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 Wisconsin, a Marquette Law School poll released yesterday found Gov. Scott Walker (R) leading Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) by 7 points, 52% to 45%. Democrats are disputing the poll's methodology.
* The same poll, by the way, shows President Obama leading Mitt Romney by 12 points in Wisconsin, 52% to 40%.
* A new set of NBC/Marist polls shows Obama leading Romney in Colorado by one point (46% to 45%), in Nevada by two points (48% to 46%), and tied in Iowa (44% each).
* Reinforcing just how important Latino voters are likely to be in November, the Obama campaign released its third Spanish-language television ad yesterday, which will air in Nevada, Colorado, and Florida.
* In Missouri, the presidential race is surprisingly competitive, with a new Public Policy Polling survey showing Obama with a narrow lead over Romney, 45% to 44%.
* Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is so eager to be Romney's running mate, he's willing to acknowledge his interest on the record.
* In Michigan, PPP found incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) leading controversy-plagued former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R), 53% to 37%.
* Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer (R) officially ended his presidential bid overnight.
* And in Illinois' 12th congressional district, Democratic nominee Brad Harriman has been forced to withdraw due to health reasons. County Democratic chairs will be responsible for choosing the new nominee.
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Why is Gov. Walker likely to be re-elected in Wisconsin? The state prefers Obama so it's independent in many ways. I know that Walker has a large edge in campaign spending, but he was so controversial that he's being held to a recall election - a rare event. So help explain how the poulace can get so energized to get recall petitions signed but can't beat the bum in an actual election?
When I see a poll in favor of both Walker and Obama, I have to believe that people are sandbagging. Telling pollsters they will vote for Walker when they won't. Wishful thinking, perhaps. I suppose the difference may be with folks who don't want to embarrass the state by recalling their governor. But perhaps they will simply not vote at all.
On a separate note, Debbie Stabenow is a safe Democratic hold. I will of course vote for her. I do get a little annoyed, however, when I get emails asking for donations that she really doesn't need. Hoekstra is being a clown because he's trying to generate attention. He's done.
How is it, that probably, neither you nor I have ever been included in a poll? Is the Poll a Pope?
I just bit the bullet and made a small donation to Barrett in WI. I wasn't going to, but also a small donation to Obama.
I really don't have extra money, but I had to do a little to show support.
I hope folks will ignore the billion dollar campaigns and use voting power to beat money power.
You do understand that Obama broke all spending records by a mile in 2008 by spending $750 Million to get elected. Three quarters of a Billion - that is definitely "money power". By the way his campaign's goal is to raise over a Billion this time around - and that is before you add in any PAC money. The bottom line is that BOTH parties spend obscene amounts to get elected. In 2008 and even in 2010 the Democrats nationally outspent the Republicans.
It still amazes me how a good number of Representative and Senators get into office and then somehow become millionaires before they leave office.
Hey, I just can't stand the thought of Scott Walker saying we'll divide and conquer unions to try to make his donors happy and become an all red state, OK? And Mitt Rmoney reminds me of Meg Whitman, thinking they are entitled to win because they pay for it or it's "their turn".
I am aware Obama has lots of money coming in and it sure looks interesting when Meg Whitman spent so much money and lost in CA.
The rules have changed, so it is viewed as more money, more wins. But it doesn't always work out that way. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_8
I smell the stink as well from those people working the system.
I just consider my very meager donation a vote in that direction.
Thune would be a perfect candidate for VP. Combining him and Romney, the GOP would have a tenth-witted candidate. (With Romney bringing 9 of the 10ths to the project.
I think the majority on both sides of the aisle recognize that the Citizens United Decision is an abomination and a direct attack on our democracy. They are not operating independently of actual campaigns, and everyone knows it.
These Superpacs have a builtin vulnerability. They cannot accept foreign money, or money from foreigners, Americans don't know who is contributing. It is intentionally set up to keep those donating hidden, but if a lawsuit was filed claiming that foreigners had contributed, they would have to provide a list of contributors.
All of us have friends that were foreign born. Many of us had friends that are still foreign nationals. If some of these people contributed directly to a Superpac and admitted to it, that would be a basis to force into the light a list of doners. If an anonymous American group contributed, but it was revealed that some of those funds came from a foreigner or a foreign entity; this would also force into the light these doners. If a foreigner said, even incorrectly, that the believed their funds were comingled into a Superpac, a court would have to demand that a contributors list be provided to those filing the lawsuit. That is; THE END OF CITIZENS UNITED!