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:
* After Tom DeLay’s re-redistricting scheme forced him out of office, former Rep. Chris Bell (D-Texas) started eyeing a different job: governor. This week, he made it official, telling supporters that he will challenge Gov. Rick Perry in 2006.
* The establishment GOP wants Florida House Speaker Allan Bense (R) to take on Rep. Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) in next year’s Senate primary, but in the meantime, another candidate is eyeing the race. Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) said this week that he is also studying plans to seek the GOP nomination.
* Rep. Mark Kennedy (R-Minn.) is looking for White House support in his Senate race, but apparently doesn’t want to be tied too closely to an administration with weak support in his home state of Minnesota. Dick Cheney made a “stealth visit” to a Kennedy fundraiser this week, helping Kennedy raise about $300,000 at a private luncheon with no reporters or fanfare. The event was held at the lakeshore mansion of a wealthy GOP contributor. Local Dems held a protest nearby with three real dogs and a man in a furry costume — the man wore a sign reading, “Hi, my name is Kennedy, Bush/Cheney’s lapdog,” and a leash around his neck held by a man wearing a Bush mask.
* Former state lawmaker Peter Cianchette (R) is poised to, once again, take on Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D). Four years ago, Baldacci beat Cianchette, 48% to 41%.
* Few top-tier Republicans have stepped up to take on Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) next year and some political observers think they know why — no one wants the pay cut. Napolitano turned down a $65,000 pay raise last year, which turns out to be a shrewd political move. “I think it clearly has kept some Republicans from running,” GOP strategist Nathan Sproul said. “No question about it. We exclude an entire population of people who would make excellent governors, simply because the salary is too low.” Napolitano makes $95,000 a year. (via Taegan Goddard)
* Though he’s hesitated to show too much interest in the campaign, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) will be in New Hampshire next month, delivering the keynote address at the year’s largest gathering of conservative activists, the Strafford County Republican Picnic. Event coordinator Carolyn Geiler said, “I don’t imagine that he’s extremely well-known up in this area. This will give him an opportunity to come to new territory.”