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 Arkansas' closely watched U.S. Senate race, a new CNN poll has Rep. Tom Cotton (R) with a narrow lead over incumbent Sen. Mark Pryor (D), 49% to 47%, among likely voters. Oddly enough, the same poll shows Pryor with a big, nine-point advantage among registered voters.
* In Alaska's closely watched U.S. Senate race, Maryland officials are investigating whether Republican Dan Sullivan is receiving a tax break that's only given to those whose principal residence is in Maryland. Sullivan reportedly owns a home in suburban D.C., though he's running for statewide office in Alaska.
* As part of his re-election bid, Rep. Steve Southerland (R-Fla.) hosted a men-only fundraising event a few months ago. The invitation, obtained by BuzzFeed, told attendees to "tell the misses not to wait up" because "the after dinner whiskey and cigars will be smooth & the issues to discuss are many." Southerland was recently caught misleading voters about his vote on the Violence Against Women Act.
* In California, the latest Field poll shows Gov. Jerry Brown (D) with a sizable lead over his closest challenger, Republican Neel Kashkari, 50% to 34%.
* In the final Boston Globe poll before next week's primaries, gubernatorial hopeful Martha Coakley continues to enjoy a big lead over her Democratic rivals, leading Steve Grossman by 22 points and Don Berwick by 34 points. Some recent polling had showed the Democratic race tightening.
* Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz conceded yesterday that she used words she "shouldn't have" while criticizing Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R). The Florida Democrat had said the governor "has given women the back of his hand."
* And in 2016 news, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) offered a "maybe" when asked about his possible presidential ambitions, while members of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's (R) inner circle are telling "Republican strategists and fundraisers" to hold off on making firm decisions until after Bush decides whether or not to run.