For the Record: Eight is Enough
Happy Friday, For the Record peeps! Ever since George Pataki put it into our heads
Have any thoughts on the matter? Tweet us (@jmestepa@joannaallhands@RGJBrettMcGsubscribe and get For the Record goodness
Now, onto the headlines.
THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN
It’s time for (two of you) to go. (Andrew Burton, Getty Images)
At tribal council on Thursday, the national polls became the pieces of paper that allowed the top GOP candidates to participate in next week’s Fox Business News and Wall Street Journal debate. Those who made the cut: Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich and Rand Paul. Those who will have  to drink their way through the happy hour debate: former prime timers Chris Christie and Mike Huckabee, along with Rick Santorum and Bobby Jindal. Those who are crying on the boat that’s taking them to wherever Jim Gilmore’s been hanging out: Lindsey Graham and George Pataki. USA TODAY’s David Jackson has the details
ONE MORE YEAR! ONE MORE YEAR!
Emails, emails, emails. (AP)
You guys. We only have a year left together. We have to live it up. Here’s what may be in store:
BEN CARSON HEARTS THE FIRST STATE
Hi. I’m in Delaware. (Andrew Harnik, AP)
Who knew? The GOP front-runner vacationed with his family in Seaford, Del., for years. He secured $4.5 million in funding for that town’s Boys and Girls Club.  His youngest son went to the University of Delaware. And now, his candidate committee is leading in Republican donations in the state. Of course, the First State is the home of Veep Joe Biden and its congressional delegation and governor are all Democrats, but hey. Every little bit helps. Jon Offredo of the (Wilmington) News Journal has more
MORE FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Hill says Bill would run again if he could (USA TODAY OnPolitics)
So, how accurate are Jeb(!)’s criticisms of Cruz, Rubio and Paul? (FactCheck.org)
Humble and One Nation get Secret Service details (USA TODAY OnPolitics)
Bernie gets real back home (Burlington Free Press)
Jeb(!)’s new motto: Chill, dude (USA TODAY OnPolitics)
SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST
What rhymes with “Carson� “Awesome.†At least, that’s what’s going to happen in Ben Carson’s new hip hop ad
And finally, for the record, Martin O’Malley, we promise we know who you are