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
* Disappointing GOP leaders who hoped he’d take on Katherine Harris in a primary, MSNBC blowhard Joe Scarborough announced over the weekend that he will not run<\/a> for the Senate in Florida next year. “When party leaders approached me three weeks ago, I told them how difficult a campaign would be this year considering my personal and professional commitments,” Scarborough said. “Besides, I never cared for candidates who had to be coaxed into a political battle. Either you feel it in your gut or you don’t.” Scarborough said he will instead focus on a new contract with NBC.<\/p>\n * Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) may be a top Republican target next year, but a new statewide Rasmussen poll shows the incumbent leading<\/a> two possible GOP challengers by wide margins. In the poll, Cantwell led Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance 57% to 32% and former Rep. Rick White 56% to 33%. Rasmussen did not ask respondents about Safeco chief executive Mike McGavick, who announced his intentions to run two weeks ago.<\/p>\n * In Arizona, a new poll from Wright Consulting Services suggests Sen. Jon Kyl (R) may have some trouble next year. Though several top-tier Dems have skipped the race, shopping mall developer and former state party chairman Jim Pederson appears to be well-positioned. The poll shows Kyl leading Pederson, 44% to 29%<\/a>, which at first blush may look like bad news for the Dems, until one considers the details. First, this 15-point gap was 29 points in April. Second, Pederson’s statewide name recognition is still quite low. And third, for a two-term incumbent from a “red” state to have 44% support is not a good sign.<\/p>\n * Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) has had his ups and downs of late, but he’s still gearing up for re-election next year. Though there were rumors he’d skip the race, Kulongoski formally announced that he’s seeking a second term<\/a>. Among the Republicans who hope to take him on are Oregon Republican Chairman Kevin Mannix and Portland lawyer Ron Saxton. There is also some speculation that Kulongoski might face a primary challenge from Peter Sorenson (D), a former state legislator.<\/p>\n