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:
* Sen. George Allen’s (R-Va.) presidential aspirations got a significant boost yesterday when former RNC chair and Bush confidant Ed Gillespie joined Allen’s political action committee.
* In a poll that will further frustrate DC and Florida Republicans, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) enjoys a big lead over Rep. Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) in the latest Rasmussen poll, ahead 54% to 31%. Nelson is viewed favorably by 54% of Florida voters and unfavorably by 29%. For Harris, the numbers are nearly reversed, 34% favorable and 55% unfavorable.
* The same Rasmussen poll points to a far more competitive Florida gubernatorial race next year. Hypothetical match-ups pitting Rep. Jim Davis (D), Florida state Sen. Rod Smith (D), state Attorney General Charlie Crist (R), and state Financial Officer Tom Gallagher (R) shows practical ties across the board.
* Ohio Dems were encouraged by the fact that Rep. Ted Strickland (D) would secure the party’s gubernatorial nomination easily while Republicans dealt with a bitter and costly primary. Now, it appears both sides will have the same problem. State Sen. Eric Fingerhut (D) filed notice this week for his own gubernatorial campaign, following his unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign in 2004. Fingerhut is scheduled to make a formal announcement at a fundraiser later this month in Cleveland.
* In Washington state, Sen. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D) continues to enjoy a sizable lead over businessman Mike McGavick (R), 51% to 36%.
* Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calif.) struck a very conciliatory tone in his state-of-the-state address last night, while unveiling a quarter-trillion-dollar transportation package.