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
* With a little over two weeks before voters decide the next governor of New Jersey, Sen. Jon Corzine’s (D) lead in the polls is bouncing back nicely. A new Rasmussen poll<\/a> shows Corzine leading Doug Forrester by nine (49% to 40%), which is up from seven points two weeks ago. Similarly, a new Monmouth University\/Gannett New Jersey poll has Corzine up, 45% to 38%<\/a>.<\/p>\n * Fueling rumors that Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) may be contemplating retirement, he raised less than $27,000<\/a> in the last quarter.<\/p>\n * Radiologist J.R. Damron (R), a first-time political candidate, announced this week that he will take on<\/a> New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) next year. Damron will face another novice, the Rev. George Bailey Jr., in a GOP primary.<\/p>\n * Jim Gibson (D), a lawyer and the mayor of Henderson, Nevada’s second-largest city, announced yesterday that he is running for governor<\/a> next year. He’ll face State Sen. Dina Titus (D) in a primary, while Rep. Jim Gibbons, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, and state Sen. Bob Beers will compete in a GOP primary.<\/p>\n * Republicans in Massachusetts have finally found an opponent for Sen. Edward Kennedy next year. Businessman Kevin Scott (R) announced his candidacy<\/a> this week. <\/p>\n