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(1) As a matter of fact, Harris has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury investigating a defense contracting corruption scandal, the same scandal that sent Republican Rep. "Duke" Cunningham to prison. Harris got reported campaign contributions from the defense contractor involved, was lavishly wined and dined by him, and, arguably, did questionable favors for him. Harris lied to her campaign staff and the public by denying that she had been subpoenaed, and she also failed to disclose the subpoena as US House rules require. These are unpleasant facts, but they are facts nonetheless, not media inventions.

(2) As a matter of mixed fact and opinion, Harris also has serious defects in her personal temperament that led to the loss of several capable campaign teams and ineffective handling of the controversies attending her. Barring indictment and conviction for corruption, these defects are not disqualifying as to Harris holding office, but they are a serious impediment to her political effectiveness. She has the GOP nomination, but will not come close to mounting an effective campaign or even raising the resources necessary for doing so.

(3) Personally, even knowing about these things, I will vote for Harris against Nelson. I fully expect her to lose though due to high negatives in statewide polling that date from the 2000 election and are aggravated by the defense contracting scandal. After Harris loses, I expect that she will blame the GOP for the loss. Harris will not be deterred by the fact that in doing so, she will devalue the cause her most ardent supporters are dedicated to. None of that "If we lose D-Day, it is only my fault alone" stuff like Ike intended, or some kind of Reaganesque Gipper speech. Harris will blame the GOP, not herself.

(4) As a matter of opinion, if one is a Harris enthusiast or even just a wavering GOP voter or conservative, I recommend voting and even working for Harris. The effort is worthwhile in spite of the above. A lot of campaigns that are destined to lose have to be fought, and fought hard, for the sake of the larger GOP cause.

(5) As a matter of opinion, if one loathes Harris and is not inclined to vote for her, here is another, perhaps grimmer way of looking at it. Nelson is liberal, and therefore dishonest and vile in the way that liberalism and liberals working in politics are always fundamentally dishonest and vile. Harris is nutty, but Nelson is worse. Vote for the screwball, not for the pinko, al Queda hugging baby-killer.