While we're still trying to figure out what lawmakers will do this week, it's worth noting an important date that's a year away.

Almost exactly one year from today -- June 30, 2010 -- will be a big week in Rhode Island political circles. That's the deadline for candidates for governor to file declaration papers.
By then the field will have long since shaped up -- some have suggested that the 2010 gubernatorial field has been shaping up since Governor Carcieri won his second term 2006 -- but nonetheless, that's the big day.

Chris Barnett, at the secretary of state's office, reminds Political Scene that the deadline also applies to candidates running for other general offices, as well as federal state and local seats.

-- Cynthia Needham