Everybody knew Senator Mel Martinez, the Florida guy who took advantage of what’s known as “the Cuban Exemption” in order to become both a Republican and a Hispanic at the same time, would not run for re-election in 2010. But who knew he’d be resigning his seat a year early? MORE »

* Victims tell Congress of cruise-ship crimes.
* Your Risk of Being Sexually Assaulted is Much Higher on a Cruise Ship Than in the Average American City.
* 26 Cruise passengers sickened during Portland sailing.
* Travel agent snapped photo of couple before they fell off cruise ship.
* Cruise Ship Picks up Cuban Migrants.
* 1,200 Passengers flee sinking cruise ship. MORE »

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• Katherine Harris pens blog post, incites flurry of pandering to Florida’s Cuban voters. [The Hill Blog]

• Ousted from Connecticut, Juan Liebermantienez to lead coup in Cuba. [The Satirical Political Report]
• Vanity Fair releases military tapes from 9/11, titles article as if it were a classic rock box set. [Vanity Fair]
• The Republican party of Oregon, apparently more racist than in other states. [Oregon Live]
• Expect one less mysterious “tax” on your phone bill as Congress closes books on Spanish American War. [News.com]
• Christians pray for stability in Iraq, so they can hurry up and start proselytizing. [The Carpetbagger Report]
• Relive all the hot Texan backrub action at the G-8 with this new video game — fastest finger wins! [Addicting Games]

U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Fla., right, is hugged by Paul Debesa as she arrives Thursday, July 6, 2006, in the ‘Little Havana’ area of Miami. Harris, bidding to become the Republican candidate for a U.S. Senate seat, began the South Florida portion of her campaign by speaking at a restaurant. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

That’s our Kathy! With her fabulous world shrinking around her, our plucky heroine decided to bust out and find some new friends. And look! She found the Cubans! And I’m sure the delighted Cubans love Katherine right back, promising 100 votes for every old person hugged, 200 if she hugs them really, really close. MORE »