Tim Pawlenty -- or, more accurately, "Tim Pawlenty," the character in Courage to Stand: an American Story loosely based on the Minnesota Governor -- comes across as very likable. He's an aw-shucks guy from a small town, self-confident but not conceited, principled but not stubborn, deeply religious but not preachy. He loves hockey, and his family, possibly in that order.

Chris Cillizza, who writes "The Fix" political blog at the Washington Post, is one of the best of the best. But his analysis -- in my humble opinion -- is very wrong about the 2012 Republican Presidential race, for which he has just updated his Top 10 rankings. (I'll have my new rankings up early next week.)

First off, Cillizza falls into the trap I blogged about yesterday, of discussing the possibility of Mitt Romney "skipping" Iowa.

There's a spate of headlines zipping around the national politicojournosphere that Mitt Romney is considering "skipping" the Iowa caucuses in his quest for the 2012 campaign.

I am writing to ask my fellow journos and pundits, wherever they may be, to resist echoing the ridiculous verb "skip" in discussing this. If Romney spends less of his resources on Iowa this time (as I have long suggested he will), it will be because he believes he can't win there, and doesn't want to be seen as trying and losing.

Massachusetts Senate leadership, announced late last week, included a number of changes by necessity -- top people had gone, leaving vacancies at assistant majority leader (which went to Steven Tolman of Boston), majority whip (Jack Hart, Boston), assistant majority whip (Harriett Chandler, Worcester), and Ways & Means chair (Stephen Brewer, Barre).

In this week's issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I look at a new movement that might, finally, make real criminal-justice reform politically feasible. That movement is coming from die-hard movement conservatives.

Sure, Newt Gingrich, Grover Norquist, and the Concerned Women for America are coming at the issue from a different perspective than the generally liberal long-time advocates.

"Neal" asks:

What do you think of Bob Massie's candidacy?

Massie of Somerville, the 1994 Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, is running for US Senate. I think he's got a real chance of appealing to liberals in the primary, but the big question is whether he can build a serious organization (including fundraising) -- which may depend on who else enters the race (and how long it takes them to decide).

"Bart D" returns us to the arcanery of obscure Massachusetts politics, asking:

What do you think Mike Lake's next move is? Is he done? 20% of the vote wasn't bad for a first timer running statewide.

I definitely do not think he's done in politics -- his Quixotic run for state auditor impressed a lot of people, and demonstrated his organizational power.

"Mat Helman" asks a lengthy multiple-choice question; I will address each potential answer as they are presented:

Among the GOP Presidential contenders, which personal life blemish would have the biggest negative impact on: A) GOP primary voters, and B) general election voters:

1) Former MA Gov. Mitt Romney strapping his dog to the roof of his car for a drive to Canada.

"Josh D." asks:

How could you leave Mos Def off your top ten list?!?!

For those who aren't into the social networking thing (and if you are, please follow me on twitter.com/dbernstein), a few days ago, prompted by a mention of Yo Yo performing at the White House state dinner (it was actually Yo Yo Ma, unfortunately) I posted my Top 10 list of best all-time female rappers: #1 Lyte, #2 Missy, #3 Yo Yo, #4 Queen, #5 Lauryn, #6 Kim, #7 Eve, #8 Brat, #9 Grae, #10 Foxy.

"ChrisMath" asks:

Do you see Richard Tisei challenging Rep. John Tierney in the 6th District in 2012? If so, do you think he has a chance at a win? He's well liked and certainly less controversial than Hudak was.

Tisei v. Tierney would be awfully confusing to write about - I'd prefer candidates with fewer similar letters in their names.

"Certifiable Political Junkie" asks:

One, thinking ahead to 2014, does anyone come to mind as a plausible GOP candidate for Governor? Second, do you foresee any of the congressional incumbents retiring in order to avoid the redistricting bloodbath and a potential primary?

On the first question: Sure -- Charlie Baker, for one.

"Johnny" hits me with three questions that I'm not going to be very helpful with:

Which people at the Probation Department will be indicted? Any legal basis to the argument that the city council had no authority to expel Turner prior to sentencing? Who's the sitting city councilor with the worst reputation as a lech?

Ask Me Anything Day is gaining momentum!!! "Joe Belino" asks:

Because of Sal LaMattina being named Boston City Council Vice President do you think that the Mayor will run for re-election and at that time LaMattina will be President of the council?

Joe, clearly a devious fellow, calculates that Menino will set it up to run and win re-election in 2013, and then resign soon after -- making the council president acting mayor, hence the notion of setting fellow Italian-American LaMattina up for that position.