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
* In case all of the other recent polls weren’t persuasive enough, the latest AP-Ipsos poll<\/a> shows Bush’s job approval at 44%, while 54% disapprove. That -10 is the worst of Bush’s presidency in any previous AP poll. The Republican Congress, meanwhile, has even less support — only 37% have a favorable opinion of the work being done on the Hill.<\/p>\n * Dem leaders are increasingly excited about the prospects against Tom DeLay next year, and believe they’ve found the ideal candidate: Houston City Councilman Gordon Quan<\/a>, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. Quan recently met with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee officials in Washington and admits he finds the idea intriguing.<\/p>\n * In another blow to GOP hopes against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), yet another top-tier Republican has bowed out<\/a> of the race. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), despite pressure from party leaders, said he’s committed to staying in the House for the immediate future.<\/p>\n * Former University of Tennessee and NFL quarterback Heath Shuler is apparently considering a congressional campaign<\/a> in North Carolina against incumbent Rep. Charles Taylor (R). Though Shuler’s political experience is limited, the national Republican Party tried to recruit Shuler in 2001 to run for a Tennessee congressional seat. He declined. Sources say Shuler would run against Taylor as a Dem.<\/p>\n * The Virginia gubernatorial race is heating up between Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine (D) and Attorney General Jerry Kilgore (R), both of whom are engaged in a fierce radio advertising duel. The latest salvo<\/a> has Kaine invoking the Bible and describing himself as a conservative on “personal responsibility, character, family and the sanctity of life.” (No word yet on whether Kaine’s right-leaning campaign will turn off left-leaning Dems in Northern Virginia.)<\/p>\n * Rick “Man on Dog<\/a>” Santorum will be on This Week<\/a> with George Stephanopoulos tomorrow<\/strike> Sunday. (I mention this not just because Santorum is the top mid-term priority for both parties next year, but also because he’s bound to say something entertaining.)<\/p>\n