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:
* In Missouri’s incredibly important Senate race, the latest Research 2000 poll conducted for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and KMOV found that Sen. Jim Talent (R) and state Auditor Claire McCaskill (D) are right where they’ve been all year — tied. As of now, both garner 47% support, while Libertarian Frank Gilmour had 2%. Four percent remain undecided.
* In New Jersey, a new Research 2000 poll conducted for The Record of Bergen County, found Sen. Bob Menendez (D) continuing to hold onto a lead over state Sen. Tom Kean Jr., 48% to 42%.”Any other political year, I think the Republicans win that seat,” said pollster Del Ali of Research 2000, the Rockville, Md., firm that conducted the survey. “The only thing saving Menendez is the [anti-Republican] climate out there.”
* Both of Maryland’s key statewide races look encouraging for Dems, according to a WaPo poll released over the weekend. In the open Senate race, Rep. Ben Cardin (D) now leads Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R), 54% to 43%. In the gubernatorial race, Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley (D) enjoys a double-digit lead over incumbent Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R), 55% to 45%.
* Florida’s suddenly-interesting gubernatorial race continues to look competitive, according to the latest St. Petersburg Times poll. State Attorney General Charlie Crist (R) now leads Rep. Jim Davis (D), 48% to 42%.”I would not put my hand in my pockets and place a heavy bet on either one of these candidates. I think it’s too close to call,” said pollster Rob Schroth. “I think on Election Day, it’s going to be close.”
* Idaho has been one of the most reliably Republican states in the country for many years, but this year may be different. A new poll from the Idaho Statesman shows two very close races for statewide and federal races. In the gubernatorial race, Republican U.S. Rep. Butch Otter leads Democratic newspaper owner Jerry Brady by just one point, 44% to 43%. In Idaho’s first congressional district, meanwhile, state Rep. Bill Sali (R) has a 2-point lead over businessman Larry Grant (D), 39% to 37%.”At this point in a typical campaign, Idaho Democrats are dispirited and looking for moral victories,” said Jim Weatherby, a political scientist who has overseen polling at Boise State University. “This time, it looks like they may actually pull off some major victories.”
* And in slightly odd 2008 news, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter will reportedly announce today that he is considering a presidential campaign. Today will probably be the kick-off of an exploratory committee. Hunter has made headlines recently for wanting to launch yet another round of Clinton-related House hearings, and for condeming CNN’s coverage of the war in Iraq.