TUESDAY’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.
* In the closely-watched special election in New York’s 20th congressional district, Republican Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, who refused to publicly express a preference on the stimulus package while it was under consideration, yesterday announced his opposition. Given the money headed for upstate New York in the package, that will be a controversial position.
* Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) announced yesterday that she will seek re-election, and will not run for the vacant Senate seat. This, of course, helps clear the way for Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.).
* The DNC released a new web ad today, criticizing congressional Republicans for attacking President Obama’s budget without offering an alternative.
* According to congressional Republicans, Sarah Palin will deliver the keynote address at the annual GOP Senate-House Dinner on June 8 in Washington. According to Palin’s press secretary, the governor has not agreed to appear. And according to Palin’s political action committee, she might appear.
* Much to Democrats’ disappointment, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) will not give up her Senate seat during her gubernatorial campaign. Democrats had hoped to see an open-seat contest in Texas.
* If Senate Republicans have their way, Minnesota will have one senator instead of two indefinitely.
* And the latest national CNN poll puts Obama’s approval rating at 64%. That’s down from 67% in mid-February, and the three-point drop is due to increasing opposition from Republicans.
