From Spotty's perspective . . .

Several days ago, Spot asked readers to say what they thought that Ron Erhardt and Geoff Michel had in common. Mitch wrote to say they both wear neckties in public, but no one else could think of anything apparently.

For Spot's admittedly different perspective, the biggest thing they have in common is that they are both bipeds. Spotty is a quadruped, of course, so he notices things like this.

Ron Erhardt and Geoff Michel have different philosophies on transportation and education finance; Erhardt actually wants to provide some. They differ on amending the constitution to prohibit gay marriage; Erhardt is against it; Michel would vote for Michele Bachmann's "defense of marriage" amendment.

Ron Erhardt is a steadfast opponent of shall issue conceal and carry handgun legislation; Michel is a political opportunist who was originally for the idea, then changed his mind, sort of, when he saw the issue going against him in the district. He still voted to permit handguns in retail establishments, like Southdale, and hospitals and nursing homes.

Geoff Michel gave himself a political lobotomy when he signed the No New Taxes Ever, I Really Mean It, Cross My Heart and Hope to Die pledge; Ron Erhardt did not.

Perhaps most important, Ron Erhardt does not while away his days polishing the governor's apples.