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:
* [tag]Paul Hackett[/tag] fans will be pleased to hear that the Iraq veteran may be weighing a comeback. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported today that there are rumors in Ohio’s 2nd congressional district that [tag]Victoria Wulsin[/tag] (D), slated to face Rep. [tag]Jean Schmidt[/tag] (R) in November, would consider stepping aside to allow Hackett to run as the Dem nominee. “I do feel that I am the stronger candidate, but I also recognize that he is well known and I am not, and because I would prefer him to Jean, sure, I’d think about it,” Wulsin said.
* Rep. [tag]Katherine Harris[/tag] (R) just wanted to drop off her qualifying papers to officially enter Florida’s Senate race, but even that was an ordeal yesterday. Gov. [tag]Jeb Bush[/tag] (R), shortly before Harris made it to the state capitol, told reporters, “I just don’t believe she can win. She’s not gained any traction. And it seems, unfortunately, through no fault of her own, perhaps, the press coverage is all about the problems in her campaign rather than what the future of the state is.” The governor’s preferred candidate, state House Speaker [tag]Allan Bense[/tag] (R), has until Friday to decide before the legal filing deadline passes.
* Rep. [tag]Patrick Kennedy[/tag] (D-R.I.) may be undergoing treatment for a drug addiction, but it shouldn’t hamper his political career. Rhode Island Dems endorsed Kennedy last night at their state convention. “We do not walk away from our friends,” Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch said.
* The Hill reported that Republican [tag]Eric Roach[/tag] dropped out of the GOP primary in California’s 50th congressional district yesterday, clearing the way for front-runner [tag]Brian Bilbray[/tag] to become the Republican nominee for the November midterm election.
* Oklahoma Gov. [tag]Brad Henry[/tag] (D) continues to look strong in his bid for a second term, leading Rep. [tag]Ernest Istook[/tag] (R) in the latest Rasmussen poll, 50% to 39%. Henry is viewed favorably by 65% of Oklahoma voters, unfavorably by 34%; 67% like his job performance.
* Today is primary day in Nebraska and West Virginia, and there are a few races worth watching. Republican Senate candidates will face off in Nebraska today for the right to take on Sen. [tag]Ben Nelson[/tag] (D) in November. Former corporate executive [tag]Pete Ricketts[/tag] (R), who has spent freely in recent months, is considered the likely favorite. In the GOP gubernatorial primary, Rep. [tag]Tom Osborne[/tag] and Gov. [tag]Dave Heineman[/tag] are neck and neck. The winner will face Democrat [tag]David Hahn[/tag]. Also keep an eye on the Dem primary in West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district, where two Dems are vying for the chance to face Rep. [tag]Shelley Moore Capito[/tag] (R) in the fall. Former federal prosecutor [tag]Mike Callaghan[/tag] is favored to get the party nod.