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:
* After approving a budget filled with unpopular ideas, Republicans still hope to turn the tables on public attitudes. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC with ties to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), released this new attack ad over the weekend, arguing that those who opposed Paul Ryan’s plan must also oppose balanced budgets. (Ten House Republicans and five Senate Republicans also voted against the GOP budget plan.)
* In a bit of a surprise, former Rep. Betty Sutton (D) has decided not to run for governor in Ohio. Her announcement further boosts Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald’s chances of getting the Democratic nod.
* In Michigan, former Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) was seen as a possible U.S. Senate candidate in next year’s open-seat contest, but she announced on her Facebook page that she will not run, citing a “family decision.”
* In South Carolina’s congressional special election, Charleston City Councilor Curtis Bostic narrowly came in second in last week’s Republican primary, and will face former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford in an April 2 runoff.
* In February, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fared far better than the National Republican Senatorial Committee in fundraising, taking in $4.3 million to their Republican counterparts’ $2.2 million. * Alaska Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell (R) is gearing up for a challenge to Sen. Mark Begich (D), and argued last week that the senator was not legitimately elected in 2008. Begich only won, Treadwell said, because prosecutors in the Bush/Cheney’s administration’s Justice Department rigged the election in a “bloodless coup.” * Actor Ashley Judd is now dropping not-so-subtle hints about her U.S. Senate plans in Kentucky. Former President Bill Clinton has taken an interest in the race, and despite reports to the contrary last week, is encouraging Judd to run. * And with 2016 probably in mind, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley was in South Carolina over the weekend, and Vice President Joe Biden will be in the Palmetto State this weekend.
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