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:
* Republican leaders in Florida are trying to lure former Rep. and MSNBC blowhard Joe Scarborough to challenge Katherine Harris in a GOP primary next year in Florida’s Senate race. Scarborough has not tipped his hand either way, but he has met with senior party officials about the campaign in this solidly “red” district. Scarborough served four terms in the House in the 1990s.
* As if Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) didn’t have enough to worry about, now he’s likely to face a primary challenge next year. John Hritz, a former president of Middletown-based AK Steel, announced yesterday that he’s considering the race. Hritz, who describes himself as a conservative Republican, said DeWine is vulnerable because he isn’t right wing enough on guns and the judiciary. Hritz formed an exploratory committee this month.
* Speaking of primary challenges, several of Rep. Henry Cuellar’s (D-Texas) Democratic colleagues are not supporting the moderate freshman’s reelection bid, instead opting to back one of his challengers, former Rep. Ciro Rodriguez (D), a popular former lawmaker who lost to Cuellar last fall by 58 votes. Whereas Rodriguez was very popular among his colleagues, Cuellar has not endeared himself to the rest of the caucus, particularly after his vote in favor of CAFTA.
* The headline speaker for Sen. Tom Harkin’s (D-Iowa) annual steak fry is always a coveted spot, particular for those considering a presidential campaign. This year, the gig is going to John Edwards. One of the party’s biggest Iowa events, Harkin’s fundraiser will provide Edwards with a chance to speak to thousands of activists. Past speakers at the fundraising events have included former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore and Democratic political strategist James Carville.
* Following up on a similar report prepared a month ago, SurveyUSA has determined the president’s job approval rating in each state. Bush is strongest in Idaho (59%), and weakest in Rhode Island (29%). Overall, Bush’s support has dropped below 50% in 41 states and has a 41% national rating.