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:
* Rep. Harold Ford (D-Tenn.) formally announced yesterday that he will run in 2006 for the seat being vacated by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R). He’ll face State Sen. Rosalind Kurita (D) in a primary, which Ford is expected to win easily. Several high-profile Republicans are already in the race, including former Rep. Ed Bryant, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, and former gubernatorial candidate and Rep. Van Hilleary.
* Rep. Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) continues to consider a Senate campaign next year against incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson (D). This week, Harris sat down with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairwoman Elizabeth Dole (N.C.) to discuss the campaign. While Harris tries to make up her mind, other top-tier Republicans are either holding back, waiting to see what Harris does, or are focusing on Florida’s open gubernatorial race.
* Despite the fact that polls show Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) to be Maine’s most popular politician, far-right activists, frustrated by her moderation, are plotting a primary challenge. Conservative state Rep. Brian Duprey is considered the most likely challenger. Asked by Roll Call of Snowe’s role in the Gang of 14 affected his interest, Duprey said, “The constant ignoring of her Republican base has alienated many who would like a real Republican to vote for; I am exploring giving Republicans a candidate that they can feel good about voting for knowing that their interests would truly be represented in Washington.”
* Dems in Montana, who believe Sen. Conrad Burns (R) is vulnerable next year, hoped to recruit a top-tier challenger. Instead, they ended up with two — State Senate President Jon Tester, who threw his hat into the ring Tuesday, and state Auditor John Morrison. Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) sat the two down, hoping one would back off, but “neither would blink,” said a Montana Democratic operative.
* Former FBI agent and whistleblower Coleen Rowley, named one of Time magazine’s people of the year in 2002, is still considering a congressional campaign against Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), but she’s, offended by suggestions that she would require a “makeover” before mounting a campaign. “I’ve butted heads with a few people — anyone who tells me I have to spruce up my hair and buy a new wardrobe — I haven’t worn makeup since I was 21. You have to be authentic and genuine in serving the populace.”