There are elections today in Indiana, and North Carolina, and Wisconsin, all of which have something different to say about the state we're all in as we creep inexorably toward the general election in the fall. There is only one overriding issue common to all of them: the spectacular overreach in the wake of the Republican landslide in 2010, and the transformation of the Republican party itself completely into a vehicle for seriously radical politics.

In Indiana, it appears that Dick Lugar, the Ent who has been in the U.S. Senate since god was a boy, is about to get the boot in favor of Richard Mourdock, a Tea Party-blessed crackpot and careeer retread. On Sunday, the gang on This Week had a high old time fitting Lugar for a shroud. George Effing Will actually said:

"I know them both. And there comes a point when people bring out the most powerful slogan in politics, it's time for a change. And the fact is, he's served with distinctions for 36 years, and I don't think we should commit promiscuous sociology here by finding something about the country when people in Indiana said enough. Let's try someone else."

The wise Hoosiers have spoken, and we must heed their judgment. Get thee hence, elderly loser! My speed-dial is dead to you!