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:
* Republican presidential hopeful Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said this morning that the international nuclear agreement with Iran is "akin to declaring war on Israel and the Sunni Arabs." Remember, Graham may not qualify for the upcoming debates, so he has a strong incentive to say ridiculous things in order to get attention.
* Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) yesterday endorsed a constitutional amendment to prohibit all same-sex marriages. He also criticized Scott Walker's wife for supporting marriage equality. Remember, Santorum may not qualify for the upcoming debates, so he has a strong incentive to say ridiculous things in order to get attention.
* Speaking of Walker, as Rachel noted on the show last night, the Wisconsin governor's presidential campaign kickoff included an introduction from television personality Rachel Campos-Duffy, who's also married to Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.). She told attendees, "Scott has been married to Tonette for 24 years; 24 is Bill Clinton's favorite age."
* Asked on Fox News after his launch speech about Donald Trump's anti-Mexican rhetoric, Walker said, "He can speak for himself." No Profile in Courage award for you, gov.
* In New Jersey, the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran yesterday fact-checked Gov. Chris Christie's (R) recent claims about the "Bridgegate" scandal being behind him. The governor's rhetoric didn't fare well.
* RNC Chairman Reince Priebus complained yesterday that Hillary Clinton's "fingerprints are all over" the Affordable Care Act. It's not true, though it's probably worth reminding the Republican leader he campaigned for Mitt Romney, who helped create the blueprint for the ACA.
* Indiana's Republican Senate primary got a little more crowded this week, with U.S. Rep. Todd Young (R) joining Rep. Marlin Stutzman and former Capitol Hill aide Eric Holcomb in the open-seat race.
* Sen. John McCain (R) has apparently picked up a primary rival in Arizona, with state Sen. Kelli Ward (R) kicking off her campaign yesterday. Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.) is also reportedly eyeing the race, but has not yet announced his plans.