These days, if you're a Republican and want to be President, there's certain things you have to do. Minnesota Governor Tim Palwenty is so there as he advocates for states rights, while citing the 10 amendment to push for selectively ignoring the Federal government, a staple of the "tenther" movement.

Various sites (Talking Points Memo is the only linking to an Alaskan source) are reporting that Sarah Palin will resign as Governor of Alaska at the end of the month. Politico speculates that this frees her up to run President in 2012.

In the wake of Mark Sanford and John Ensign hiking off their political careers, the GOP ship appears rudderless and lost. As to the Captain's chair, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty have been seen in the area, though of course it's nothing official.