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 Ohio, Dems are leading in both of the state’s two big statewide races. In the closely-watched Senate race, Rep. [tag]Sherrod Brown[\/tag] (D) now leads incumbent Sen. [tag]Mike DeWine[\/tag] (R) by four points in a new University of Cincinnati poll<\/a> (.pdf), 51% to 47%. In the gubernatorial race, the same poll shows Rep. [tag]Ted Strickland[\/tag] (D) leading Ohio Secretary of State [tag]Ken Blackwell[\/tag], 50% to 38%. A new Rasmussen poll<\/a> shows the Democrat up by a similar margin, 54% to 35%.<\/p>\n * In New Mexico, the latest Rasmussen poll<\/a> similarly offers good news for Dems in both of its two big statewide races. In the gubernatorial race, Gov. [tag]Bill Richardson[\/tag] (D) now leads his Republican challenger, [tag]John Dendahl[\/tag], 61% to 26%. The Senate race is only slightly more competitive — incumbent Sen. [tag]Jeff Bingaman[\/tag] (D) is maintaining a comfortable lead over Republican challenger [tag]Allen McCulloch[\/tag], 56% to 32%.<\/p>\n * In keeping with the trend, Maryland’s two big statewide races also appear to be leaning the Dems’ way. A new Rasmussen poll<\/a> shows Rep. [tag]Ben Cardin[\/tag] (D), fresh off his big primary win, leading Lt. Gov. [tag]Michael Steele[\/tag] (R), 50% to 43%, in a Senate race Republicans are eyeing closely. In the gubernatorial race, Baltimore Mayor [tag]Martin O’Malley[\/tag] continues to lead<\/a> incumbent Gov. [tag]Bob Ehrlich[\/tag] (R) by seven points, 49% to 42%. The race has been remarkably stable — O’Malley has led by seven in every Rasmussen poll since April.<\/p>\n * Yesterday was primary day in Massachusetts and Washington state, and voters delivered big wins to Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deval Patrick<\/a> in the Bay State, and Sen. Maria Cantwell<\/a> (D) and businessman Mike McGavick (R), who will face off in November in Washington’s Senate race.<\/p>\n