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:
* In Virginia's gubernatorial race, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund has launched a new ad criticizing state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's (R) far-right views on reproductive rights. To keep Ken out of your doctor's office, keep him out of the governor's mansion," the spot says.
* On a related note, a new Quinnipiac poll shows Cuccinelli trailing Terry McAuliffe (D) in Virginia, 43% to 38%. The five-point advantage is modest, but it's among the best polls to date for the Democratic campaign.
* And speaking of polls, the new Public Policy Polling survey in Massachusetts shows Rep. Ed Markey (D) leading Gabriel Gomez (R) in the upcoming Senate special election by seven points. That's up from a four-point advantage a couple of weeks ago.
* Gomez, meanwhile, seems quite reluctant to go into detail about his opposition to women's reproductive rights.
* The Republican field of candidates hoping to take on Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) in 2014 got a little bigger yesterday, with retired Air Force Col. Rob Maness kicking off a campaign. Rep. Bill Cassidy is generally considered the Republican favorite.
* Following recent hints, former Rep. Joe Sestak (D) is launching an exploratory committee for the next Senate race in Pennsylvania, where he's eyeing a rematch against Sen. Pat Toomey (R). Note, the race is still more than three years away, making Sestak's announcement unusually early.
* Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) appears to be worried about her re-election prospects, buying TV ad time for the next two weeks with a Minneapolis station.
* Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), who does not currently have a lieutenant governor, will need a new running mate for his re-election bid next year. Yesterday, he suggested he might choose former Rep. Allen West (R).