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 the surest sign yet that Barack Obama is very serious about running for president, the Illinois senator is reportedly expected to hire<\/a> David Plouffe, a former executive director of the DCCC, as his campaign manager. He’s also recruited DNC research director Devorah Adler and DNC deputy director Shauna Daly to senior positions on his team.<\/p>\n * Just two days after the DSCC said Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.) will be a top 2008 target, several would-be contenders started making noises<\/a> about taking on the incumbent. Katrina Swett, a Democratic congressional candidate in 2002, will reportedly be in DC next week lining up support; Democratic Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand is making calls and lining up potential staffers; and Stonyfield yogurt chief executive Gary Hirshberg, a long-time Democratic activist and fundraiser, is also eyeing the race.<\/p>\n * Less than a week after his campaign playbook was leaked to the media, Rudy Giuliani is dismissing<\/a> some of the same concerns about his candidacy raised in the lengthy document. Asked about his liberal social views, his marital problems, and Bernie Kerik, Giuliani said, “I sure have strengths and weaknesses. I think that sort of puts me in the same category as just about everybody else that’s running. Are my strengths greater or my weaknesses worse? I don’t know. You have to sort of examine that. That won’t be the issue.”<\/p>\n * Roll Call reported<\/a> today that Carl Forti, “the former ace communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee,” will join Mitt Romney’s (R) presidential campaign as deputy campaign manager and political director. Forti was widely sought after, so this is a big pick-up for the former Massachusetts governor.<\/p>\n * North Carolina voters were asked about their presidential favorites<\/a> this week. Among Dems, John Edwards leads with 29% support, followed by Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, who were about tied for second. Among Republicans, Giuliani leads with 30%, followed by Newt Gingrich with 29%, and John McCain with 22%.<\/p>\n