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:
* MoveOn.org has become a target for intense Republican criticism, but that hasn’t stopped its political efforts in the slightest. MoveOn.org’s political action committee reported in its latest FEC filing that it raised nearly $4.6 million and spent almost $5.6 million in the first six months of 2005. The report showed that the PAC’s efforts netted $834,000 in contributions earmarked for Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), $161,000 for Pennsylvania Treasurer and Senate challenger Bob Casey Jr. (D), $157,000 for the campaign of former Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Texas), and $151,000 for Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).
* Don Goldwater, the late former Sen. Barry Goldwater’s nephew, will be a candidate for governor of Arizona next year. The 50-year-old Goldwater has no government experience and is best known for being a Republican Party activist. His formal announcement is scheduled for tomorrow.
* Speaking of Arizona’s gubernatorial race, State Senate President Ken Bennett (R) is considering a plan to serve in his current capacity next year while also running for governor.
* Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (D) is fueling speculation about his presidential bid by scheduling his first trip to New Hampshire. At the invitation of New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch (D), Vilsack will be in Hampton Falls, N.H., for a Labor Day picnic.
* Freshman Rep. Charlie Melancon (D) of Louisiana is considered a top GOP target in 2006, but a recent Anzalone-Liszt poll showed the rookie lawmaker with a big lead over his likely Republican opponent. Melancon led state Sen. Craig Romero 51% to 27%, while 52% of voters said they favored Melancon’s re-election. Romero came in third in last year’s all-party primary, barely missing a runoff spot.