We're at T-minus four days to the 2008 primary, and the electioneering is in full swing. Here are the top ten sings that we're in election season:

1) The only thing turning faster than the leaves are members of the Democratic Party rushing to find their friends.

2) People who are usually candid start spouting meaningless rhetoric and double talk.

3) Lawn signs sprout like spring has come late.

4) Your mailbox is stuffed with political junk mail, in addition to the regular junk mail.

5) Candidates for public office start popping up in odd place, like on your door step. Or the police station.

6) Politicos seeking various offices seek out any opportunity to remind the opposition that they don't like the opposition. Public meetings, farmers' market, open mic night at Cafe Lena, etc...

7) Newspapers publish candidates' answers to generic questionnaires in lieu of actually doing time-consuming analysis.

8) The mud flies often, in every direction, and without reason.

9) There is an uptick in sneakers sales as candidates pound the pavement and wear through their shoes.

10) Suddenly, everyone has to pick a side, and it's much more complicated than choosing
between blue and red. No waffling allowed here!