Discover GOP Opprobrium

[teapeebubbles]

Today's installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn't generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers.

* In another painful twist for Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.), his press secretary abruptly quit yesterday. That's rarely a good sign.

* Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao (R-La.) had told reporters he was likely to vote for the economic stimulus package, but then reversed course under pressure from his fellow Republicans. Cao, who represents a heavily Democratic district, now faces a recall petition, which was initiated by a group of ministers in New Orleans.

* Sen. George Pataki? Apparently, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has approached the former New York governor about running against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) next year.

* Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) appears to be well positioned for re-election, should she seek a fourth term next year. It's obviously still very early, but a new poll shows her leading her next closest competitor, Rep. Dave Reichert (R), by 15 points, 54% to 39%.

* Former Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman is apparently planning to run for the Senate next year, taking on House Minority Whip Roy Blunt in a Republican primary. "Roy Blunt is another white guy in a suit, and I think the public wants change," Steelman said.

* The Republican National Committee isn't impressed with President Obama, and CNN's political blog did an item about the latest RNC press release. I'm not sure why.