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:
* A fairly serious “difference of opinion” between national Dems and Vermont Dems has emerged over how best to deal with Bernie Sanders’ Senate campaign. National Dems, anxious to keep Jim Jeffords’ seat in the caucus’ hands, quickly and publicly embraced Sanders, despite the fact that he’s running as an independent. Vermont Dems, however, are emphasizing the fact that Sanders isn’t a Dem, and before the state party backs him, he should at least agree to work with Dems statewide — including support for other Dem candidates. (Vermont has an active “Progressive” party that helps elect Republicans by splitting the left in a Nader-like fashion.) For what it’s worth DNC Chairman Howard Dean isn’t helping his Vermont friends’ position — he keeps endorsing Sanders.
* Despite widespread speculation about whether former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld (R) would run for governor in New York, a new memo from his law firm suggests he will not throw his hat into the ring. A memo from Leeds Weld & Co. to its “limited partners” stated, in part: “While it has always been Bill’s practice ‘never to say never,’ Bill is not running for governor of New York or for any other office.”
* A new poll shows the Los Angeles mayoral election getting a little closer, but Antonio Villaraigosa still leads incumbent James Hahn by a comfortable margin. A Los Angeles Times poll shows Councilman Villaraigosa leading Hahn, 51% to 40%. The good news for Hahn is that the gap was 18 points last month. The bad news is his overall job approval rating dropped in the poll to a record low of 38%.
* Jane Abraham, the wife of former Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.), will reportedly announce her Senate campaign against incumbent Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) before the end of the month. The only other GOP candidate in the race is the Rev. Keith Butler, who hasn’t been well received by party leaders in the state or in DC.
* In Texas, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) is expected to run for governor, which will prompt Rep. Henry Bonilla (R) to run for Hutchison’s Senate seat, which will in turn lead local attorney Quico Canseco (R) to run for Bonilla’s House seat.
* By all accounts, Rep. John Hostettler (R-Ind.) should be winning re-election by far wider margins. His 8th district is overwhelmingly Republican — Bush won the district with 62% — but Hostettler, who wears his radical positions as a badge of honor, won his 2004 race with only 53% support. His last opponent, Boston Celtics scout Jon Jennings (D), was encouraged by his competitive race last time and is gearing up for a re-match. Vanderburgh County Sheriff Brad Ellsworth (D) is also eyeing the race.