Every day we ask influential politicos to send us their top three bullet points that are driving the day’s conversation inside and outside Washington.

RedState.Com Editor Erick-Woods Erickson:

- The narrowness of the Wisconsin Supreme Court election caught many conservatives off guard who’d expected a blowout for the liberal, union backed candidate. Justice Prosser was underfunded and understaffed and his campaign suggests unions will not be as successful with recall efforts as originally thought.

- A shutdown looms. The Debt Commission members and others are pointing out that, like it or not, Paul Ryan’s budget proposal is far more substantive than the Democrats’.

- Democrats are already out viciously attacking Paul Ryan’s budget, accusing him of starving old people and the poor. The talking points never change.

Firedoglake.com Blogger/Founder Jane Hamsher:

- Republicans threaten to defund vital programs, say their thrilled government may be shut down; Democrats appalled. Media can’t figure out who’s to blame.

- Ryan’s Budget Plan Is Ridiculous, But It Could Shift the Debate.

- In Manning Case, DOD Considers Illegal Data Mining Part of Capital Crime.

Editor’s Note: The blog is a place for a freewheeling exchange of ideas and opinions. CNN does not endorse anything said by its contributors