The Pennsylvania Primary

Well. It's finally here. Pennsylvania's primary. If you're a Democrat, you finally get to decide which extreme left-of-center candidate is right for you. If you're a Republican.....well you have McCain or, if you are in a protest vote mood, Ron Paul or Mike Huckabee.

I confess that I was originally a Giuliani supporter. I felt Rudy offered the right mix of hawkishness on the Islamofascists' War Against Us, executive experience and tax-cutting acumen.
Unfortunately, his campaign got off the ground about as well as the Hindenburg.

So I'm left with John McCain. He's ok. On the War, he was the only candidate who was tougher than Giuliani. He's for eliminating earmarks which, while they represent a small part of the overall budget, is important symbolically and for re-establishing the party's credentials fiscally.

Ron Paul is actually halfway there for me. His take on smaller government and referencing the Constitution on domestic matters resonates with a small government libertarian conservative like myself. Unfortunately, his isolationist views are naive at best and disastrous at worst.

Mike Huckabee, outside of his income tax reform proposals, reminds me of what scientists would devise if the objective was Republican Jimmy Carter.

As for more local races, I keep getting phone calls to write in William Russell to run against John Murtha. I think I'm going to do it, just on general principle.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Predictions West

Well Pens-Sens has begun and after one period things are looking good for the black and gold. Here's hoping it continues. For now, here's my Western Conference picks:

1. Detroit vs. 8. Nashville: The Red Wings are loaded with talent, but most aren't picking them to get out of the second round. I think if they make short work of the Preds, they'll have a better chance, but the Predators are a decent hard-working bunch. That's worth two games. Detroit 4-2

2. San Jose vs. 7. Calgary: The Sharks are my pick out of the West, but this series could be a trap. The Flames have plenty of guys from the 2003 Conference Championship team and understand that vigorous defense can blunt the Shark attack. This will be a long series. Sharks 4-3

3. Minnesota vs. Colorado: A lot of analysts believe the 'Lanche will win this one fairly easily. I disagree. The Wild have one of the league's best goalies, one of the best coaches and one of the best systems in the game. Colorado has the edge talent-wise, but I doubt Theodore can be consistent and that Forsburg will hold up. Wild 4-3

4. Anaheim vs. 5. Dallas: The Ducks have been strong since Niedermeyer and Selanne returned from their semi-retirements. For the Stars, this could be their last chance for a deep run. The Ducks are just too strong defensively. Ducks 4-1

Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions 2008: Eastern Conference

More on McCain in the near future. For now, I feel like indulging my more enjoyable, and probably more socially-acceptable, obsession.

Round One: East

1. Montreal vs. 8. Boston: The Habs dominated the Bruins during the regular season and have historically dominated the B's during the playoffs as well. Montreal's superior special teams will make quick work of Boston. Montreal 4-1

2. Pittsburgh vs. 7. Ottawa: The Pens are much better defensively then they were last year. Fleury has also played exceptionally well since returning from a high ankle sprain. The Sens injury and goaltending issues will come to the forefront in a short series. Pittsburgh 4-1

3. Washington vs. 6. Philadelphia: This should be a fun series. The Flyers have superior playoff experience and will bang the Capitals hard. Ovechkin and Huet will have to come through in a big way to maintain home-ice. Philadelphia 4-2

4. New Jersey vs. 5. New York Rangers: Despite a dominating performance on Sunday by the Devils, the Rangers have a clear edge here. Brodeur will have to steal a couple to extend this series. New York Rangers 4-2