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 Missouri, the nation’s closest Senate race remains frustratingly unpredictable. A new Rasmussen poll<\/a>, released this morning, shows state Auditor Claire McCaskill (D) leading incumbent Sen. Jim Talent (R), 47% to 46%. When leaners are added into the mix for the current poll, McCaskill still leads by a point, 48% to 47%. A week ago, Talent led by two. Two weeks before that, McCaskill led by one.<\/p>\n * Speaking of competitive Senate races, Rasmussen also has a new poll<\/a> in Tennessee, where Bob Corker (R) now leads Rep. Harold Ford (D), 48% to 47%. With leaners added, Corker’s edge widens slightly to 49% to 47%. Poll respondents were asked who they thought would win the race, regardless of who they prefer — Corker led Ford, 50% to 38%.<\/p>\n * Illinois’ gubernatorial race appeared to be no longer competitive, but a new Mason-Dixon poll<\/a> suggests the contest is still quite close. The poll now shows incumbent Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) ahead of Judy Baar Topinka (R) by just four points, 44% to 40%. Green Party candidate Rich Whitney is third with 7% support.<\/p>\n * New Hampshire’s gubernatorial race hasn’t been on anyone’s radar screen lately, and there’s a very good reason for that. A new WMUR-TV poll<\/a> shows Gov. John Lynch (D) ahead of Republican challenger Jim Coburn, 71% to 18%.<\/p>\n