Why I shudder to think that NLS's source might have additional tips to toss over the transom, we've seen this premature obituary syndrome at mainstream media outlets before, even with all their layers of editors and fact-checkers. A blogger has now joined the club.

95% of the time NLS is absolutely must reading for Virginia political junkies. The other 5% makes you wonder who's minding the store.

We know whose minding the store, it's Ben Tribbett.

Here is the text of his post this morning.

Vince Callahan 1931-2005
Sources tell us Delegate Vince Callahan of McLean has fallen ill. We are unable to confirm this yet, but if our source is correct we are talking about hours and not days or weeks until there is an announcement.
Delegate Callahan began in the House in 1967, and over the last 38 years has seen his Republican party explode in growth and carry him to the Chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee. Callahan, who voted for Governor Warner's budget last year, then voted against it avoided both a primary challenge and a general election challenge this year showing how popular he is in both political parties.
The Callahan family is in our thoughts and prayers today.
A special election is expected to occur on general election day.
This district was drawn to be a northern Fairfax County stronghold for the Republicans in the last redistricting, but the results have moved as fast as the lines as John Kerry won here last November. Early speculation centers on the following candidates:
Republicans
Front Runner: Dave Hunt who challenged Janet Howell in 2003 has served as Callahan's aide and will be a strong candidate for this seat.
Backup Plan: Whitney Adams, who challenged Janet Howell in 1999 lives to Vienna but may move back to McLean if she sees an opportunity.
Wild Card: Ken Starr lives in this district, and his wife is very involved in the community. There is some speculation that he might enjoy this job in retirement.
Democrats
Front Runner: Pam Danner who challenged Janet Howell in 1999 and then became a Democrat is considered the front runner for this seat.
Backup Plan: John Foust who ran for Supervisor in this area in 2003 and lost by only 200 votes is also seen as a strong candidate.
Wild Cards: CTB Board member Margi Vanderhye lives in this district and is seen as eyeing a political future. Also, the children of former Senator Clive Duval live here and could enter politics.
We'll keep you up to date as we get more information on Delegate Callahan's condition.

We can say it is not delegate Callahan's obituary, since the honorable delegate is not dead and even not sick. So that has not happened, even on a blog like Not Larry Sabato.

Is there anything positive that we can the NLS missive? It apparently offers nothing but what it is not (written by one person, written by several persons, written by Ben Tribbitt, written by Larry Sabato's evil twin Marry)...

Mike, Glad we could move you away from your online bowling game long enough to post this. Is it true you wear the "E-Bowling" t-shirt everytime you start it up?

Here is a famous quote: "Blogs make mistakes, " said President Thomas Dewey.

We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features.

User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.