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.
* Rand Paul, the Republican Senate nominee in Kentucky, replaced his campaign manager yesterday, following last week’s extreme difficulties.
* In Connecticut, speculation that the Vietnam story would derail Richard Blumenthal’s (D) Senate bid appears to have been misplaced. A new Quinnipiac poll shows Blumenthal leading Linda McMahon (R), 56% to 31%. The pollster’s analysis added, “The more voters get to know McMahon the less they like her.”
* In related news, former Rep. Rob Simmons, who dropped out of the Senate GOP primary in Connecticut this week, said he doesn’t think McMahon can win, and doesn’t appear anxious to campaign on her behalf.
* And speaking of Connecticut, Quinnipiac also polled the gubernatorial race, and found Ned Lamont (D) and former ambassador Tom Foley (R) leading their respective primary fields.
* In Nevada’s closely-watched Senate race, Sue Lowden’s (R) troubles got a little worse, with the right-wing Club for Growth launching attack ads against her for not being conservative enough.
* The latest California survey from Public Policy Polling shows Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) struggling with a low approval rating, but nevertheless maintaining modest leads over all of her potential Republican challengers.
* Disgraced former Rep. Vito Fossella (R-N.Y.) will not be making a comeback this year after all.
* Also in New York, businessman Myers Mermel has entered the field of Republicans running for governor.
* And in Kansas, the latest SurveyUSA poll shows Rep. Jerry Moran pulling away in the Republican Senate primary, leading Rep. Todd Tiahrt by 24 points, 52% to 28%. The winner of the primary will be heavily favored to win in November.
