The more things change, the more they stay the same

Some things never change.
•Another Academy Awards show has come and gone, and we haven't seen more than two of the nominated movies.
•The Democratic presidential candidates are happily dismembering and digging up dirt on each other, thereby saving the Republicans tons of campaign money to accomplish the same tasks again this fall.
•Elton Gallegly is running for Congress again.

Regarding the last item, some of you may recall Gallegly dancing the two-step in 2006 when he tried to withdraw his candidacy at the last moment because of an unspecified medical problem, then, getting a clean bill of health at the 11th hour, sought reelection after all. He followed it up by disregarding the "never say never" adage in politics; Gallegly promised that it would be his last term in office.

That was before, of course, the congressman heard a groundswell of support calling for him to serve a 12th consecutive term.

To his credit, Gallegly has done a reasonably good job of representing his constituents and bringing home the bacon for road improvement projects and things like that.

Unfortunately, the conservative wing of the Republican Party isn't happy about spending that's contributed to the deficit.

Ultraconservatives may not be happy with Gallegly, but they won't rock the boat by challenging him. Gallegly will keep his seat until he retires.

He will never lose, just like the district next door that's held by U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles). Each district is so gerrymandered that Waxman or Gallegly would have to commit a major crime to be ousted from office by a challenger from the other party.

Like we said, some things never change.