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 very big 2008 news of a non-presidential variety, two-term incumbent Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.), recently named by Time magazine one of the Senate’s five worst members, announced yesterday that he will honor a term-limits pledge and not seek re-election<\/a> in 2008. It offers Dems yet another opportunity to expand their Senate majority. Rep. Mark Udall (D) had been planning to take on Allard, and will be the early favorite to win the Dem nomination. Among the likely GOP candidates are Rep. Scott McInnis, Rep. Tom Tancredo, and state Attorney General John Suthers.<\/p>\n * Rudy Giuliani’s presidential campaign picked up a key supporter yesterday when former Rep. Jim Nussle (R) of Iowa joined Giuliani’s team<\/a>. Nussle, Iowa’s 2006 Republican gubernatorial nominee, will back the former NYC mayor despite disagreeing with him on gun control, abortion rights, and gay rights. According to the AP, “Nussle said he’s focusing on Giuliani’s accomplishments and suggested Giuliani’s actions after the 2001 terrorist attacks impressed voters who want a strong leader.”<\/p>\n * New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) said he will decide on the presidential race by the end of the month<\/a>. “Well I am going to make a decision this month, as I have always said Wolf, whether I am going to run or not,” Richardson told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. The New Mexico governor also indicated he would appear at the country’s first presidential debate co-hosted by CNN, New Hampshire’s WMUR-TV and the New Hampshire Union Leader, if he decides to seek the presidency.<\/p>\n * Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced yesterday that he will co-chair<\/a> Sen. John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee. The move fuels speculation about a possible McCain\/Pawlenty ticket in 2008.<\/p>\n