You already read in the Times' L.A. Now blog last month's report of an amazing coincidence — Bernard Parks' campaign web site bore a striking resemblance to Barack Obama's.

Parks is not alone. Many candidates are trying to hitch a ride on the Obama steamer if it serves their purposes. You probably won't see many Obama-esque slogans in the Senate district where Republicans Bob Huff and Dick Mountjoy are facing off, but check out the bottom of Isadore Hall's brochure for the 52nd Assembly District and the top of the Obama poster. Even the font is kind of similar, don't you think? By the way, the Times endorsed both Parks and Hall. Originality isn't everything.