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.
* In New York, a Seina poll (pdf) shows Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) with a big lead over Harold Ford in a likely primary match-up, but the appointed senator trailing former Gov. George Pataki (R) in a hypothetical general election.
* In keeping with other recent data, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) enjoys big leads over the Republican field in the latest Research 2000 poll of the upcoming Senate race.
* In Florida, Rep. Kendrick Meek (D), the party’s leading candidate in the upcoming Senate race, has temporarily suspended his campaign to travel to Haiti to help with relief efforts. Meek’s district has one of the nation’s highest Haitian-American populations.
* A Research 2000 poll in Colorado shows Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (D) and former Rep. Scott McInnis (R) tied at 43% in this year’s gubernatorial race.
* On a related note, the same poll shows appointed Sen. Mike Bennet (D) leading former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton (R), 40% to 39%.
* In Texas, a Rasmussen poll shows Gov. Rick Perry leading Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in their GOP gubernatorial primary race, 43% to 33%.
* Republicans in New Mexico have struggled to find a credible gubernatorial candidate, but have persuaded Pete Domenici Jr. to run. Domenici is the son of a longtime retired New Mexico senator, but Jr. has never sought elected office at any level before.
* Dispelling retirement rumors, Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-W.Va.) announced that he will seek re-election.
* And with Rep. Vic Snyder (D) retiring in Arkansas this year, will Dems find a credible candidate to step up? Apparently, they have two: both Lt. Gov. Bill Halter (D) and retired Gen. Wesley Clark (D) are interested.
