This is Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), and everyone's chattering about a thing she said during a recent town hall, in an attempt to explain if/how the GOP can get its act together to defeat Barack Obama in 2012…

"Republicans are struggling right now to find the great white hope," Jenkins said to the crowd. [...] "So don't, you know, lose faith if you are a conservative."

Ruh-roh!

Now if it were me, and people were writing about my "racist" use of the phrase 'great white hope,' I'd be all, "Duh, I meant to say 'great white shark,' because as I'm sure you're aware Carcharodon carcharias is the biggest predatory fish in the world, which is obviously a metaphor for Republicans, who will require many rows of metaphorical teeth in order to defeat Barack Obama."

But hey, what do I know? Let's find out how Team Jenkins handles the spin…

[Spokesperson Mary] Geiger released the following statement on Jenkins' behalf: "There's no doubt the Republican Party has gone through some dark and challenging times in recent years, but thankfully bright young leaders have stepped up to lead the party into the future and she hopes to be a part of it."

Yep, I'd go with the sharks.