The Arizona Democratic Party bowed out of Arizona presidential primary earlier this week.

Jennifer Johnson, the spokeswoman for the Arizona Democratic Party, told The Range that the party will instead have a caucus in the congressional districts later this year.

“That will save the taxpayers some money,” Johnson said.

But we couldn’t help but wonder if the Democratic Party’s decision had anything to do with Project White House 2012, the Weekly’s reality-journalism competition that is helping average citizens get their names on Feb. 28 presidential primary ballot. (You'll find details on how you can run for president here.)

After all, it would be a tremendous blow to President Barack Obama if a dark horse candidate on the Arizona primary ballot were to defeat him.

Johnson denied yesterday that the Democrats cancelled the primary because they were afraid that a Project White House 2012 candidate might have defeated Barack Obama.

“I’m guessing that was not the driving decision,” said Johnson, who claimed to be unaware of Project White House 2012.

Johnson also brushed aside suggestions that the Arizona Democratic Party was seeking to block the ability of Americans to fulfill their childhood dreams of seeking the White House.

“We’re not quashing anyone’s dreams,” Johnson said. “If they really want to run, I’m sure there’s a technical process they can go through if they want to participate in the caucus process.”

Whatever the reasoning, the decision to not have a Democratic primary has big implications for Project White House 2012. Now, any candidate who wants to be on the February primary ballot—and join our reality journalism competition to win the Tucson Weekly endorsement—will have to run as a Republican.

BTW, the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office has finalized the nomination form, so if you’re ready to launch your campaign, you can download it right here: Nomination_Paper_PPE.pdf

Tonight on Arizona Illustrated's Political Roundtable: We talk about Newt vs. Romney in AZ, the ongoing court fight over health care for Arizonans under the poverty line, Congressman Raul Grijalva's fight with Sheriff Joe and a bunch more. Plus, Mayor Jonathan Rothschild stops by for a visit! Tune in at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 6 or come back here later to watch it online.

• Michael McKisson/TucsonVelo.com
• A rider flips over turning the cyclocross race in Tucson.

A local mountain bike racer has made the first cut for the US Olympic team. Find out more Chloe and what the selection means.

BICAS, Tucson's bicycle coop, held their annual art auction and raised more than $14,000. See which piece went for $2,500.

The turnout for the Toys for Tots bike ride was dampened by the threat of foul weather. Check out how many people showed up and what a bike sleigh looks like.

Photos: People on bikes

• Illustration Ryn Gargulinski
• A boy named Sue may not have a fighting chance.

Emma tops the recently released list of the most popular baby names for 2011, which means every other kid entering kindergarten in 2016 will be fighting for the lunchbox marked with the letter E.

The most popular list of baby names is released annually by BabyCenter.com and it can be a very helpful tool for parents — when it comes to knowing what not to name their kids going forward.

Top names for 2011 for little girls kick off with Emma, and then continue through the top five with other names ending in A. Emma is followed by Olivia, Sophia, Isabella and Ava. Taking up the rear through slot number eight are Madison, Emily and Ella.

Mason tops of the list of popular little boy names, followed by Liam, Noah, Ethan and Jacob. Aiden, Jackson and Logan complete the top eight.

This is not to say that any of these names are not beautiful or cool. One of my childhood cat’s three names was Mason and Jimi Hendrix really belts it out when he’s screaming for “Izabella” (although the name has an alternate spelling).

In my homeland of Wisconsin, where it is often cold enough to freeze wild animals solid, nobody drinks hot toddies. This has always seemed like an enormous missed opportunity, but up there the drink de riguer is canned beer, and even subthermal temperatures don't change that.

Down here in Arizona, where it gets cold enough to warrant a hot toddy but for a few short months, we have to strike while the iron is hot, or cold, as it were. In the same way that we don fleece jackets and beanies when the temperature dips below 50, I bust out the teapot and liquor at the first hint of a chill. You might consider doing the same.

My favorite recipe this year has been one ounce each of dark rum and ginger liqueur mixed with a tablespoon of honey, a lemon wedge and topped with hot water. The warmth courses through the veins and brings life back to chilled limbs. The liquor hits fast and loosens both mind and tongue. It is an enjoyable experience in every respect, and I strongly recommend mixing one up at your earliest convenience.

That is all.

As far as I can tell, Tool, fronted by winemaker/Arizonan Maynard James Keenan, hasn't performed in Tucson since May of 2007, so it's news that they're coming back to the TCC Arena on January 17th of next year. The band is currently working on a new album, their first since 2006's 10,000 Days, so fans can hope for at least a preview of the new material. Tickets will range from $37.50 to $67.50 (pre-Ticketmaster charges and such) and will go on sale next Friday the 16th at 10 am.

In this installment of our music recommendation series, our music writers suggest tracks by Halloween Town, Big Star, and Television.

• Unfortunately blurry photo by Dan Gibson

The Cub Scouts of Pack 261 are visiting the Tucson Weekly offices today to learn about how a weekly newspaper is put together. We don't get all that many tour groups through here, so this merits a blog post, right? Thanks for coming by, Scouts!

Jon Stewart wonders why Sen. John McCain is so eager to give away American freedoms in the fight against terror.

We've just gotten word that a new sushi joint is going in at the old Golden Corral spot at 715 E. Wetmore Road. Koi Sushi Bar has yet to post an opening date, but the liquor license has already been applied for and is currently pending approval.

We'll let you know when we learn more.