Some political pros (not Dems) actually advised state Sen. Alan Nunnelee not to run for Congress. They say he'll get creamed by Travis Childers.

But it looks like Nunnelee drank the GOP Kool-Aid, as we now know. He's working hard to make it happen, and anybody who can read the tea-leaves ahead for 17 months is a bigger man than I am. (Well, you know, I not a man at all.)

From some folks close to the situation, Nunnelee really would prefer to run for lieutenant governor in 2011 after Phil Bryant goes for the Big Office. Nunnelee, a Tupelo senator, has toiled in the trenches for Bryant and Gov. Haley Barbour as he's jockeyed for position in the next tier of GOP leadership.

But, always, standing in front of those dreams is a smart, handsome, telegenic guy from Gulfport – Sen. Billy Hewes.

Now word comes that Hewes may have nearly $500K in his campaign war chest, even before his first major fundraiser. That's impressive.

Hewes is a sharp cookie, too. He's worked hard in the Senate, held national legislative group posts and lived through Katrina to fight for his constituents. He's also a successful businessman.

And he's Senate Man No. 2, pro tempore, which is more than an honorary position.

Hewes is a man to watch. He's got "winner" written all over him.

Best of weekends - I've got yard work to do! ... patsy