Florida is under a Tropical Storm warning. I expected to awaken to Tropical Storm Nicole this morning, but it’s still just Tropical Depression #16.  Why am I not surprised that Nicole is playing hard to get?

Anyway, Florida Power & Light permitting, I’ve got a great show for you today.

With election day now less than five weeks away, we’ll focus in on different aspects of this election season.

Last night, California witnessed the first debate between their gubernatorial candidates.  The once (and future?) Governor Jerry Brown, who was more impressive than I expected, and the Witless eMeg Whitman, who wasn’t.  David Dayen, who does a great job at the news desk of FireDogLake, will join me with his impressions of the debate – both as one who covers the news and as a California voter.

Next, we’ll turn to Howie Klein, the man behind Down With Tyranny, and one of the forces behind the Blue America PAC (who do a great job of identifying real progressive challengers to Blue Dogs and Republicans, and helps them raise funds).  Howie knows more than anyone else I know about the Congressional races and their players.  Beginning today, Howie will join us each Wednesday morning through November 3 to tell us what we need to know in this very important election year.

As we do every day, we’ll start hour two with a news report, courtesy of TRNS.

Tim Carpenter, national director of Progressive Democrats of America will join us to talk about PDA’s involvement in Saturday’s One Nation march in Washington DC.  They’re also planning a lobbying day on Friday, along with a reception with some of the progressive leaders in Congress.

Tomorrow on the show, Truthout‘s Jason Leopold and comedian John Fugelsang! Talk to you then, Radio… or Not!