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
* Former Sen. John Edwards appears to have the early edge on the Iowa caucuses, at least according to a new poll<\/a> from the Des Moines Register. Before campaigning begins (and before we even really know the candidates are going to be), Edwards leads the Democratic field with 36% support, followed by Hillary Clinton with 16%, Barack Obama with 13%, and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack with 9%.<\/p>\n * In case there were any doubts about the seriousness with which Rudy Giuliani (R) is considering the 2008 presidential race, the former New York City mayor picked up<\/a> one of the most sought-after GOP staffers in DC yesterday. Mike DuHaime, the political director of the Republican National Committee, signed on yesterday to head Giuliani’s exploratory committee, and would probably be his campaign manager after Giuliani announces. “I don’t have to tell you the credibility he has in the field,” said Anthony Carbonetti, a longtime senior adviser to Giuliani. “Being the RNC political director, his tentacles reach out across the country.”<\/p>\n * If money decides the 2008 primaries, Hillary Clinton (D) and John McCain (R) are in good shape<\/a>. Clinton continues to lead the Dems with $14 million cash on hand after spending $35.9 million on her successful re-election campaign. McCain leads the GOP pack with more than $1.1 million in the bank.<\/p>\n * Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) continues to believe there’s an opening for a traditional conservative candidate in the presidential field, and he’s still thinking about filling the niche<\/a>. Gilmore told National Review, “There is a need for a conservative who’s electable,” adding, “I’m considering a national candidacy.” Gilmore has been to Iowa four times and South Carolina twice in just the last month.<\/p>\n