I've lived in and traveled to a lot of places, and I'm sure that Minnesota politics are some of the most childish that I've ever seen. The latest hot-button issue, however, should give voters pause.

First, it seems that Democrat Mike Hatch's running mate, would be Lt. Governor Judi Dutcher, has no idea what the term "E85" means. (For those if you not from the Great Lakes area, it's an ethanol-blended gasoline that is one of Minnesota's major exports.) That itself is a bit surprising, as current Governor Tim Pawlenty pointed out:

"One of the chief jobs of the governor and Lt. Governor is to market Minnesota and marketing agricultural products and renewable fuels is very important to this state. To have a candidate, just a few days before the election, who does not know what E-85 is...is surprising and I'd be quite concerned."

So would I, but that's not the shocking part of this we're- already- too- sick- of- your- commercials- to- care tale. The shocking part is Democratic challenger Mike Hatch's response:

Hatch responded to Pawlenty's comments by telling the Duluth News Tribune that "the Governor is so desperate, he's so far behind that he's picking on a woman. "

O RLY? Hatch might as well have said "We all know that women have tiny brains and can't be expected to understand complicated issues like E85. Shame on the big mean Governor for picking on a meek and helpless woman! (who happens to be running for Lt. Governor)."

I do say, it's a damned good thing that the weak and meek women of Minnesota have Mike Hatch to stand up for them! Wouldn't you agree?