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
* Rep. Harold Ford (D-Tenn.) formally announced yesterday that he will run<\/a> in 2006 for the seat being vacated by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R). He’ll face State Sen. Rosalind Kurita (D) in a primary, which Ford is expected to win easily. Several high-profile Republicans are already in the race, including former Rep. Ed Bryant, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, and former gubernatorial candidate and Rep. Van Hilleary.<\/p>\n * Rep. Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) continues to consider a Senate campaign next year against incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson (D). This week, Harris sat down<\/a> with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairwoman Elizabeth Dole (N.C.) to discuss the campaign. While Harris tries to make up her mind, other top-tier Republicans are either holding back, waiting to see what Harris does, or are focusing on Florida’s open gubernatorial race.<\/p>\n * Despite the fact that polls show Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) to be Maine’s most popular politician, far-right activists, frustrated by her moderation, are plotting a primary challenge. Conservative state Rep. Brian Duprey is considered the most likely challenger. Asked by Roll Call of Snowe’s role in the Gang of 14 affected his interest, Duprey said<\/a>, “The constant ignoring of her Republican base has alienated many who would like a real Republican to vote for; I am exploring giving Republicans a candidate that they can feel good about voting for knowing that their interests would truly be represented in Washington.”<\/p>\n * Dems in Montana, who believe Sen. Conrad Burns (R) is vulnerable next year, hoped to recruit a top-tier challenger. Instead, they ended up with two<\/a> — State Senate President Jon Tester, who threw his hat into the ring Tuesday, and state Auditor John Morrison. Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) sat the two down, hoping one would back off, but “neither would blink,” said a Montana Democratic operative.<\/p>\n