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.
* The proposed RNC “purity test” continues to draw criticism from the party establishment, with many leading Republicans believing the measure “would only spur intra-party bickering at a time when Republicans are poised to make significant gains in next year’s mid-term elections.”
* Scandal-plagued Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) boasted yesterday that “a lot of people running for office next year” want to campaign alongside him, despite his humiliating sex scandal. And who, exactly, are these candidates anxious to be seen with Ensign? Neither the senator nor his office would say. Hmm.
* If the race came down to endorsements, Rep. Mike Capuano’s (D) Senate campaign in Massachusetts would be in great shape. Today, Rep. Ed Markey (D), the dean of the Massachusetts House delegation, will throw his support to Capuano, who trails state Attorney General Martha Coakley in all the polls. The primary is a week from today.
* In New Hampshire, Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-N.H.) will likely face a stiff challenge next year, and the GOP field of candidates hoping to take her on keeps growing.
* Dems consider Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) possibly vulnerable next year, and have apparently cleared the primary field for Dr. Ami Bera (D).
* Voters in Atlanta will choose a new mayor today, with a runoff election between city councilwoman Mary Norwood and former state Sen. Kamim Reed.
* And in a not-so-classy move that may have a little something to do with 2012, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) wants everyone to know that he wouldn’t have granted clemency to Maurice Clemmons.
