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 Kentucky, Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) officially kicked off her U.S. Senate bid yesterday, dismissing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) for having "gone Washington." As part of the rollout, the Grimes campaign launched this endorsement video from former President Bill Clinton.
* In Montana, Democrats are struggling to recruit a top-tier U.S. Senate candidate in the wake of former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer's surprise decision not to run. This week, state Auditor Monica Lindeen and EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock both withdrew from consideration.
* In North Carolina, there was some recent chatter about Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) running against Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) next year, but the congresswoman announced yesterday she'll seek another House term instead.
* The latest polling in New York City shows former Rep. Anthony Weiner's (D) mayoral candidacy struggling badly following last week's sexting revelations.
* In Alaska, the latest survey from Public Policy Polling shows former half-term Gov. Sarah Palin as the favorite U.S. Senate candidate among Republican voters, but in a hypothetical match-up against incumbent Sen. Mark Begich (D), Palin trails by 12 points.
* Former Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter (D) ended his gubernatorial bid this week, but party leaders still hope to persuade him to challenge Rep. Tim Griffin (R) next year.