The Republican Party's latest gripe involves legislation drafted by, of all people, John McCain.

Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan said Wednesday that he wants the courts to eliminate restrictions on coordinated spending by national parties and federal candidates and to permit the national organizations to raise money for state parties.

Duncan said he planned to file suits Thursday in federal courts in Washington D.C. and in Louisiana. His goal, he said was to "strengthen the Republican Party and bring a more level playing field to campaign finance."

Duncan complains that the RNC's inability to coordinate with its candidates causes "results where candidates are often upset with the message that is going out." When the Party has to guess at the candidate's message (or when, as in McCain's case, the candidate doesn't speak for the campaign), it's easy to see how a conflict could arise. The remedy: nominate candidates who have a clear message.