The DNC Responds Rapidly

SIMI VALLEY -- The Democratic National Committee plans to bracket tonight's Republican debate with dispatch and in person. Two DNC officials -- Michael Gehrke, the research czar, and communications director, Karen Finney, strolled through the reporters' filing center this afternoon handing out tabbed binders full of alleged GOP ne'erdoings.

Three candidates were so honored: McCain, Giuliani and Romney.

"The Republicans have their spin, and we wanted to provide our interpretation," Finney said. It's a two-track operation. Back in Washington, DNC warroom operatives will live-blog the debate and e-mail reporters real-time rapid responses.

For months, the DNC has been working aggressively to try to define Republican candidates and regularly pepper reporters with research reporters and fact sheets.

And just how did Finney get a credential to the Reagan library?

"We asked," she said. [MARC AMBINDER]