Better late than never: The news and politics from this week's print edition of Seven Days...

• In this week's cover story, Paul Heintz looks at the state of the Vermont Republican Party — short on cash, organization and viable candidates.
• In a related story, Andy Bromage tries to shed a little light on Lenore Broughton, the woman who's contributed more than $600,000 to conservative super PAC Vermonters First. (You've already read what happens when you try to photograph her...)
• Cass Gekas is young, broke and running for lieutenant governor. Does she have a shot at unseating Phil Scott?
• Burlington voters will cast their ballots on a $9 million bond that Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger says is necessary to secure the city's financial future. 
• In a related story, learn about the other ballot items Burlington will vote on come Nov. 6, including a waterfront revamp and a referendum on pot legalization.
• Remember playing Army as a kid? A group of Vermonters are taking that to its logical extreme in Charlotte using Airsoft guns.
• Yours truly asked two of Seven Days' graphic designers their thoughts on this year's crop of campaign lawn signs. If they're going to be ubiquitous, they may as well look good.
• In Fair Game, Paul Heintz takes a closer look at the latest campaign finance reports. Plus, the future of the attorney general's office, and auditor candidate Vince Illuzzi un-endorses Mitt Romney.

Illustration by Kym Balthazar