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:
* Hoping to clamp down on rumor’s, U2’s Bono used an associate to publicly explain the band’s concerts are not being used to support any candidates. Political figures from both sides of the aisle have used U2 shows to woo major donors, but Bono wants everyone to know he has no part in that. “U2 concerts are categorically not fund-raisers for any politician; they are rock concerts for U2 fans,” a Bono associate said.
* A new SurveyUSA poll shows Sen. Jon Corzine (D-N.J.) enjoying a little breathing room over Doug Forrester (R) in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race. Corzine leads in the latest poll, 49%to 41%.
* As expected, Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R) officially announced yesterday that she is running for a second term. Rell assumed the office over a year ago when former Gov. John Rowland (R) resigned in disgrace.
* In the latest of encouraging recruiting news for Dems, New Mexico State Attorney General Patricia Madrid (D) is preparing to enter next year’s House race against Rep. Heather Wilson (R), a perennial Dem target. Madrid’s announcement could come as early as the beginning of next week. New Mexico’s 1st congressional district leans “blue” — Kerry beat Bush in the district, 51%-48%.
* State party leaders are encouraging Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) to consider taking on Republican Gov. Linda Lingle next year. Hawaii’s party chair said the congressman “didn’t reject it and he didn’t accept it.” (via Taegan Goddard)
* Despite rumors this week to the contrary, Essex Sheriff Frank G. Cousins Jr. (R) said yesterday he has no intention of taking on Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) next year.
* Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) said yesterday that he’s considering a presidential campaign in 2008, but he’s waiting to see if other candidates adopt his ideas. “There are circumstances where I will run,” Gingrich told a news conference before a speech at the University of Mobile. He added, “My hope is that five or six candidates are going to jump up, steal all of my ideas, and I will be able to relax and go golf.”