Almanac: At the Capitol

Leading my Campaign Notebook this week, veepstakes speculation reaches a new height for Gov. Tim Pawlenty just as he holds a local press event for John McCain. The topic was energy, but there were only a couple of obligatory questions about that. Of course what everybody wanted to know was what's up with his seeking (or not) a new job? You know he held to his "not engaging in speculation" about VP anymore, despite a couple of dozen attempts to get him off message. Overall, Pawlenty's demeanor seemed relaxed, comfortable, like perhaps a decision had been made. Those of us in the local press have had some turbulent times with our governor in the last year, but the interactions at the press conference resembled the playful give-and-take of old. But, I'm sure he's not going to like press reports about his former spokesperson being pick up in a prostitution sting.

Leno ripped Pawlenty last night, mocking his low name ID. While reports circulated that an announcement would come this week, named campaign sources say McCain is ready to name his #2 anytime and that should happen within the next two weeks. The new Quinnipiac poll made McCain/Pawlenty happy along with Coleman's camp.

Speaking of Coleman, the Senate campaign bowling ad wars was the story of the week. The speed and expense in this race is really staggering. YouTube will have online Q&A sessions with the candidates. Steve Grove, Head of News and Politics at YouTube, tells me "Both Coleman and Franken have developed very robust YouTube channels they use to interact with the YouTube community. It seemed like a natural extension to bring their videos together and compare there visions for the Senate by letting voters ask the questions."