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:
* In case all of the other recent polls weren’t persuasive enough, the latest AP-Ipsos poll shows Bush’s job approval at 44%, while 54% disapprove. That -10 is the worst of Bush’s presidency in any previous AP poll. The Republican Congress, meanwhile, has even less support — only 37% have a favorable opinion of the work being done on the Hill.
* Dem leaders are increasingly excited about the prospects against Tom DeLay next year, and believe they’ve found the ideal candidate: Houston City Councilman Gordon Quan, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. Quan recently met with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee officials in Washington and admits he finds the idea intriguing.
* In another blow to GOP hopes against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), yet another top-tier Republican has bowed out of the race. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), despite pressure from party leaders, said he’s committed to staying in the House for the immediate future.
* Former University of Tennessee and NFL quarterback Heath Shuler is apparently considering a congressional campaign in North Carolina against incumbent Rep. Charles Taylor (R). Though Shuler’s political experience is limited, the national Republican Party tried to recruit Shuler in 2001 to run for a Tennessee congressional seat. He declined. Sources say Shuler would run against Taylor as a Dem.
* The Virginia gubernatorial race is heating up between Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine (D) and Attorney General Jerry Kilgore (R), both of whom are engaged in a fierce radio advertising duel. The latest salvo has Kaine invoking the Bible and describing himself as a conservative on “personal responsibility, character, family and the sanctity of life.” (No word yet on whether Kaine’s right-leaning campaign will turn off left-leaning Dems in Northern Virginia.)
* Rick “Man on Dog” Santorum will be on This Week with George Stephanopoulos tomorrow Sunday. (I mention this not just because Santorum is the top mid-term priority for both parties next year, but also because he’s bound to say something entertaining.)
* Retiring Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.), whose personal wealth has led him to donate all of his Senate salary to charity since taking office five years ago, has also sworn off his congressional pension. “To be in public service is about serving the public, not about serving oneself,” he said. Because Dayton served one term, he would otherwise be eligible for a $16,000-plus annual pension when he turns 62.