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:
* Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) was a top Dem target going into 2006, but now many leading Nevada Dems say they will give Ensign a pass when he seeks reelection next year. Instead, the party will focus on state offices, including governor, secretary of state, and attorney general.
* Antonio Villaraigosa’s lead in the Los Angeles mayoral race has grown considerably in recent weeks. A new poll shows Villaraigosa leading incumbent James Hahn 53% to 35%, with 12% undecided.
* With Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-Colo.) expected to run for governor next year, candidates are shuffling for position to replace him. The first to make a firm commitment to the race is Peggy Lamm, a former Democratic state representative. Banker Jim Polsfut and former state legislator Renny Fagan, both Dems, have also expressed interest.
* The race to succeed Rep. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who’s been nominated to be Bush’s top trade negotiator, is getting crowded. The list of Republican candidates grew to five this week. The leading two remain Hamilton County Commissioner Pat DeWine and state Rep. Tom Brinkman.
* Former New York Comptroller H. Carl McCall is moving towards giving Fernando Ferrer a much-needed boost in this year’s mayoral race. McCall’s endorsement could come as early as today and help defray criticism stemming from Ferrer’s 1999 comments about the police shooting of Amadou Diallo.