The big news of the political day has already been FP'ed, as the Illinois Senate race got a whole lot clearer today. There is some other news to plow through, especially on the campaign funding front, so here we go....
PA-06: Democratic Challenger Posts Monster Q2 Fundraising Total
Jim Gerlach barely defeated an underfunded Democrat in 2008. One of his potential 2010 opponents, however, has no plans on being underfunded. Exactly one week before FEC reports are due, we learn that Doug Pike, formerly on the Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board, will announce that he raised over $500,000 in the second quarter. That is a MONSTER total, particularly for a first-time challenger.
CT-04: More Solid Fundraising Numbers, This Time From An Incumbent
If, as expected, freshman Democrat Jim Himes draws a top-tier Republican challenger, he will certainly have the resources to defend his seat. Himes will apparently announce a haul of $520,000 for the quarter, and over a million for the cycle already. He will also announce over three-quarters of a million dollars on hand.
CT-Sen: Simmons Raises $750K For Senate Bid
Rob Simmons, former Congressman and presumptive GOP Senate favorite for 2010, released his Q2 fundraising numbers, as well. They were...sort of average. Simmons raised $750,000 for the quarter, which led all Republicans (former ambassador Tom Foley was not too far behind at $530K), but is likely to be well behind Senator Chris Dodd's totals when he announces within the next week. Certainly not a blockbuster: in fact, the Connecticut Democratic Party dismissed it as "pitiful".
NY-Gov: Paterson Set To Name His Lieutenant Governor (If He Can)
The New York Times is reporting that Governor Paterson wil announce today that for Metro Transportation Authority chairman Richard Ravitch will be his new Lieutenant Governor. One of the complications of the NY state Senate debacle, you'll recall, is that with a tied Senate, the ties are supposed to be broke by the LG. The state has been without a Lt. Gov. since last year, when Paterson replaced Eliot Spitzer upon his resignation. There is some question, however, about whether or not Paterson is empowered to make such a nomination. State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is saying such a move would be unconstitutional.
KY-Sen: Returning To Money Chase, Conway Has A Gigantic Quarter
To contrast with the numbers of Rob Simmons above, consider Kentucky Democratic state Attorney General Jack Conway. The thirty-something Conway, who is running in the Democratic primary versus Lt. Governor and 2004 nominee Dan Mongiardo, reported a haul of $1.3 million in just sixty days. This huge fundraising total easily eclipses both potential GOP nominees (Trey Grayson announced earlier in the week that he had raised $600K, while Senator Jim Bunning admitted he'd have even less than that). A number like this might move this race up the target list in a huge hurry.
OH-Sen: Lt. Governor Fisher Gets Key UAW Endorsement
A day after new polling showed him leading both potential Republican challengers, Democratic Lt. Governor Lee Fisher got more good news today. His campaign announced the endorsement of the United Auto Workers, who have 134,000 members in the state. Fisher is being challenged in the Democratic primary by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. A Quinnipiac poll yesterday had the primary within the margin of error.
MA-Gov: Could Patrick Re-Election Complicated By Independent Bid?
It was rumored earlier in the week, but now it is official: State Treasurer Tim Cahill has made the curious decision to leave the Democratic Party, reassigning himself as an Independent. Some Massachusetts politicos are speculating that he may decide to run for Governor as an Independent, a theory that Cahill today did nothing to dispel by talking quite candidly about his prospects as a 2010 candidate for the office. This could, of course, split the state's predominantly Democratic vote, and hand the governor's mansion to a Republican, such as 2006 Independent candidate Christy Mihos, who is already polling dead even with Governor Deval Patrick.