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
* Following the now-infamous “macaca” incident, Sen. [tag]George Allen[\/tag] (R-Va.) has taken a bit of a hit in the polls. A new Rasmussen poll<\/a> shows Allen now leads challenger [tag]James Webb[\/tag] (D), 47% to 42%. Last month, Allen was above the 50% threshold and enjoyed an 11-point lead.<\/p>\n * In the closely-watched Maryland Senate race, Lt. Governor [tag]Michael Steele[\/tag] (R) trails both of the top Dem candidates, but not by much. The most recent Rasmussen poll<\/a> now shows Rep. [tag]Ben Cardin[\/tag] (D) leading Steele, 47% to 42%. Former Rep. [tag]Kweisi Mfume[\/tag] (D) is ahead, 46% to 44%. The Dem primary is Sept. 12.<\/p>\n * Speaking of Maryland, Baltimore Mayor [tag]Martin O’Malley[\/tag] (D) still leads incumbent Gov. [tag]Bob Ehrlich[\/tag] (R) in the latest Rasmussen poll<\/a>, 50% to 43%. Both candidates are doing well with their party’s base, but the key to O’Malley’s margin is his lead among unaffiliated voters.<\/p>\n * In Rhode Island, Sen. [tag]Lincoln Chafee[\/tag] (R) is reportedly hurting among in-state Republicans, as his primary opponent, Cranston Mayor [tag]Stephen Laffey[\/tag], runs a series of negative ads. According to an article<\/a> in the Washington Times, “Internal campaign polls show the conservative mayor’s campaign attacks on Mr. Chafee’s liberal voting record — including the incumbent’s opposition to President Bush’s tax cuts and to Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.’s nomination — have struck a responsive chord among Republican voters.” Chafee wanted to ignore Laffey, but will now shoot back with an ad that questions Laffey’s temperament and character. Their primary is Sept. 12.<\/p>\n