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
* In a move that may indicate his desire not to run for re-election, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) is now using his state as a punch-line<\/a> to a Republican joke.”Being a conservative Republican in Massachusetts,” he told a GOP audience in South Carolina, “is a bit like being a cattle rancher at a vegetarian convention.” He also likes to tell GOP audiences, “There are more Republicans in this room tonight than I have in my state!” For some reason, some people in Massachusetts are not laughing.<\/p>\n * Things keep getting tougher for Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) — and all of his problems are from his own party. Two weeks ago, State Sen. Vicki Walker (D) said she’d take Kulongoski on in a Dem primary next year. Last week, State Sen. Rick Metsger, a former TV news anchor and reporter, said he’ll probably do the same. This week, a move is afoot<\/a> to lure former two-term Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) back into politics to take on Kulongoski — whom Kitzhaber endorsed in 2002 — in a primary fight.”There have been people talking to me about it — unsolicited,” Kitzhaber told the Oregonian after speaking to a national committee studying health care.<\/p>\n * Numerous GOP sources have told reporters that Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Okla.), as expected, will give up his House seat next year and run for governor<\/a> against incumbent Gov. Brad Henry (D). A formal announcement is scheduled for early October. A poll commissioned by the Oklahoma state GOP two weeks ago showed Istook trailing Henry, 44% to 36%. <\/p>\n * Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R), who took the reins of the state after John Rowland was forced to resign last year, is apparently ready to run for a full term<\/a> of her own. Rell, who enjoys a high approval rating, has been coy about her intentions — she recently said, “The end of summer is here, and I have made a decision. And I’ll let you know as soon as possible, I promise.” <\/p>\n