I recall that Barney's quote was prefaced by some disclaimer acknowledging that he could be wrong and that he wasn't sure... In which case I'll be in touch with my old friend in Massachusetts.

However, it must be pointed out - since both Barney and I have captained many signature drives for referenda and candidates in Massachusetts - that, in the Bay State, elections officials invalidate all petitions with irregularities, including where the handwriting doesn't match that of the signator, or that lack a legal signature by the person who collected the petition, and that sort of thing.

So, to be fair: If Massachusetts Law were applied in this Venezuela referendum, it would already be over, and there would be none of the "second chance" that Venezuela election officials are so generously giving the "opposition" in this process.

In fact, in Massachusetts, it would be illegal to give them that second chance.

So let's keep it all in perspective. What's good for Massachusetts ought to be good enough for Venezuela, at least where our esteemed colleague from Congress ought to be concerned.

Then again, since I don't know the context of the interview, I'll give Barney the benefit of the doubt that perhaps he got ambushed or wasn't well quoted.