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:
* A new Zogby poll delivers the latest in a series of encouraging polls for Eliot Spitzer’s (D) gubernatorial campaign in New York. The results show Spitzer with huge leads over his most likely GOP challengers, including Tom Golisano, whom Spitzer leads 50% to 24%, and William Weld, who trails 54% to 19%. As for a potential primary, Spitzer leads Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi (D) among New York Dems, 61% to 10%.
* In Ohio, a new Opinion Consultants poll in Ohio offers Dems good news and bad news. The good news is the poll shows Ohio voters preferring Rep. Sherrod Brown (D) over incumbent Sen. Mike DeWine (R), 43% to 38%. The bad news is Ohioans also prefer Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell (R) for governor over Rep. Ted Strickland (D). (via Taegan Goddard)
* Left with limited options, New York GOP leaders hoped lawyer Edward Cox, a son-in-law of the late President Richard Nixon, would re-enter the Senate race against Hillary Clinton, now that Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro has withdrawn. Cox said one condition for re-entering the race was a solid endorsement from Gov. George Pataki (R). The governor’s office declined, so yesterday, Cox said he would not resume his campaign.
* Former Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton’s (R) gubernatorial campaign suffered another setback yesterday after his campaign manager, James Seif, criticized Scranton rival Lynn Swann, saying, “The rich white guy in this campaign is Lynn Swann.” Scranton immediately fired Seif and issued a public apology. Seif continued to spin, even after being fired, commending Scranton for acting “quickly, decisively and correctly,” and adding, “That’s one of the reasons he’ll be a great governor.”
* Former Texas Supreme Court Justice Bob Gammage’s gubernatorial campaign got a boost yesterday when Wesley Clark endorsed Gammage at a rally in Houston. “He is a proven leader who will fight for the needs of all Texans, not the lobbyists, the special interests or the powerful partisan elites,” Clark said. Gammage was the Texas chair of the 2004 “Draft Wesley Clark” effort. Clark said he was returning the favor Thursday. Gammage will face former Rep. Chris Bell in a March 7 primary.