Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that won’t necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:
* As Republican fears intensify that the special election in New York’s 26th is slipping away, Karl Rove’s attack operation, American Crossroads, is investing another $375,000 into the district. That increases the group’s total investment to about $700,000 — in a district that wasn’t even supposed to be competitive.
* Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich called House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) directly yesterday, apologizing for trashing his budget agenda on national television.
* With the votes tallied in California’s 36th, there will be a special-election runoff for Rep. Jane Harman’s (D) old seat. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn (D) will apparently face Republican businessman Craig Huey, though his margin over Secretary of State Debra Bowen (D) is very narrow.
* In Kentucky, state Kentucky Senate President David Williams won a low-turnout Republican gubernatorial primary yesterday, and will face incumbent Gov. Steve Beshear (D) in the general election this fall.
* There’s been a sudden upswing over the last 24 hours in presidential speculation about Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R). He continues to say he’s not running.
* In Missouri, Rep. Todd Akin (R) entered the U.S. Senate race yesterday, joining a crowded GOP primary field that also includes former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman.
* When Jon Huntsman launches his presidential campaign, it will be headquartered in Orlando, Florida, not Utah, where Huntsman was governor.
* In Wisconsin, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) announced yesterday he will not be a Senate candidate next year.
* Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) had said she’d announce her presidential plans in June, but yesterday, she told Fox News that she’s received so much encouragement, “we may move that up,” referring to the possible kick-off date.
