| Congress: SC-Sen (Class III): Haley's apparent shortlist for the DeMint seat consists of Reps. Tim Scott and Trey Gowdy, former AG Henry McMaster, Jenny Sanford, and Health Secretary Catherine Templeton. Interestingly, this is the first we're hearing from inside sources of Sanford as being vetted, though she's been the subject of much outside speculation. If you're placing bets, Scott is still considered the odds-on favorite. HI-Sen 2016: 88-year-old Sen. Dan Inouye (D) has been hospitalized with a lung ailment. The condition does not seem to be particularly serious; best wishes to him for a speedy recovery. NJ-Sen: All eyes are on 88-year old Frank Lautenberg to see whether he will retire or not. With Cory Booker in a position to demolish the incumbent in a primary, it might not even matter - but Republicans should be rooting for Lautenberg to once again be the D standard bearer. The incumbent is beatable; Booker decidedly isn't. GA-6: Rep. Tom Price (R) ruled out a Boehner challenge for the speakership; it's unclear what this might say (if anything) about potential plans to challenge Chambliss for his Senate seat. WATN: Wes Cooley, who Repped OR-2 as a Republican from 1995-97 and left after it was discovered he falisfied military records, is headed to jail on tax evasion charges. States: NJ-Gov: State Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Metuchen) has entered the Governor's race, likely setting up (after Booker finally stops dragging his feet and announces he isn't running) one half of a bloody primary between the white-collar, anti-machine, North Jersey Democrat and blue collar, machine-oriented, South Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford). At this point neither looks like the favorite in that matchup; the winner gets the honor of losing to Christie. (Also, for future reference - her name is pronounced "Bono", like Sonny.) VA-Gov: After suspending his Republican campaign, LG Bill Bolling continues to not foreclose the possibility of an indie run against Cuccinelli and McAullife. SC-Gov: PPP(D): Sheheen (D) 46 Haley(R-i) 44. Haley and Sen. Lindsey Graham both lead in their primaries. Miscellaneous: Brooklyn Democratic Boss Frank Seddio loves extravagantly decorating his Canarsie house for Christmas. I suppose it's a better hobby than the extracurricular interests of the last several Brooklyn Democratic chairs, which usually revolve around graft and harassment. |
