I hereby declare a Democratic victory in the much-hyped Pelosi/Murtha affair.

Here’s why:

• Pelosi stuck by Murtha because he helped her and stood up to Bush on Iraq. Loyalty is good.

• But the Democratic caucus rejected Murtha because he’s not good on ethics. Ethics are good.

• And the Democrats showed they’re independent, not beaten-down sheep like the Republicans were. Independence is good.

So, another Democratic victory this month. Onward and upward.

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