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.
* Is former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio prepared to give up his Senate campaign against Charlie Crist (R)? There’s some talk to that effect, though the far-right candidate denies he’s dropping out of the race.
* Speaking of Crist, it may not please Republican primary voters to hear the Florida governor concede that he believes the stimulus package is working.
* In Virginia, a new Rasmussen poll shows Republicans Bob McDonnell leading Democrat Creigh Deeds by three points, 44% to 41%.
* In New Jersey, a new poll from Monmouth University shows incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine (D) still trailing his Republican challenger, Chris Christie, 45% to 37%.
* Howard Dean is weighing on the Senate primary in New York, and has thrown his support to incumbent Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D).
* Sarah Palin has given the left a real fundraising boost: “MoveOn.org has raised over $120,000 in just a day after sending out an email criticizing the Alaska governor and asking for money.”
* Thirteen months after ending her Democratic presidential campaign, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is almost done paying off her campaign debts.
* Karenna Gore Schiff, Al Gore’s oldest daughter, thinking about a congressional campaign? Nothing definite yet, but there’s apparently some interest.
