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
* Despite the fact that GOP establishment in Michigan has reluctantly rallied behind the Rev. Keith Butler (R) in next year’s Senate race (no one else wanted to run), incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) appears to start the race in a strong position<\/a>. In a new EPIC\/MRA statewide poll, Stabenow leads Butler 62% to 31%.<\/p>\n * Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld initially expressed interest in next year’s gubernatorial race in New York, before announcing earlier this year that he would not run. Now, he’s expressing interest again<\/a>. Weld reportedly called Michael Long, the head of New York’s politically influential Conservative Party, last week to discuss a possible candidacy. (Trivia question for readers: who was the only man to serve as governor of two different states? And which two states were they?)<\/p>\n * Speaking of New York, the four Dems vying to replace Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) will face off tonight in the first official primary debate<\/a> of the year. Fernando Ferrer continues to enjoy a modest lead and is expected to be the target of criticism this evening. The primary election is slated for Sept. 13.<\/p>\n * And in still more New York-related news, Sen. Hillary Clinton’s (D) political action committee recently hired Adam Parkhomenko<\/a>, who just so happened to lead last year’s “Draft Hillary for President 2004” effort.<\/p>\n