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
* Less than a month ago, a Quinnipiac University poll<\/a> in New Jersey showed state Sen. Tom Kean, Jr., maintaining a narrow lead over Sen. Bob Menendez (D). A new Quinnipiac poll, released today, shows the Dem with the momentum — Menendez now leads 49% to 45%.<\/p>\n * In Rhode Island, a new Rasmussen poll<\/a> shows a double-digit lead for the Dem, in one of the party’s key pick-up opportunities. The newest numbers now show Sheldon Whitehouse (D) leading incumbent Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R), 49% to 39%.<\/p>\n * Keeping with a northeastern theme, Retiring Vermont Sen. Jim Jeffords (I) was none too pleased to see a NRCC TV ad on behalf of Republican House candidate Martha Rainville featuring Jeffords’ name and photo. Jeffords said he “did not want to get personally involved” with Vermont candidates’ 2006 campaigns and asked the NRCC to correct the ad. The campaign committee refused, so yesterday, Jeffords endorsed<\/a> Rainville’s opponent, state Sen. Peter Welch (D).<\/p>\n * Progress for America, a right-wing 527 group that spent almost $45 million in support of Bush in 2004, is getting ready to spend between $35 million and $40 million<\/a> on Republican congressional candidates this year.<\/p>\n