Dark clouds loom over Lakeview today, as self-proclaimed Mavericks John McCain and Sarah Palin return once again to Minnesota in a feeble attempt to get less people to hate them. Last time the mavericking pair came to Minnesota was at the Republican National Convention, accepting their nominations, where they took potshots at community organizers as the police state that surrounded them flooded our prisons with we the people. This time, the team will maverick it up in a town hall forum, propping folksy nothing statements against cheap blows aimed at the less mavericky of the candidates (you know, that one).

With Obama leading by 18 points in recent polls, it seems to me the maverickful Republican ticket ought to probably cut their losses: Minnesota hasn't voted Republican since 1972, and doesn't seem willing to start now. There's always talk of Minnesota being a swing state, but I doubt this little sit-in with Lakeview's confused elderly bumpkins will be much of a toss-up for how our state swings.

Maverick Maverick Maverick!