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These diaries are intended to provide an up-to-date emergency information and references for our many Southern California Kossacks. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those effected by the fire.

Please, NO PICTURES. We are trying to keep these diaries loading easily.

This is a place for emergency information and updates. It is not a place to speculate on why people live where they do, mock, gloat, or post frivolous comments. Take it elsewhere.

Local media links and emergency numbers are below the fold

In light of Markos's earlier civility post, in which he specifically calls out primary diaries as an area in need of some civility  improvements, I'd like to plead my case for a clean slate (with each other) in the primary diaries.

I've noticed that one common, and IMHO particularly pointless, way the pot gets stirred is when people start bringing up old diaries, comments, and comment ratings. Seriously, no good can come of that.

So I propose that we simply declare a clean slate starting from Markos's post. No more dredging up old comments and using them against people. No more fights over who uprated or troll-rated pcd or lovingj, or whatever strange comment poster x,y, or z made somewhere else.

I know it's natural to hold a grudge against someone when you feel he or she has insulted you or something you care about - but there has been plenty of incivility to go around, so I think everyone is in basically the same position in terms of forgiving and forgetting. Or at least having the self-discipline to just leave it alone.

Maybe we can take a break from the character assassination too? I don't believe we'll ever have perfectly civil primary diaries, but who else wants to get in on previous-comment amnesty?

As Kossacks undoubtedly know, the Presidential campaigns recently reported information about their finances. Yesterday Adam B wrote a front page post detailing large and small dollar contributions to each of the Democratic Presidential campaigns.

In this diary, I analyze geographic information about campaign donations to Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards. My apologies to supporters of the other Democratic candidates; I simply didn't have the time to look at everyone. I look at who raised the most money in each state, who raised the second-most, and the extent of the difference between the first place and second place fundraiser.

I also try to understand geographic patterns of donations as a proxy for regional support. I look at whether candidates are performing well across a geographically close group of states and, when appropriate, take into account the marginal advantage the top fundraiser has over his or her closest competitor. I also look at how candidates are performing (money-wise) in swing states.

You know, just in case we need to.

Just when you think Tom Friedman's seen the light - no such luck.

In today's column (behind the Times Select wall, but I excerpt some relevant material) Friedman finally gives up the waiting game. No more September deadline, no more Friedman units, no more waiting in general for progress that will never come.  

Lots of Obama news to report tonight. So much we had to split it into two diaries, so be sure to check out enarjay's early edition roundup. Here's what you'll find below the fold.

• Obama will support Reid-Feingold
• Obama continues pressuring Republicans to end the war. Today he launched online petitions urging each of the 20 Republican Senator running for re-election in 2008 to end the war. Be sure to add your name if any of these Senators are your Senators!!
• Obama releases more information about his plan to make college affordable
• ABC news picks up the tax-return story
• Obama continues to lead in South Carolina and hold his ground nationally
• Fun Obama-Clinton sketch from MadTV

On March 23rd American Research Group released primary polling from Iowa, New Hampshire, Arkansas, and Texas. Their website also has intrastate polling from 24 states. In this diary I report early primary polling data and summarize some of the trends American Research Group polling indicates.