Looks like more polar vortex fun for those of you east of the Mississippi. Bundle up.

Here are some warm midday news/views snacks:

* In contrast to what’s happening in Arkansas, Virginia Democrats won a special state senate election that may help them win control of the chamber and improve chances for Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proposed Medicaid expansion.

* Speaking of VA, conservative reporter Byron York explores the indictments against former Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife and concludes they allege deep and systemic corruption.

* New PPP survey of FL shows unpopular incumbent Gov. Rick Scott gaining ground against his unpopular predecessor and current opponent, Charlie Crist.

* House GOP Whip Kevin McCarthy articulates what may be next “Republican Establishment” position on immigration: yes to legalization, no to citizenship.

* Another nasty GOP Senate primary now brewing in OK, where special election will be held to fill Tom Coburn’s seat.

And in non-political news:

* Sears to close its flagship downtown Chicago store.

As we break for lunch, here’s Cyndi Lauper on French TV performing “Sally’s Pigeons,” a song about a friend’s death from an unsafe illegal abortion (with an a cappella rendition of “True Colors” as a bonus).

YouTube video

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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.