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:<\/p>\n
* This<\/a> sounds like it warrants some follow-up: “Two of the leading GOP presidential contenders took time out of their frenetic fundraising schedules late last week to address ‘Legacy,’ a group of wealthy conservative Christians that operate below the radar screen. Sen. John McCain spoke to a dinner gathering of the organization in Washington — where they’re meeting — on Thursday night and former Gov. Mitt Romney addressed them at a lunch in the Willard hotel Friday afternoon, a member said.”<\/p>\n * Newt Gingrich is still mulling over a presidential campaign, but according to Bob Novak, he’s waiting to see<\/a> what happens with Fred Thompson. “If Thompson runs a vigorous and effective campaign, Gingrich says privately, he probably will not get in the race. If Thompson proves a dud, however, the former House speaker will seriously consider making a run. That implies that the others in the field look to Gingrich like losers in the general election.”<\/p>\n * Tommy Thompson conceded over the weekend that the upcoming Ames Straw Poll is “very much a must win<\/a>” for his campaign. If he comes up short, as he’s expected to do, the former Bush HHS Secretary will probably pack up and go home.<\/p>\n * San Antonio attorney Mikal Watts (D) is gearing up<\/a> for a serious challenge against Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) next year. Watts, independently wealthy, is already indicating that he’s prepared to spend $10 million of his own money on the race.<\/p>\n * Montana State Rep. Michael Lange (R) announced<\/a> that he’s going to take on incumbent Sen. Max Baucus (D) next year. Baucus is considered a heavy favorite.<\/p>\n