Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that won’t necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:
* With a new Quinnipiac poll in Virginia showing a tied gubernatorial race, note that Terry McAuliffe (D) enjoys a slight edge over Ken Cuccinelli (R), 34% to 31%, if Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling enters the race as an independent.
* In a provocative move, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) is promoting a PPP poll showing him leading Sen. Max Baucus (D) in a possible 2014 primary.
* Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) has been panicky for months about a possible 2014 primary opponent in Kentucky, and it appears one is emerging. Matt Bevin, who does not hold elected office, has reportedly begun a series of meetings with in-state Tea Party groups.
* With only about eight months remaining until New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, incumbent Gov. Chris Christie has a 74% approval rating a 37-point lead over state Sen. Barbara Buono, his likely Democratic challenger, in a new Quinnipiac poll.
* Failed U.S. Senate candidate Joe Miller (R) is reportedly looking to run again next year, and in keeping with the larger trend, that makes right-wing activists happy and the Republican establishment panicky.
* Is next year’s U.S. Senate race in Georgia a potential pick-up opportunity for Democrats? Public Policy Polling runs the latest numbers and suggests it’s possible.
* If incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn (D) intends to seek another term, he’ll need a new running mate — Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon (D) will not seek re-election.
* And Fox News personality Geraldo Rivera is reportedly interested in running for the Senate as a Republican in New Jersey next year, but preliminary polling suggests two-thirds of voters in the Garden State aren’t prepared to consider his candidacy.
The place for in-depth analysis, commentary and informed perspectives.