Midday Open Thread

* We all know by now that Hillary Clinton announced a presidential run. So, on the Republican side, did Senator Sam Brownback. And John McCain has hired Bush's advertising team.

* The New York Times takes a look at what Clinton's entry into the race means for fundraising, not just for Clinton but for Obama and Edwards. Hotline notes that

Clinton becomes the first candidate to officially acknowledge that she won't accept federal matching funds for either the primary and the general election.

* The Carpetbagger Report finds Senator Jay Rockefeller "stepping up and telling the Bush gang that we won't get fooled again."

* Jessica at Feministing and Amanda at Pandagon have reports from the National Advocates for Pregnant Women conference.

* Charley on the MTA at the Blue Mass Group shows why the appointment of Representative Ed Markey to head a Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming is a significant step forward in addressing these issues.