Sausage Links, potty-humor edition

Democratic congressional candidate Darcy Burner's home was "severely damaged" by a fire this morning. Horse's Ass has the coverage, while NorthWest Cable News has the video. ...

Meanwhile, other Democrats are urging state Attorney General Rob McKenna to jump into the debate about a city's authority to ban people from carrying firearms on city property. McKenna, who hasn't yet commented on the recent U.S. Supreme court rejection of a D.C. gun ban, will be a key player in deciding the legality of Mayor Greg Nickels' recent call to outlaw guns in Seattle parks. ...

Sunday, however, was not a good day for the park system's gun enthusiasts . ...

State Republican Party Chair Luke Esser lashes out at Gov. Chris Gregoire for her role in the failed uranium enrichment plant deal near the Tri-Cities. Gee. Didn't see that coming. ...

While Gregoire's campaign for re-election continues a run in the muck, the governor literally spent yesterday unclogging toilets in Tacoma. ...

Also in the toilet: The state's budget deficit is getting bigger. ...

Bathroom break: It's Canada Day up north. ...

Bathroom reading: The Evergreen Freedom Foundation has a new book examining the rights safeguarded by the state's constitution. ...

Wrong stall: Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley's campaign takes a swing at the plush country club home of his Republican opponent, U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith — and misses. ...

Gas is good? While U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Pasco, is hopping mad about four-buck-per-gallon gas, it seems you could actually be saving money with the inflated prices . ...

No gas, no problem: South Lake Union gets a biofuel station. ...

Soft stance: Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma, meanwhile, has changed his position on City Council member term limits. ...

Hard stance? While presidential candidate Barack Obama continues to upset progressives, this time with support of the Bush Administration's Faith Based Initiatives program, he's gaining significant ground in traditionally Republican states. ...

Dial M for money: Death with Dignity gains some monetary momentum. ...

Dial 911: U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is in Tacoma today to talk with police and community leaders about gang violence and drugs. ...

Say 9/11 one more time: Rudy Guiliani is all set to raise money for Burner's opponent, U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn. ...

Cell phone driving death watch: Today's the day. No more cell phone chatting in the car unless you have a hands-free device. Me? I'm getting a permanent Bluetooth ear implant. That way, I can be "hands-free" all the time. ...