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:
* The Wall Street Journal, quoting a “normally reliable Republican source,” reported yesterday that Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) has already decided to run for president. Aides to the governor denied that he’s already made that decision.
* A group of Mitt Romney supporters have, to very little fanfare, launched a super PAC called Restore Our Future PAC to raise and spend unlimited amounts of undisclosed money to boost his campaign.
* Speaking of Romney and campaign financing, the former governor will travel to London next month for a fundraiser with Americans living in England. Candidates very rarely hold fundraisers outside the United States — and this sounds “awfully European.”
* Six Republican presidential campaigns yesterday signed up to participate Ames Straw Poll in Iowa, paying for rental space. The candidates are Tim Pawlenty, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, and oddly enough, Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R) of Michigan. The straw poll is scheduled for August 13.
* Newt Gingrich was asked if he’d still be a presidential candidate by the time the Iowa caucuses are held early next year. “Sure,” he said. “Of course.”
* In the state of Washington, Rep. Jay Inslee (D), as expected, is launching a gubernatorial campaign, hoping to succeed Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) who is retiring after two terms. State Attorney General Rob McKenna (R) is already in the race.
* In Florida, the latest survey from Public Policy Polling shows Romney leading the GOP presidential field with 27% support. Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann are tied for second with 17% support each.
* When Republicans look for “blue” states to flip in 2012, they shouldn’t spend too much time in Oregon — PPP shows President Obama with big leads over all of the Republican candidates.
* Former New York Gov. George Pataki (R), for reasons I can’t understand, believes he might be a credible presidential candidate and hasn’t ruled out launching a campaign.
* And the Progressive Change Campaign Committee has announced its first endorsement of the 2012 cycle, throwing its support to state Sen. Eric Griego (D), running in New Mexico’s open 1st district. The seat is currently held by . Rep. Martin Heinrich (D), who is running for the Senate.
