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 Republican National Committee’s fundraising continues to defy logic and comprehension. The RNC raised a record $32.3 million in the first quarter of 2005 and finished Q1 with $26.2 million on hand. The DNC finished March with a $13.8 million tally and $7.2 million in the bank.
* The Los Angeles mayoral race appears to be all-but over. A new Survey USA poll shows Antonio Villaraigosa with a ridiculous lead over incumbent Mayor James Hahn, 64% to 32%. The run-off election will be held on May 17.
* Former Sen. Bob Kerrey’s interest in the New York mayoral race has taken another turn. After expressing surprising interest in the race over the weekend, Kerrey is now reportedly “unlikely” to give up his job as the head of New School University. Kerrey will apparently make his intentions clear later this week.
* Sensing a real opportunity, Texas lawyer Richard Morrison, who gave Tom DeLay a decent run for his money last year, is hoping to clear the Dem field in advance of next year’s election. Morrison said yesterday that he speaks with Houston City Councilman Gordon Quan and former Rep. Nick Lampson — the other two potential Dem candidates — “almost daily” about the 2006 cycle. The three may meet this week to further discuss the race.
* Glenn Ivey, the chief prosecutor in Maryland’s populous Prince George’s county, is being encouraged by several Dem leaders to run for the Senate. Ivey was Tom Daschle’s chief counsel in the late 90s and would probably be able to utilize the former senator’s extensive contacts.
* Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) made it official yesterday, announcing that he will not run for re-election. State Sen. Peter Roskam (R) appears to be the leading GOP candidate at this point, while technology consultant Christine Cegelis (D), who put up a respectable showing against Hyde in 2004, is gearing up to run again.