Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that won’t necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:
* In Idaho, Rep. Raul Labrador (R) seemed poised to launch a primary challenge against incumbent Gov. Butch Otter (R), but the congressman announced yesterday that he will instead seek re-election to Congress.
* In New Jersey, former Bogata mayor Steve Lonegan (R), fresh off his U.S. Senate special election primary win, said yesterday he is “expecting really the whole NRSC and RNC to be focusing on this race.” Given that he’s almost certain to lose to Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D), Lonegan may want to lower those expectations.
* In Virginia, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) was a gubernatorial candidate, but bowed out fearing a primary defeat. He then flirted with running for governor this year as an independent, before deciding against it. What’s next? Bolling isn’t ruling out the possibility of running as a write-in candidate.
* The Republican Governors Association isn’t just outraising its Democratic counterparts, it’s opened up a large financial advantage. Over the first half of the year, the RGA has raised about $24 million to the DGA’s $13.4 million.
* Speaking of fundraising, Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) has never seemed especially interested in raising money, but now that Liz Cheney is running against him in a primary, the senator is headed to New York to address conservative donors and activists. * In Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback (R) is poised to take on state House Minority Leader Paul Davis (D) next year, and there’s increasing chatter about Davis picking off enough moderate GOP support to be competitive. * And in Pennsylvania, former Rep. Mark Critz (D) announced yesterday that he will run for lieutenant governor instead of a rematch against Rep. Keith Rothfus (R). The news disappoints the DCCC, which considers Rothfus vulnerable.
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