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Wednesday's Campaign Round-Up, 8.27.14

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:
 
* The latest Pew Research Center poll shows Democrats leading Republicans on the generic congressional ballot by five, 47% to 42%. The margin is slightly higher than most other recent national polls.
 
* In Iowa's U.S. Senate race, the new PPP survey shows Rep. Bruce Braley (D) up by one over state Sen. Joni Ernst (R), 41% to 40%, in a multi-candidate race. In a head-to-head match-up without third-party candidates, the two are tied in the poll at 42% each.
 
* In Arkansas' U.S. Senate race, Sen. Mark Pryor's (D) campaign launched a provocative new ad this week that plays on public fears of the Ebola virus -- it reminds voters that Rep. Tom Cotton (R) voted to "cut billions from our nation's medical disaster and emergency programs." The far-right congressman was one of only 29 lawmakers to cast the vote.
 
* In Ohio, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Ed FitzGerald's campaign is starting to lower expectations about its chances and take steps to help protect Democrats down-ballot. FitzGerald is running against incumbent Gov. John Kasich (R).
 
* President Obama was in North Carolina yesterday, where Sen. Kay Hagan (D), facing a tough re-election fight, was willing to be seen with the president, despite speculation she wouldn't.
 
* Miami Republican David Rivera, the scandal-plagued former congressman, tried to launch a misguided comeback bid this year, but it came to an abrupt halt yesterday with a primary defeat.
 
* And though Republican candidates and campaigns generally don't focus too much on abortion during the campaign season, the Susan B. Anthony List, Students for Life of America, Family Research Council Action, and Concerned Women for America are launching a multi-state "Summer of life" tour this week. According to the Washington Times' report, the tour will specifically target three Senate Democratic incumbents: Colorado's Mark Udall, North Carolina's Kay Hagan, and Arkansas' Mark Pryor.