With reform halted, or at least shushed, and the shibboleth, “What’s in it for me?” still a question that needs answering before politician’s buy into a political deal, the informed electorate has to be asking the questions, “Why do it?  Why take the risk?” And some of them are.  A growing topic among Chad‘s speaking engagements as of late, is state scandals. His most recent talk for the Down East Republicans included the most recent land-deal that has Governor Easley, trapped.  For scandals to make it to the top, they’ve got to start trickling in from the bottom.  How about N.C. alcohol chief, Doug Fox?  Hood had a comment or two. Then there’s those who fell out of favor, who’ve nevertheless found their way back in. As Jon Sanders reports on the rise, then fall, then rise, then fall, of John Edwards, there may be yet one last kick in this former Senator and former Vice-Presidential candidate.  His platform for 2008, and perhaps first donor, begins in poverty.