In New York, Caroline Kennedy looks to inherit a senate seat as is her birthright. In Minnesota, Al Franken has apparently sued his way into the senate. In Illinois, Governor Rod Blagojevich attempted to auction off a senate seat. When Ben Franklin explained the Constitution provided "a republic, if you can keep it," selling, inheriting, and suing your way into "elected" office may have been a few of the dangers that Franklin envisioned imperiling the fledgling republic.

Dan, one thing I think you do so well is sum up complex issues simply and elloquently. I have never seen anyone do it so well.