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:
* The president’s approval rating seemed to have finally stabilized just about the 40% threshold, but a new Zogby poll suggests the president’s modest boost in December has faded. Bush’s overall job approval rating slipped to only 39%. According to John Zogby, “the problem is the Iraq war,” with just 34% expressing support for Bush management of the war.
* Laura Bush reinvigorated talk about a presidential campaign for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2008, saying Friday that she thinks “it will happen for sure.” Yesterday, Rice once again dismissed the talk. “[I]t’s flattering when people say things like that. The first lady is not only a terrific person, she’s my friend. And I was honored that she said that, of course. She’s a wonderful person,” Rice said. “But I’ve spoken to this. I know what I’m good at, I know what I want to do and that’s not it.” Asked about the vice presidential slot, Rice said, “The two are the same.” (Edited: the First Lady said a woman would be elected “for sure,” though this was not necessarily in reference to Rice)
* Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said yesterday she sees a filibuster against Samuel Alito as unlikely. “I do not see a likelihood of a filibuster,” Feinstein said. “This might be a man I disagree with, but it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be on the court.” She added that she will vote against his confirmation.
* In the race for the House Majority Leader post, Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) insists he has the race won, but in terms of public support, the numbers just aren’t there, at least not yet. As of now, Blunt is ahead with 85 lawmakers vowing support, followed by Rep. John Boener (R-Ohio) with 41, and new entrant Rep. John Shadegg with three. If one secures 116 votes, he’ll have a majority. But there’s one quirk to keep in mind — lawmakers vote by secret ballot. There are plenty of times in which someone will pledge support for one candidate but vote for another.