Everyone in the pool!

It's a free-for-all today as the 2008 campaign season picks up momentum (but, we hope, not "Joe-mentum").

First, proving that wingnuts of a feather flock together, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) is endorsing former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney for president. This is notable if only because Romney doesn't have a chance in hell the other South Carolina senator, Lindsey Graham (R), is a big Surge McCain supporter. It's a strange situation when Lindsey Graham, one of the leaders of the Clinton impeachment proceedings in the House, is the more moderate senator of any pair.
Next, in an apparent effort to show that anyone with a pulse is better than what we've got now, former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore (R) has filed papers to establish an exploratory committee. Touting himself as a "true conservative," he's all about cutting taxes. No one knows anything else about him -- including his family -- so good luck with that, Jim.

Meanwhile, there's excitement on the Democratic side ... well, okay, perhaps not "excitement," but at least, um, a pulse of activity ... as Al Sharpton may be back in the picture.

"If we're talking about the urban agenda, can you tell me anybody else in the field who's representing that right now?" Sharpton asked. "We clearly have a reason to run, and whether we do it or not we'll see over the next couple of months."

[...]

Despite widespread interest in the likely candidacy of another influential black Democrat, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, Sharpton said he's heard little substantive discussion of issues that might influence his decision about running.

"Right now we're hearing a lot of media razzle dazzle," Sharpton said. "I'm not hearing a lot of meat, or a lot of content. I think when the meat hits the fire, we'll find out if it's just fat or if there's some real meat there."

Well, so much for the vegetarian vote.

And the circus continues ...