Each year, I keep track of political comments and situations readers might find interesting or entertaining. Here are some of my favorites.

In a discussion about improving job opportunities, one local council member said, “What can we do without having to think?”

Sunland Park, N.M., Mayor Martin Resendiz had an unusual response as to why contracts he signed should be invalid. He said he was drunk. The former police officer and judge plans to run as a Democrat for Congress. Maybe he can run as the “honest” candidate.

“I had a Rick Perry moment” said a local official who couldn’t remember the third of three points he wanted to make. However, that may be better than using the usual phrase “a senior moment” because seniors are starting to get sensitive — and they vote.

The Driving Impact Panel of Island County has come up with an interesting way to bring attention to their fight against drunk driving. They held a wine tasting party. Proceeds will go into education.

“I haven’t studied the issue, but I have an opinion,” said one erstwhile candidate for city council. Another, who apparently doesn’t like to read, said “the budget is too hard to understand, it should be shorter.” Just a suggestion, but most voters like their candidates knowledgeable and informed. That’s so they can explain issues and the budget to the rest of us.

As an example, “to censure or to censor.” A nearby city council voted to “censure” a fellow council member for questionable behavior. However, after several citizens complained about the council’s “censoring” the council member, another council member in an effort to be helpful wrote a letter to the editor explaining the difference between the two words. Some residents felt they were being told they weren’t very bright.

Speaking of censors, the candidates for the Republican nomination for president may need one. Newt Gingrich said “it was his passion for his country that contributed to his marital infidelity.” Three times? He posted this helpful clarification to Christian Broadcasting.

Michelle Bachmann said “the hurricane and earthquakes are God’s warning to Washington to cut spending.” One political cartoon noted that God had also sent a drought to the Bible Belt and Bachmann to Minnesota.

“We’re all human here,” said the candidate for mayor of a city south of here, who was charged with theft, filed for bankruptcy, and had a guilty plea for drug possession. Must be quite a city.

The Tacoma mayor said, “I should have chosen my words more carefully,” after getting caught suggesting to a group of young Democrats that Republicans are racist. Maybe the message should have been “think before you talk?”

If you want one more election, then Whidbey Island is the place for you. Al the Alpaca’s term as mayor is coming to a close. For $1, residents can vote for their pet to replace Al. The new mayor will even make public appearances, although the speeches are expected to be shorter. It’s a fundraiser for Big BrothersBig Sisters.

Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen fired three indiscreet and apparently not very bright staff aides for commenting on Twitter about “drinking on the job” and their “idiot boss.” On the other hand, who hired them?

NASA recently announced that a new planet, Kepler 22b, has been discovered. As if that announcement will placate those of us who miss the much more regal sounding Pluto.

And lastly, the Tea Party was formed because some voters were disillusioned with the Democratic and Republican parties. According to the New York Times, a new group has been formed in response to the Tea Party and their “uncivil” behavior. It’s the Cocktail Party: a group of “unconcerned citizens, stirred and sometimes shaken into action in defense of the American spirit.” Their slogan is “join us under our tiny umbrella.”

Given the likely nature of politics in 2012, membership in the Cocktail Party may increase.

Happy holidays and thanks for reading.