WEDNESDAY’S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP….Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers.
* Let’s just say Norm Coleman’s legal strategy is off to a very bad start in the latest court hearings in Minnesota.
* Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) went after his Kentucky colleague, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, yesterday. On a conference call with in-state reporters, Bunning blasted McConnell for having said he’s unsure whether Bunning will seek re-election.
* Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) realizes that his new colleague, Kirsten Gillibrand, is known for having a record that’s pretty conservative for a Democrat, but he’s confident that “her views will evolve” as a senator.
* Speaking of Gillibrand, her 2010 ambitions got a boost this morning when she was endorsed by EMILY’s List, a move that may discourage a primary challenge from Rep. Carolyn McCarthy.
* In the race to replace Gillibrand, Republicans will run New York Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, a decision made yesterday by 10 Republican county chairs in the district.
* Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (D) is considering a run for the Senate in 2010.
* The National Republican Senatorial Committee has already started advertising against Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Nevada.
* Rep. Jerry Moran (R) appears to be the frontrunner in Kansas’ open-seat Senate race next year. A poll from Public Opinion Strategies shows him leading fellow Rep. Todd Tiahrt in a GOP primary, 41% to 25%.
* Republicans have suffered quite a bit at the ballot box lately, but the party is nevertheless optimistic about 2010 redistricting.
