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:
* Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) continues to say he won’t run for president in 2008, but now he’s dropping hints about a possible campaign in the future. In an interview with a German magazine, Bush said, “You should never say never. But for the 2008 election, my answer is definitely no.” Asked whether his answer meant a later challenge was possible, he said, “Let’s say there’s a vague chance.”
* Indiana Dems seem to have all but given up on finding a challenger for Sen. Richard Lugar (R) next year. Though reports surfaced in July that former Rep. Tim Roemer (D) was interested in the race, he withdrew from consideration shortly thereafter. State Dems now say their recruiting aims lie elsewhere. A statewide telephone poll conducted earlier this year put Lugar’s approval rating at 72%.
* Speaking of safe incumbents, California Republicans haven’t had much luck finding a serious challenger to run against Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) next year. At this point, the leading GOP candidate is businessman Bill Mundell, who backed the failed effort to revamp California’s redistricting system, and who acknowledged recently that he’s “seriously considering” the campaign.
* Though the competition is increasing in New York for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, several party leaders are hoping to stave off a primary by rallying behind former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld. The Republican State Committee’s vice chairmen are expected to line up behind Weld a week from today in a move aimed at derailing billionaire Tom Golisano’s chances.
* Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) was supposed to announce his intentions for his political future any day now, but has instead decided to push off the decision until early or mid-December. Romney is expected to skip a re-election fight that he might very well lose and instead pursue a presidential campaign. Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey (R) has moving ahead with her gubernatorial campaign, including lining up donors and staffers, under the assumption that Romney will not run.