On this holiday of remembrance for those who have given their lives, it is not terribly surprising to see that there is virtually no campaign news from the weekend. That said, there are a few items to peruse as we kick off this new week.
NATIONAL: America Renders Its Verdict on Powell vs. Limbaugh/Cheney
As the growing rift between Colin Powell and the twin leaders of the modern GOP (Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney) escalates, America has made its preferences pretty clear. A new CNN poll shows that Powell has his two GOP critics covered in terms of public support. Powell's favorability stands at 70%. Cheney and Limbaugh trail by...a hair...with Cheney checking in at 37% approval, and Limbaugh standing at 30% approval. Powell even beats Limbaugh among Republican voters.
AR-SEN: Sen. Lincoln Catches A Break, Loses Potential Major GOP Challenger
Former Bush staffer Tim Griffin, who a PPP poll earlier this Spring to be a possibly strong contender in 2010 to incumbent Democrat Blanche Lincoln, has decided to demur from a challenge, although he left the door open to reconsidering. Polls have shown Lincoln could be vulnerable to a strong challenge, but none have yet to emerge.
OK-SEN: Colleagues Say Coburn Will Seek Re-Election
Freshman GOP Senator Tom Coburn has announced that he will declare his intentions for 2010 next week. Two potential successors told seem assured that Coburn will run again. Republican Congressman Tom Cole and Democratic Congressman Dan Boren, both potential candidates in an open-seat campaign, both presume that Coburn will announce that he is seeking re-election. A poll taken by PPP last week showed that Coburn would be unlikely to be challenged for re-election, even by popular Democratic Governor Brad Henry.
PA-SEN: Are Democratic Leaders Trying To Talk Sestak Down??
Earlier today here on Daily Kos, the subject of White House intervention in Senate primaries was a hot topic. Illinois came up as a possible second locale for the White House 2010 clearing program. Well, maybe not: it appears that Pennsylvania Democrat Joe Sestak is getting the treatment. So far, the pressure has been lighter than it apparently was in New York--a call from DSCC chair Robert Menendez, and an email on Specter's behalf sent in Joe Biden's name to the e-mail list put together by Organizing for America.
