Let's get the weekend kicked off properly, with a smattering of polls, an absolutely delicious potential candidate announcement, and other news in the wide world of politics.
NC-Sen: Burr's Standing Improves Incrementally, According to PPP
The good folks at PPP have been very consistent about polling Richard Burr and his prospects for 2010, and they come in before the weekend with their latest installment. Burr's approval numbers are still in the ditch (38/32), but his trial heat numbers have rebounded slightly. He sits at 43% in all four proposed trial heats, with Sec. of State Elaine Marshall (43-31) and Cal Cunningham (43-28) coming closest to the incumbent.
TX-Gov: Watson Says No To 2010 Bid For Governor
When Leticia Van de Putte demurred from a gubernatorial bid earlier in the year, she specifically named fellow state Senator (and former Austin Mayor) Kirk Watson as someone she wanted to see make a go of it. Those hopes were dashed today, as Watson released a statement making clear that he will run for re-election to the state Senate.
CT-Sen: Republican Primary Devolving Into Steel Cage Match?
Apparently, the combat-sports metaphors that often accompany politics might come in handy now. Linda McMahon, who sits on the state board of Education, is contemplating a bid as a Republican. If that name does not ring a bell, you might know her as Mrs. Vince McMahon. Indeed, she is the wife of the titan of professional wrestling, and has factored into some of the storylines of the WWE over the years. She can tap into a pretty sizeable personal fountain of cash, so expect her to be player if she gets into it.
LA-Sen: Vitter Getting Challenged...To His Right
Assuming David Vitter manages to survive his potential primary with Stormy Daniels, he may still have to concern himself with more than just the Democrats (and presumptive challenger Charlie Melancon). According to TPMDC, a sixty-something veteran named Bob Lang is contemplating an Independent challenge to Vitter.
FL-Sen: Could One Martinez Replace Another?
Last week's decision by Mel Martinez to go Sarah Palin on the U.S. Senate has spawned a cottage industry of speculation on who Governor Charlie Crist (himself a Senate aspirant) would select as the appointed replacement for the departing Senator. The newest name that has emerged is former GOP Governor Bob Martinez, last seen getting beat by Lawton Chiles nearly twenty years ago.
NATIONAL: Where Ideological Titles Wear Well...and Where They Don't
Gallup, over the past six months, has compiled the self-identified ideologies of their respondents. In the numbers, there are few surprises. The top ten states in self-identified conservatism were all states carried by McCain in 2008, with Alabama, Mississippi, and Utah leading the way. On the liberal side, Washington DC leads the pack, unsurprisingly. The top ten liberal states, unsurprisingly, went for President Obama in 2008.