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
* How concerned are leading Republicans about Katherine Harris’ Senate campaign in Florida? They’re leaning on her to drop out<\/a>. Karl Rove and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairwoman Elizabeth Dole have personally and directly asked Harris to forgo the race. She insists she’s staying in and believes she can win.<\/p>\n * Sen. Hillary Clinton continues to enjoy a large lead over her most forbidable Republican opponent. In a Siena College Research Institute Poll released this week, Clinton leads Westchester County district attorney Jeanine Pirro, 57% to 31%<\/a>. Overall, 60% of New York voters said they have a favorable opinion of Clinton and believe she should be re-elected.<\/p>\n * Speaking of New York, Gov. George Pataki’s favorable rating has rebounded a bit, but should he run for a fourth term, he’s still positioned to lose to state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. The Siena College poll has Spitzer leading Pataki, 49% to 37%<\/a>.<\/p>\n * After weighing a Senate campaign, former state Treasurer Barbara Hafer (D) has decided to challenge<\/a> Rep. Tim Murphy (R) next year. Hafer, who became a Dem last year after deciding that the GOP had been taken over by right-wingers, is a popular figure in the state and is expected to pose a serious challenge to Murphy. Hafer is expected to make a formal announcement closer to Labor Day.<\/p>\n * In a poll released today, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s approval rating dropped to a new low, with only 34%<\/a> of adult Californians approving of the job he’s doing. The poll was taken before<\/i> a controversy developed about his hefty side income from fitness magazines.<\/p>\n * With Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.) retiring next year, interest in his seat now includes literally dozens<\/i><\/a> of San Diego-area Republicans. Former state Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian, state Sen. Bill Morrow, and businessman George Schwartzman are already in the race, former Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.) is strongly considering the race, and over the next few months, the GOP primary ballot should easily reach double digits.<\/p>\n