Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:
* As if Sen. Linc Chafee (R-R.I.) didn’t have enough party pressure to worry about, a possible primary challenger is starting to make some noise. Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey (R) has been the subject of many rumors — which Laffey hasn’t taken any steps to quell — about a possible campaign. Stoking the fires, Laffey’s office released a statement with veiled criticism for Chafee: “I’ve been across the State of Rhode Island, and what I have found is that fair-minded Republicans, Democrats, and independents are not happy with the way things are running in Washington and neither am I,” the statement reads. “Rhode Island needs strong, independent leadership in Washington, not weak, indecisive waffling.”
* With Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-Vt.) announcing his retirement, an “earthquake” has hit Vermont politics and no one knows who’s going to run for what office. Rep. Bernie Sanders (I) will run for the Senate, probably without a Dem opponent. Republican possibilities, meanwhile, include Gov. Jim Douglas (who’s already under pressure from top GOP leaders), Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie, and wealthy tech-guru Richard Tarrant, who has already said he’ll run if Douglas doesn’t.
* As for Bernie Sanders’ House seat, GOP candidates include former state House Speaker Walt Freed and State Auditor Randy Brock. Dem possibilities include State Attorney General Bill Sorrell, State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, Lt. Gov. Doug Racine, and former State Senate President Peter Shumlin. The game of musical chairs would really pick up if incumbent Gov. Jim Douglas (R) runs for the Senate, leading to open races in Vermont for virtually all the top statewide offices.
* One Vermonter we won’t see running, however, is Howard Dean, who’s office reported yesterday that he’s committed to his new duties as chairman of the DNC.
* Rep. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), as expected, will officially announce early next week that he’s running for the Senate seat being vacated by Paul Sarbanes (D). The Baltimore Sun reported today that Cardin has e-mailed and telephoned hundreds of supporters and beefed up his campaign staff in preparation for the run.
* Colorado Rep. Bob Beauprez (R) expects to be a candidate for governor next year. “We are doing everything we can to make that a reality,” Beauprez said this week. He added that a formal announcement of his intentions will come later this year.
* Beauprez’s district, Colorado’s 7th, is among the most competitive in the nation, making it a top priority for both parties. Assuming Beauprez does run for governor, are quickly coalescing around Rick O’Donnell, the executive director of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, as their top choice. Dems are gearing up for the race, too, with former state Sen. Ed Perlmutter, former state Rep. Peggy Lamm, and 2004 candidate Joanna Conti, among others, indicating they will run for the seat.