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:
* Wisconsin will hold its final two state Senate recall elections of the year today, with two Democratic incumbents fighting to save their jobs. Daily Kos had PPP survey the districts, and it looks as if both Dems are favored.
* What kind of person lies about going to a family reunion? Apparently, Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann is exactly that kind of person.
* Gallup shows Congress’ approval rating once again dropping to an all-time low. This probably isn’t what the new House Republican majority had in mind when they got started seven months ago.
* With Tim Pawlenty out of the presidential race, some Minnesota GOP leaders hope to persuade him to run against incumbent U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). As recently as June, a PPP survey showed Klobuchar leading Pawlenty in a hypothetical match-up by 13 points.
* On a related note, Pawlenty’s backers are being wooed by the remaining candidates, and the former governor’s state director in New Hampshire has signed on with Jon Huntsman’s campaign.
* The Weekly Standard caused a stir this morning, reporting that House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) may be eyeing a presidential race, but Ryan’s office quickly knocked the rumor down, saying, “While grateful for the continued support and encouragement, Congressman Ryan has not changed his mind.”
* Ken Cuccinelli (R), Virginia’s bizarre, right-wing state Attorney General, is already planning a possible campaign against Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) in 2014.
* And for those who’ve forgotten he’s still running for president, disgraced former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) assured folks yesterday he’s still “rebuilding” his campaign, and claimed his recent debate performance helped give his fundraising a boost.
