MONDAY’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 New Jersey’s gubernatorial campaign, Republican Chris Christie is hoping to capitalize on the recent corruption scandal in the state by emphasizing his background as a prosecutor.
* In related news, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) has chosen state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D) as his running mate. Weinberg, not coincidentally, is best known for her work on ethics reform.
* In this year’s other gubernatorial race, R. Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell faced off over the weekend in their first head-to-head debate.
* As expected, Illinois state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) officially launched his Senate campaign over the weekend. Giannoulias, with $2 million raised and an endorsement from Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), appears to be the frontrunner for the party’s nod.
* Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick’s (D) chances for re-election appear poor, at least for now. A new Boston Globe poll shows his approval rating down to just 35% statewide. Among self-identified independents, it’s down to 28%.
* Former Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Va.), who narrowly lost his re-election bid last year, has apparently decided not to seek a re-match. Rep. Tom Periello (D), who defeated Goode, will remain a top GOP target.
* And under the circumstances, scandal-plagued Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), perhaps best known for his experiences with prostitutes, should probably steer clear of attack ads featuring the phrase “love fest.”
