Monday’s political round-up

April 17, 2006

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:

* Just a few weeks ago, there was considerable pressure on Sen. [tag]Conrad Burns[/tag] (R-Mont.) to step aside and not run for re-election this year, but Burns’ new ad campaign seems to have helped to stabilize his support. According to a new Rasmussen poll, Burns has closed the gap against one Dem rival and has overtaken the other. State Auditor John Morrison (D) still leads Burns, 47% to 45%, but state Senate President Jon Tester (D) now trails Burns, 47% to 44%.

* Speaking of Montana, Burns still faces a Republican primary challenge from [tag]Bob Keenan[/tag], the top Republican leader in the Montana Senate. Keenan conceded over the weekend that he doesn’t have much money for the fight and will instead build his campaign around a month-long RV tour of Montana with his wife and children. The AP noted that Keenan expects to raise about $100,000 for the race, while Burns has several million dollars in the bank.

* In California, Gov. [tag]Arnold Schwarzenegger[/tag] (R) is now tied with State Comptroller Steve Westly (D) in the latest Field Poll (.pdf), with 43% each, though Schwarzenegger leads State Treasurer Phil Angelides, 44% to 40%. The results are more encouraging for Dems than they may appear — both Dems are faring well in head-to-head match-ups, despite modest name recognition statewide. As for the Dem primary, Westly leads Angelides, 37% to 26%, though most Dems remain undecided. (via Taegan Goddard)

* Arkansas Attorney General [tag]Mike Beebe[/tag] (D) continues to look very strong in the state’s gubernatorial race. In the latest Rasmussen poll, Beebe has built on an earlier lead and is now ahead of former Rep. [tag]Asa Hutchinson[/tag] (R), 47% to 36%.

* And in Kansas, Gov. [tag]Kathleen Sebelius[/tag] (D) appears to be well on her way to winning a second term. According to the latest Rasmussen poll, Sebelius has finally inched up above the 50% threshold and leads both of her main GOP rivals by double digits. Sebelius is ahead of State Senator Jim Barnett (R), 50% to 37%, and Kansas House Speaker Robin Jennison (R), 51% to 32%.

Goddard also notes a Rasmussen poll that shows Ahnuld leading Angelides by 13 points and Westly by 8. He remains under 50 percent, however.

  • There’s a great article in the Sunday LA Times about a Republican campaign organization very close to Schwarzenegger that financed the “independent” television ads by the US Chamber of Commerce touting all of Der Gropinator’s “accomplishments.” Not exactly “illegal” to do what they did, but certainly unethical.

    Gee, Republicans being unethical cheats trying to steal an election. Who’d a thunkit?????

  • but Burns’ new ad campaign seems to have helped to stabilize his support.

    Are either of Burns’ Dem rivals countering with ads of their own, or are they beating each other up? At first blush this would seem bad for unseating Burns, but upon reflection (assuming the surviving Dem has a comparable war chest) this could be really good as it leaves intact the vulnerable GOP candidate. Or am I too optimistic?

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