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 a remarkably self-indulgent spectacle, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R), already the longest-serving governor in the state's history, announced he will not seek a fourth term in 2014. "I remain excited about the future and the challenges ahead," he said, "but the time has come to pass on the mantle of leadership." It is widely assumed Perry will now seek national office.
* With Perry out, state Attorney General Greg Abbott (R) appears to be the early gubernatorial frontrunner in 2014. Two weeks ago, Abbott released this biographical video that looked quite a bit like a campaign announcement.
* In New Jersey, a new Quinnipiac poll shows Newark Mayor Cory Booker with an enormous lead in the U.S. Senate special election Democratic primary. In fact, Booker has a 42-point advantage over his next closest Democratic competitor, Rep. Frank Pallone. In a hypothetical general-election match-up, the Newark Mayor tops Republican Steve Lonegan, 53% to 30%.
* In Pennsylvania, a new Harper Polling survey shows that only 24% of voters in the commonwealth believe Gov. Tom Corbett (R) deserves a second term.
* In Virginia, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ken Cuccinelli is refusing to participate in an AARP Virginia/League of Women Voters gubernatorial debate, rejecting the event as a "left wing, stacked" affair. For proof, Cuccinelli pointed to the fact that CBS host Norah O'Donnell agreed to moderate the debate, and O'Donnell used to work for msnbc.
* And in Illinois, former Rep. Bobby Schilling (R), who lost last year after one term in office, announced yesterday that he'll seek a rematch against Rep. Cheri Bustos (D) next year.