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Friday's Campaign Round-Up, 2.20.15

Today's installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
Today's installment of campaign-related news items that won't necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:
 
* Republican officials in DC are worried about what might happen to Sen. Marco Rubio's (R) Senate seat in Florida if he gives it up for a White House run, so they're reportedly pressuring him to put aside his presidential ambitions, at least for now. No word yet on Rubio's official plans.
 
* Speaking of the junior senator from Florida, Rubio said yesterday that he has "no doubt" that President Obama loves America, but the Republican believes the president's policies "are bad for our nation." See, Scott Walker? It's really not that hard.
 
* After making recent visits to Iowa and South Carolina, Vice President Biden is now headed to New Hampshire. These are, of course, the states hosting the first three presidential nominating contests next year.
 
* Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) still isn't running for president, but she acknowledged yesterday the folks who are trying to lure her into the race. "Americans understand that the game is rigged, and they've had enough of it. They're ready to fight back. They want a Washington that works for them," Warren told a Massachusetts audience, adding, "They want to see some real change, and I think that's what we need to work on."
 
* It may seem difficult to take Ben Carson's presidential ambitions seriously, but the far-right neurosurgeon this week hired Mike Murray, a "direct marketing wizard," to serve as a senior adviser for Carson's national operation.
 
* The number of candidates expressing an interest in taking on Sen. Mark Kirk (R) in Illinois next year continues to grow, with Rep. Robin Kelly (D) noting yesterday that she's considering the race, too. Kelly replaced former Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D) in a 2013 special election.
 
* Former Gov. Jon Huntsman (R) may seek elected office again, but he won't take on Sen. Mike Lee (R) in a primary campaign. "I don't rule out another run, but not against Mike," he said this week.
 
* The special election in New York to fill Michael Grimm's (R) vacant seat in the House will he held on May 5.
 
* And to the chagrin of party leaders who long ago tired of him, Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) said yesterday he has no intention of retiring in 2016. He should, however, expect another primary challenger.