Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) announced on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that she is, in fact, running for president. The Democratic senator will hold a formal launch event in her hometown of Oakland on Sunday afternoon.
* While on the presidential campaign trail over the weekend, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) noted that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) “is not actually in our party.” This seemed to cause a bit of a stir, though I’m not altogether sure why.
* Another White House hopeful, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) suggested yesterday that both parties share at least some blame for the Republicans’ government shutdown. In related news, Hawaii state Sen. Kai Kahele (D) is moving forward with plans to challenge Gabbard in a Democratic congressional primary next year.
* Speaking of U.S. House primary challenges, Iowa state Sen. Randy Feenstra (R) raised $100,000 in just 10 days after announcing plans to run against Rep. Steve King (R) next year.
* Apparently concerned about next year’s open U.S. Senate seat in Kansas, Republican leaders are encouraging Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to leave Donald Trump’s cabinet and launch a Senate campaign. Pompeo appears to be open to the idea. * Fifteen years after endorsing George W. Bush and speaking at the Republican National Convention, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said this morning that “electing a Democrat in 2020 and getting the country back on track” should be everyone’s priority. * The Atlanta Journal Constitution published a poll the other day on the favorability ratings of some of Georgia’s top political figures. Of particular interest was Sen. David Perdue (R), who’ll seek a second term next year, who has a 45% favorable rating. Stacey Abrams (D), who may run against Perdue, has a 52% favorable rating. * The Trump campaign has a new fundraising gimmick: for $20.20, donors can send a brick to congressional Democratic leaders as a “reminder” about a border wall. Given the fact that it’s only been a few months since a Trump supporter sent explosive devices to the president’s perceived opponents, perhaps this is a bad idea?
Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past." Recommended
