Opinion: Pitching politics

WASHINGTON — This stage of the presidential race is a lot like spring training in baseball. Names that may never be heard again, once the season begins and games really count, fill the box scores and occupy the news columns. People like former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore or former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel, who have no remote claim to be considered presidential candidates, get mentioned at the bottom of stories.

By: David Broder,