Today's installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* Ben Carson has reportedly put his public campaign events on hold for two weeks, in order to focus on fundraising and book promotion. He'll still make public appearances, but they'll apparently be organized through his publisher.
* Hillary Clinton picked up endorsements yesterday from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, in addition to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.). She's also scheduled to pick up support from HUD Secretary Julian Castro today.
* Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) was asked yesterday whether there's a chance Donald Trump may end up as the Republican Party's presidential nominee next year. “It’s possible,” the former candidate said.
* I don't want to alarm anyone, but it appears there's overwhelming proof that Republican presidential candidates, while telling voters they're looking out for working-class people, are actually pursuing tax plans that overwhelmingly benefit the rich.
* In North Carolina's U.S. Senate race, the DSCC's top choice didn't work out, but former state Rep. Deborah Ross (D), a progressive champion in the state, announced yesterday she'll take on Sen. Richard Burr (R) next year.
* Ben Carson claims to have been present for a robbery at a Popeye's location many years ago. Whether the incident actually happened is not entirely clear.
* On the campaign trail in Iowa yesterday, Ted Cruz said the Democratic platform is “a recipe to destroy a country." Reflecting on Tuesday night's debate, the right-wing senator added, "We’re seeing our freedoms taken away every day and last night was an audition for who would wear the jackboot most vigorously."
* And finally, remember former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford? With Canadian parliamentary elections next week, he made an appearance this week in support of incumbent Prime Minister Stephen Harper.