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.
* As expected, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) made it official this morning, kicking off his Senate campaign.
* In a blow to former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R), the National Republican Senatorial Committee immediately threw its support to Crist.
* RNC Chairman Michael Steele was asked whether former Sen. Norm Coleman should concede after Al Franken is deemed the winner in Minnesota. Steele replied, “No, hell no.”
* Good news for Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.): Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio (D) has decided not to run for the Senate next year. With Crist getting into the race, it looks like the Democratic nomination will come down to Meek and state Sen. Dan Gelber.
* Will Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s (D) opposition to EFCA push unions to support the Green Party candidate in Arkansas next year?
* The Republican field running for Missouri’s open Senate seat may get a little bigger, with Washington University law school professor Thomas Schweich eyeing the race. He would likely face off against Rep. Roy Blunt and former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman.
* Michael Steele said the other day Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign came up short because the Republican base “had issues with Mormonism.” Yesterday, Romney criticized those comments, and Steele responded with a non-apology apology (he “regrets the way his comments have been interpreted”).
* Were John Edwards’ aides prepared to sabotage his campaign last year? Joe Trippi isn’t buying it.
