Amity Shlaes writes about a study that compared New Hampshire and Maine, and describes why New Hampshire's economy has performed better than Maine's. I live in New Hampshire, and I went to school in Maine. I love both states. All other things being equal, New Hampshire's tax environment is simply far superior to Maine's. End of story. Read the article anyway, even if you (like me) knew the answer before reading it.

Sean Trende analyzes the voting electorate that helped Republicans win in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts. If the trends continue, Republicans could take over the Senate, as well as the House.

Another newspaper reporter tries to understand the Tea Party movement.

Dan Quayle's son wins a Republican congressional primary in Arizona.

Meanwhile, also in Arizona, John McCain buries J.D. Hayworth in the Senate GOP primary. I have met McCain, interviewing him several times when he ran for President the first time. He is smart, funny, personable, and one of the most focused and determined men you'll ever meet. What gets me is why so many people thought Hayworth, a talk show blowhard, had a chance against a guy who used to spit in the eyes of his Vietnamese captors (getting a merciless beating in the process). In politics, it is not just about the issues, or the economic climate. It is also about the candidate, and how the public perceives that candidate.

In Alaska, a GOP incumbent is losing her primary, but votes are still to be counted.

In Florida, Kendrick Meek wins the Democratic primary, and will face Republican Marco Rubio and Independent (former Republican) Governor Charlie Crist.

Katrina vanden Heuvel writes about the efforts her fellow Progressives are undertaking to combat a recent Supreme Court decision that seemingly loosens the restrictions on corporate spending in political contests. Free speech can be an annoying thing, no?

Speaking of free speech, here is the latest in the never ending battle over political campaign signs along New Hampshire's roadways.