THURSDAY’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.
* With just five days to go before the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Virginia, a new SurveyUSA poll shows Terry McAuliffe ahead with 35%, followed by state Sen. Creigh Deeds with 29%, and former state Del. Brian Moran close behind at 26%. The SUSA poll differs from a recent PPP survey, which showed Deeds inching ahead.
* In this year’s other gubernatorial race, a new Rasmussen poll in New Jersey shows former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie (R) leading incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine (D) by double digits: 51% to 38%.
* The Republican Senate primary in Connecticut is getting a little more crowded, with Tom Foley, a former U.S. ambassador to Ireland, throwing his hat into the ring yesterday.
* Positioning is well underway in Minnesota, with a suddenly wide-open gubernatorial race on tap for next year. Among the Republicans reportedly eyeing the race are former Sen. Rod Grams and former Rep. Jim Ramstad (R). No word yet on whether former Sen. Norm Coleman (R) might run.
* In the increasingly unpredictable Senate race in Florida, Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) announced yesterday that she’s forming an exploratory committee.
* And speaking of the Senate race in Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist (R) enjoys the support of the Republican establishment, but former state House Speaker Marco Rubio continues to pick up far-right supporters.
* Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) made abundantly clear yesterday that he will not run for president in 2012.
