MONDAY’S CAMPAIGN ROUND-UP…. Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:
* MSNBC host Joe Scarborough said that he was recruited to run for the Senate in Florida next year, NRSC denials notwithstanding, but he doesn’t intend to launch a campaign. “I love the job I have and have no intention of running for the Senate,” Scarborough said.
* The DCCC hoped some of the Blue Dogs who lost in 2010 might consider comeback bids in 2012, but by all appearances, they’re not interested. Former Reps. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.), Bobby Bright (D-Ala.), Baron Hill (D-Ind.), Walt Minnick (D-Idaho), Travis Childers (D-Miss.), and Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) have all shut down their campaign committees.
* Missouri isn’t looking like friendly territory for Democrats, but Gov. Jay Nixon (D) appears to be an exception. The latest poll from Public Policy Polling shows Nixon, the incumbent, leading his leading GOP challenger by seven points, with the governor enjoying unusual crossover appeal outside the Dem base.
* A new poll from Western New England College shows Sen. Scott Brown (R) as a clear favorite for re-election, with 52% of Massachusetts voters saying he deserves another term.
* On a related note, the group of Democrats who intend to take on Brown continues to grow, polls notwithstanding. The latest is Mayor Setti Warren of Newton, Mass., who’s edging closer to launching a campaign.
* In New Jersey, a Rutgers-Eagleton poll found that Gov. Chris Christie (R) isn’t the favored GOP presidential candidate amongst his own constituents.
* There was some talk in California Republican circles about former eBay CEO Meg Whitman running against Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) next year, despite her failings as a gubernatorial candidate last year. Late last week, Whitman ruled out the race, telling reporters she is “definitely not” considering a Senate bid in 2012.
* And speaking of failed gubernatorial candidates, remember New York’s Carl Paladino (R)? It turns out the controversial Republican owes consultants, vendors, and staffers about $130,000. With the campaign still millions of dollars in debt, Paladino isn’t paying them.
