Linky

TOLEDO, Ohio -- A former GOP fundraiser at the center of a scandal-plagued state investment in rare coins that helped Democrats seize power in the midterm elections was sentenced Monday to 18 years in prison.

Tom Noe, a prominent coin dealer accused of taking at least $2 million, was convicted last week of theft, corrupt activity, money laundering, forgery and tampering with records.

But, you know, this is just The Man keeping a good man down, according to an acquaintance of mine...Unreal.

Meanwhile, Newt Gingrich snottily announces plans to run in '08...

"I'm going to tell you something, and whether or not it's plausible given the world you come out of is your problem," he tells Fortune. "I am not 'running' for president. I am seeking to create a movement to win the future by offering a series of solutions so compelling that if the American people say I have to be president, it will happen." So he's running, only without yet formally saying so.

If I were John McCain, I think I'd be hiring bodyguards about now...this'll be interesting.