, stand on the floor and talk and talk and talk.  And if the Democrats are serious about forcing the Republicans …

Republican centrists warn Reid's tough tactics could backfire  —  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has deployed unusually tough tactics to pressure Republicans to back Wall Street reform — a move that could shore up his liberal base, but one that GOP centrists say is counterproductive.

Charlie Crist's declaration of independence coming in St. Petersburg  —  So the word is out: Crist is telling key financial backers that he's running for senate with no party affiliation.  The announcement is scheduled for 5 p.m. in Straub Park in downtown St Petersburg.

It's the (Bush) economy, stupid  —  Photo by Marvin Joseph of the Washington Post  —  A new Washington Post/ABC poll suggests that most Americans continue to blame the sluggish economy on former President George W. Bush, a development that could complicate Republican efforts to lay it at President Barack Obama's feet this fall.