There was a great article in yesterday's St. Louis Post Dispatch entitled "Mark Twain: Reports of His Conservativism are Greatly Exaggerated."  It is by Don Corrigan, professor of journalism at Webster University.  I had it pointed out to me by two friends today.  Here is a web link.  If for some reason this doesn't work, go to the Post Dispatch web site and put in Mark Twain. The article will be the first hit.  Terrell Dempsey
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/news/5C7739DE5ED4BC6686256D0D003202B0?OpenDocument&highlight=2%2CMark%2CTwain&headline=MARK+TWAIN+REPORTS+OF+HIS+CONSERVATISM+ARE+GREATLY+EXAGGERATED+Although+right-minded+Missourians+cling+to+him+as+their+favorite+son,+the+celebrated+man+from+Hannibal+exhibited+a+penchant+for+leaning+left.