John McCain doesn’t even have an opponent in the 2010 U.S. Senate primary, but a new poll shows the race would be tied if he did.

In 2005, homophobic lawmakers in Texas inserted this clause into the state constitution: “This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage.” Their intent was prevent same-sex civil unions, but instead their incompetence may have opened the door to costly lawsuits and expense to the state.

I would never have posed for Newsweek in shorts.

— Former serial beauty pageant contestant and basketball player Sarah Palin, quoted by Politico, on this week’s Newsweek cover photo.

Most people were stunned when, after weeks of auditioning the Republican party’s best and brightest, Sen. John McCain chose the unknown and inexperienced Sarah Palin as his running mate in the 2008 presidential campaign. Charlie Crist was probably among the most surprised, but he might soon have even more reason to resent Sarah Palin.

I probably won’t, but I don’t get a chance to read things other than briefing books very often these days anyway.

— Pres. Barack Obama, when asked if he plans to read “Going Rogue” by Sarah Palin

There’s another crack in the Republican wall of opposition to Pres. Obama’s policies, nominees, and general existence. Sen. Richard Luger (R-Ind.) says he will vote to confirm the president’s first appeals court pick, despite hysterical cries from other Republicans.

By the way, I don’t know if we call him Levi — I hear he goes by the name Ricky Hollywood now, so, if that’s the case, we don’t want to mess up this gig he’s got going … Kind of this aspiring, aspiring porn — the things that he’s doing. It’s kind of heartbreaking.

— Sarah Palin, in an interview on Oprah, about the father of her grandson.

I just look at her in disgust … It’s almost funny, that she’s like, 46 years old, and she’s battling a 19 year old, and I’m winning. And I’m telling the truth. She’s lying and losing … If you look at her face, she’s got — she’s really — you can tell her mind’s going 100 miles an hour when Oprah asked her those Levi questions … I’ve got a lot more knowledge and credibility than she gives me credit for.

— Levi Johnston, in an interview on The Insider, about Sarah Palin.

The Lloyd’s Prayer

Our Chairman, Who art at Goldman, Blankfein be Thy name. The Rally’s come. God’s work be done on Earth as there’s no fear of Correction. Give us this day our daily gains, and bankrupt our Competitors as You taught Lehman and Bear their lessons. And bring us not under Indictment. For Thine is the Treasury, the House and the Senate, forever and ever. Goldman.

— From an e-mail that was circulated around Wall Street this morning.