It’s probably a bad idea to end the day by thinking about, much less writing about, Queen Esther of the Permafrost. So for all of us, a quick palate-cleanser before we focus on returns from Biloxi and Opelika:

* In what sure looks like anticipatory whining, Rick Santorum claims Fox News is in the tank for Mitt.

* Tim Kaine offers Senate opponent George Allen agreement on banning ads by Super PACs who won’t disclose donors. No word back yet from the Macaca Man.

* In the spirit of the national focus on the Heart of Dixie, Daniel Luzer at College Guide discusses Alabama controversy over direction of the state’s community college system.

* Kevin Drum applauds Justice Department action on Texas voter ID law.

* Reid demands Senate action on stalled nominations.

And in non-political news: Miley Cyrus and Ke$ha among those appearing on Bob Dylan tribute album. Is nothing sacred?

I’ll have AL/MS analysis aplenty tomorrow.

Selah.

Ed Kilgore

Ed Kilgore is a political columnist for New York and managing editor at the Democratic Strategist website. He was a contributing writer at the Washington Monthly from January 2012 until November 2015, and was the principal contributor to the Political Animal blog.