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.
* In the latest twist in Alaska, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, recently defeated in a Republican primary, is now considering a write-in campaign. Expect some kind of announcement about the senator’s future today or tomorrow.
* Republican Governors Association chairman Haley Barbour of Mississippi seems ready to give up on Colorado’s gubernatorial race, now that party nominee Dan Maes seems unwilling to quit. “We have put some money in Colorado,” Barbour said this week. “Past tense.”
* On the other hand, the Republican Governors Association is directing $500,000 to one of Karl Rove’s favorite candidates, Susana Martinez of New Mexico. Polls show Martinez leading Lt.Gov. Diane Denish (D) in the race to replace Gov. Bill Richardson (D).
* Hoping to ensure Sen. Patty Murray’s (D) re-election in the state of Washington, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee’s independent expenditure arm “has bought upwards of $2 million in television airtime across Washington state from Oct. 5 through Nov. 2.” It’s evidence that Democratic Party leaders consider Murray vulnerable, but also that her seat may be a backstop towards keeping their majority.
* In Kentucky, a new CNN/Time/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows a very competitive Senate race, with right-wing ophthalmologist Rand Paul (R) tied at 46% with state Attorney General Jack Conway (D).
* In Florida, a new CNN/Time/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows a couple of close races. In the U.S. Senate race, Marco Rubio (R) leads with 36%, followed by Gov. Charlie Crist (I) with 34%, and Rep. Kendrick Meek (D) third with 24%. In Florida’s gubernatorial race, the same poll shows Alex Sink (D) leading Rick Scott, 49% to 42%.
* In California, a new CNN/Time/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows incumbent Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) leading failed former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, 48% to 44%.
* In Texas’ closely watched gubernatorial race, the latest survey from Public Policy Polling shows incumbent Gov. Rick Perry (R) with a six-point lead over former Houston Mayor Bill White (D), 48% to 42%.
* In Massachusetts, the latest State House News Poll shows incumbent Gov. Deval Patrick (D) leading a three-way race with 34% support. Charlie Baker (R) is second with 28%, followed by Tim Cahill (I) at 18%.
* In Michigan’s gubernatorial race, a Mitchell Research poll shows the contest turning into a one-sided affair. Rick Snyder (R) now leads Virg Bernero (D) by a two-to-one margin, 53% to 26%.
