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:
* With Massachusetts’ Ed Markey (D) now in the Senate, there will be a special election in his U.S. House district. Carl Sciortino (D) is first out of the gate with this extremely effective and memorable spot.
* In Virginia’s closely watched gubernatorial race, a new Quinnipiac poll shows a tight contest, with Terry McAuliffe (D) narrowly leading Ken Cuccinelli (R) by three, 44% to 41%.
* In Michigan, Rep. Justin Amash (R) has been weighing the possibility of a U.S. Senate campaign, but has reportedly decided against it.
* In New Hampshire, the latest survey from Public Policy Polling shows incumbent Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D) in strong shape, leading each of her potential Republican challengers by double digits. In a hypothetical match-up against former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown (R), however, Shaheen only leads by four. * The Public Campaign Action Fund makes an interesting catch this week: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has received campaign contributions from 62 members of the Forbes billionaires list. What’s more, five of the 10 wealthiest Americans, including the Koch brothers, have donated at least $29,200 to McConnell, with $26,200 donated in the past six years (thanks to C.S. for the tip). * And for those following New York City’s mayoral race, a Wall Street Journal-NBC 4 New York-Marist poll released yesterday shows Bill de Blasio (D) leading Joe Lhota (R) by 43 points among likely voters. NYC Democrats hope to elect their first mayor in 20 years.
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
