Thursday’s political round-up

January 12, 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:

* New York Republicans, running out of options in their drive to take on Eliot Spitzer in the state’s gubernatorial race, have a new idea: back a Democrat. The New York Post reported that state GOP leaders are “secretly discussing” endorsing Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi (D) for governor, even though Souzzi is expected to announce as early as tomorrow his intention to challenge Spitzer in a Dem primary. Republicans hope Souzzi might be willing to switch parties in order to make it to the November ballot. Souzzi confirmed that New York GOP leaders have contacted him.

* Montana Sen. Conrad Burns (R), a major figure in the Jack Abramoff fiasco, announced this week that he will run for re-election this year. It remains to be seen whether the Republican Party is pleased about the idea. A new Rasmussen poll shows Burns tied with state Senate President Jon Tester (D), 45% to 45%, and narrowly ahead of State Auditor John Morrison (D), 46% to 43%. Four months ago, a similar Rasmussen poll showed Burns with double-digit leads over both, suggesting the Abramoff news is reaching Montana loud and clear.

* California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is still not popular, but his political standing has improved a bit in recent months. A new poll from the Survey and Policy Research Institute finds that Schwarzenegger’s overall approval rating has now reached 40%, though 51% still disapprove. Moreover, looking ahead to November, Schwarzenegger enjoys narrow leads over his most likely Dem challengers. The poll shows Schwarzenegger ahead of State Treasurer Phil Angelides (D), 30% to 25%, and up on State Controller Steve Westly (D), 28% to 24%. In both cases, “undecided” was the big winner.

* Ten months before voters head to the polls, Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R) enjoys a surprisingly large lead over her potential Dem rivals. A new Quinnipiac poll shows Rell leading New Haven Mayor John DeStefano (D), 64% to 21%, and ahead of Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy (D), 68% to 17%.

* And in 2008 news, Rep. Jim Nussle’s (R) gubernatorial campaign in Iowa suddenly has lots of friends among those who may be interested in Iowa’s presidential caucuses in two years. According to soon-to-be-released financial reports, Nussle picked up generous support from Virginia Sen. George Allen ($10,000), Arizona Sen. John McCain ($5,000), Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback ($2,000), and Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum ($1,000).

I can see why Schwarzenegger’s numbers have gone up. I have to commend him for his humility and deference to the voters after his big loss in the recent initiative battle. It takes a really big man to come out and say “I was wrong.”

  • Man, I hope Suozzi doesn’t jump. He’s had as much or more to do with the Democratic resurgence on LI than anyone. And I’m guessing he’s far, far better on the stump than Spitzer, who IMO comes off as either strident or goofy most of the time. Suozzi’s much more blue-collar in his personality. FWIW I think either would make a fine governor, though in a macro politics sense I’d prefer Spitzer; the Dems need more tough-guy reformer champions, and I love his philosophy (which hearkens back to FDR, really) that you save and advance capitalism by conscientious regulation.

    Frankly I wish Suozzi would run against Hillary for Senate… as a Dem or even an Independent. But in any event, it’s crowded at/near the top in NY Democratic politics; that’s why Bloomberg switched his registration in 2001. Ambitious guys (and gals) in their late 40s and early 50s don’t really want to “wait their turn.”

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