'Blowing up on the launch pad': Re l'affaire St. Fleur: It's about Reilly's judgment -- not tax liens or unpaid bills. Reilly has managed the near impossible by making John Kerry look consistent and decisive in comparison. ... I actually admire St. Fleur, who truly does have an inspiring immigrant story to tell. I do not begrudge her having -- or others having had -- financial problems. But her initial political instincts were spot on that her financial problems would become an inevitable issue in a statewide political race. She warned Reilly so. Reilly's instincts weren't spot on. He ignored the warning. The entire affair speaks volumes about his judgment. ... FYI: If I lived in St. Fleur's district, I'd probably vote for her reelection. I don't agree with most of her political views. But I respect where she's come from in life and the dignity she's shown over the past few days. ...

Update -- Carpundit tallies up all her other financial transgressions. They're more damning than I originally thought. I guess I'm lucky that I put the word 'probably' in the above FYI note. But I do have a soft spot for: a.) people who struggle in life and b.) Haitian immigrants in particular. If you've ever been to Haiti (and I have), one appreciates how remarkable St. Fleur's rise has been over the years. ... FYI II: Observations on Reilly remain unchanged.

Update II -- Wayne and Joan: It's about judgment. ... Like Joan, I'm beginning to wonder how much longer Reilly will stay in the race.  ¶ 8:27 AM