Given a string - execute a function by the same name

[python at bdurham.com]

I'm parsing a simple file and given a line's keyword, would like to call
the equivalently named function.

There are 3 ways I can think to do this (other than a long if/elif
construct):

1. eval() 

2. Convert my functions to methods and use getattr( myClass, "method" )

3. Place all my functions in dictionary and lookup the function to be
called

Any suggestions on the "best" way to do this?

Thank you,
Malcolm