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:
* With Massachusetts' Ed Markey (D) now in the Senate, there will be a special election in his U.S. House district. Carl Sciortino (D) is first out of the gate with this extremely effective and memorable spot.
* In Virginia's closely watched gubernatorial race, a new Quinnipiac poll shows a tight contest, with Terry McAuliffe (D) narrowly leading Ken Cuccinelli (R) by three, 44% to 41%.
* In Michigan, Rep. Justin Amash (R) has been weighing the possibility of a U.S. Senate campaign, but has reportedly decided against it.
* In New Hampshire, the latest survey from Public Policy Polling shows incumbent Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D) in strong shape, leading each of her potential Republican challengers by double digits. In a hypothetical match-up against former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown (R), however, Shaheen only leads by four.
* The Public Campaign Action Fund makes an interesting catch this week: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has received campaign contributions from 62 members of the Forbes billionaires list. What's more, five of the 10 wealthiest Americans, including the Koch brothers, have donated at least $29,200 to McConnell, with $26,200 donated in the past six years (thanks to C.S. for the tip).
* And for those following New York City's mayoral race, a Wall Street Journal-NBC 4 New York-Marist poll released yesterday shows Bill de Blasio (D) leading Joe Lhota (R) by 43 points among likely voters. NYC Democrats hope to elect their first mayor in 20 years.