If the GOP is to extract itself from the mess in which it finds itself, it’s going to have to demonstrate that it is no longer the party of the Trent Lotts of this world. Given Lott’s current ranking in the Senate, that’ll be a tall order, but this story (follow the links, via Reason) about Alaska’s new governor might give a few clues as to the direction that the party might take – if it’s still interested in winning elections, that is. Alaska? Yup. Alaska, the home of Ted Stevens. Who would have thought that something at least potentially hopeful might emerge, to use Radley Balko’s, uh, vivid phrase, “from the oily, fish-strewn filth of Alaskan politics.” Interesting.