Associated Press

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 a bit of a surprise, former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) announced this morning he will not seek a rematch against Gov. John Kasich (R) next year. Among the other Democrats eyeing the race are Rep. Tim Ryan and CFPB Director Richard Cordray.

* Arizona lawmakers are considering a proposal to move its 2016 presidential primary to coincide with the Iowa caucuses. Expect plenty of havoc.

* In New Jersey, Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D) is moving forward with his U.S. Senate plans, but he has not yet spoken to the person already in Senate seat: Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D). Given that Lautenberg has not said whether he intends to retire, does that mean Booker would take on an incumbent in a primary? "You know, I think it's too early to even talk about those hypotheticals because he hasn't made his decision yet," Booker said yesterday.

* Speaking of New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie (R) was asked over the weekend about whether he'd be "more ready" to launch a presidential bid in 2016. "Yeah, you're damn right I'd be more ready," he replied.

* In Arkansas, former Rep. Asa Hutchinson (R) is moving forward with his plans to run for governor next year. It'll be Hutchinson's second statewide race -- he lost to Gov. Mike Beebe (D) in 2006.

* Any chance New Mexico Republicans will persuade failed Senate candidate Heather Wilson to run again? "I've done my time, and it's not my intention to run for office again," Wilson said this week.

* Similarly, Montana Republicans shouldn't bother reaching out to failed Senate candidate Denny Rehberg, either -- he said yesterday he's done with electoral politics, too.

* And in Chicago, a month before the special-election primary in Illinois' 2nd congressional district, there are now 22 candidates in the race -- 17 Democrats and five Republicans.