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:
* Newt Gingrich is so confident about his chances, he boasted to ABC yesterday, “I’m going to be the nominee.”
* Herman Cain acknowledged yesterday that he knows Ginger White, a woman who has accused him of having a 13-year extramarital affair with her, and repeatedly gave her money. Cain also said he didn’t mention this financial assistance to his wife.
* On a related note, the new Iowa Poll by the Des Moines Register shows Cain’s support falling from 23% in October to 8% now in the first caucus state.
* Rick Perry’s new television ad makes use of his “oops” moment in a self-deprecating way.
* Michele Bachmann’s presidential campaign picked up its first congressional endorsement, getting the support of Rep. Trent Franks (R) of Arizona.
* In California, the latest Field Poll shows Romney leading Gingrich in the race for the GOP nomination, but both trail President Obama by double-digit margins.
* In Wisconsin, Tommy Thompson was a governor, then a failed presidential candidate, then a corporate lobbyist. Now he’s a U.S. Senate candidate.
* In Virginia, the state’s comically right-wing attorney general, Ken Cuccinelli II (R), announced yesterday he’ll run for governor in 2013. He’ll like face Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in a Republican primary.
* Sen. Ben Nelson (D) hasn’t officially said whether he’ll seek another term in Nebraska next year, but he’s nevertheless getting support from Democratic Super PACs.
* Republicans would love to pick Rep. Barney Frank’s (D) seat in Massachusetts next year, but the party “shouldn’t start salivating at the prospect … just yet.”
* And in 2016 news, Vice President Biden isn’t quite ready to “close the door” on a presidential campaign of his own.
