The Debati in Des Moines

Santorum on Trump debate

(CNN) - Rick Santorum scoffed at some of his fellow GOP presidential candidates on Thursday for turning down Donald Trump's debate invitation.

[...]

"At this critical time in our nation's history, just weeks before Iowan's cast this important vote -- many of the other candidates want to hide behind TV ads and mail pieces," Santorum said. "We plan to be there front and center in person to debate Newt directly, and if it's just the two of us, we're fine with it."

*

Lord Mittens, Master of Hounds!

...poised to release mammoth legion of scent-hounds and terrier men to pursue wily Newt through the campaign mires.

At least according to this ominous communique via the SF Gate

(12-07) 22:29 PST BOSTON (AP)

Mitt Romney has a not-so-secret weapon against Newt Gingrich.

The former Massachusetts governor has built a mammoth political machine unrivaled in the GOP field, a campaign that's well entrenched in the four states to vote in January — Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida — and touches dozens of other states that his opponents have largely ignored.

At its national headquarters, Romney's team is executing a strategy that takes advantage of new party rules that award convention delegates in a different way. And supporters from Alabama to Alaska say they're prepared for an extended primary battle that could go well into the summer.

Prepare the colours, summon the honorary secretaries, sound the horn!

Run Newty run. Run for the thickets.

*

SBL Nature Trail

It's suet season again.

*