JOHN FUND: “But if pork remains part of the GOP governing model, it’s one that voters are starting to reject. In exit polls last year, those who actually showed up to vote reported that political corruption was a more important issue than the war in Iraq. In Alaska, where they have seen incumbent Republican arrogance up close, voters last year sent GOP Gov. Frank Murkowski packing. Upstart Sarah Palin defeated him in a primary by a wide margin and then won in the fall. Her approval ratings now top 90%. Her secret is that she won over voters by campaigning against corruption within her own party–much as Nicolas Sarkozy was able to do in France.” The GOP leadership, however, doesn’t seem bright enough to take advantage of this. But maybe more challengers will.