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:
* Just two months after throwing his hat into the ring, entrepreneur Rutt Bridges (D) withdrew from Colorado governor’s race yesterday, saying he did not “have the skills or the stomach to be an effective politician.” Bridges, who made a fortune developing software that helps identify potential sources of oil and natural gas, who was heavily recruited by Dem leaders, said campaigning for governor “is not what I want do do with my life.” Joelle Martinez, spokeswoman for the state Democratic Party, said the party is shopping for another candidate to run.
* Speaking of Colorado governor’s race, former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.), who retired from the Senate citing health concerns, is also eyeing the job. Campbell, who’s been enjoying a lucrative retirement, said he will make a decision within a couple of months.
* A new poll in Michigan shows good news for Rep. Candice Miller (R) in next year’s gubernatorial race, but it probably won’t matter. In a head-to-head match-up against Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Miller only trails by two, 47% to 45%. However, earlier this week, ruled out a campaign for governor next year, announcing she would instead seek re-election to the House. The remaining GOP candidates hoping to take on Granholm include Amway heir Dick DeVos, state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk, and state Sen. Nancy Cassis (R).
* Now that the New York GOP has successfully lured Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro (R) into next year’s Senate race, party leaders are leaning on the second-tier Republicans to drop out so Pirro won’t have a primary fight to deal with. Lawyer Ed Cox and former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer said yesterday they are not leaving the campaign.
* As if Maryland’s open Senate race needed more candidates, a slew of new faces are considering the campaign. On the Dems’ side, CNN political commentator Allen Lichtman, businessman Joshua Rales, and forensic psychiatrist Lise Van Susteren are all moving forward and talking to potential campaign staff. Among Republicans, Daniel Muffoletto and 2004 candidate Corrogan Vaughn quietly filed for the race recently. Former Ralph Nader press secretary Kevin Zeese is also exploring the race and may sek the support of the Green, Populist, and Libertarian parties.