FRIDAY’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.
* Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D) will retire at the end of his term after 16 years on the Hill. Kennedy’s district is heavily Democratic, and high-profile Dems, including Providence Mayor David Cicilline and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, are likely to consider the race.
* Despite rumors and faltering support, New York Gov. David Paterson (D) told supporters via email yesterday that he will seek another term. Paterson will almost certainly face state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in a Democratic primary.
* In Missouri’s closely watched Senate race, Rep. Roy Blunt (R) now leads Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) by seven, 49% to 42%. Blunt’s lead is one point larger than it was a month ago.
* A University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll shows incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R) with a big lead over primary challengers, though he’s still short of 50%. Houston Mayor Bill White (D) is leading the Democratic field.
* Former Sen. Dan Coats (R), hoping to make a comeback, has registered to vote in Indiana — the state he left about a decade ago — and rented a house to establish residency.
* In related news, a Research 2000 poll shows incumbent Sen. Evan Bayh (D) leading Coats by 20 points in a hypothetical match-up, 55% to 35%.
* North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr (R) will face a primary challenger this year, with Asheboro City Councilman Eddie Burks throwing his hat in the ring yesterday.
* In a bit of surprise, Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki’s (R) on-again/off-again interest in taking on Sen. Harry Reid (D) in November is off again. Krolicki said he will instead seek re-election to his current post.
* Joyce Murtha, Rep. John Murtha’s (D-Pa.) widow, may be the Dems’ top choice to run for her late husband’s seat.
* And in Florida, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) announced his retirement yesterday, and a few hours later, his brother, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), announced he’s giving up his seat to run in his brother’s district.
