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
* A new SurveyUSA poll<\/a> shows Jerry Kilgore (R) leading Tim Kaine (D) in Virginia’s gubernatorial race, 49% to 39%. Other polls had shown Kaine closing the gap to mid-single digits<\/a> recently.<\/p>\n * Tennessee banker Bernard “Scooter” Clippard (R) announced this week that he will not challenge<\/a> Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) next year, just two months after forming an exploratory committee to prepare his campaign. Clippard decided he is not “financially or personally prepared” for the race. Because he was the state GOP’s top choice, Clippard leaves Republicans without a top-tier challenger. State Rep. Beth Harwell (R) and state Senate Majority Leader Ron Ramsey (R) are said to be considering the race.<\/p>\n * If money helps drive campaigns, Rep. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) should be considered the frontrunner in Maryland’s Senate campaign for next year. Cardin has raised more than $1 million<\/a> since entering the race. His next closest competitor, fellow Dem Kweisi Mfume, has raised $150,000 during the three-month fund-raising period.<\/p>\n * Speaking of candidate fundraising, Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver (D) raised about $500,000<\/a> in the last three months for his likely gubernatorial campaign, putting him out in front among Dem candidates.<\/p>\n