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
* Tom DeLay won an early round in his defense against money-laundering and conspiracy charges yesterday when Bob Perkins, a 30-year veteran of the state bench, was forced to recuse himself<\/a> from the case. DeLay’s complaint had focused on the fact that Perkins had made several donations to Dems and liberal groups like MoveOn.org since 2001.<\/p>\n * A Quinnipiac poll released this morning shows Sen. Jon Corzine (D) hitting his stride<\/a> at exactly the right time. With less than a week before New Jersey voters pick their next governor, Corzine now leads Republican Doug Forrester by 12 points, 50% to 38%. Two weeks ago, the margin in a Quinnipiac poll was seven points.<\/p>\n * Speaking of New Jersey, State Sen. Tom Kean Jr. (R), son of the popular former New Jersey governor of the same name, said yesterday that he would begin running in earnest<\/a> for the U.S. Senate after next week’s gubernatorial election. If Jon Corzine wins, he’ll appoint his successor, who in turn will have to seek a full term next November. At this point, Kean Jr. is considered the Republican frontrunner and may not face a primary.<\/p>\n * In Virginia, Dem gubernatorial candidate Tim Kaine will pick up an endorsement<\/a> today from Richmond Mayor (and former governor) L. Douglas Wilder (D).<\/p>\n