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Wednesday's campaign round-up

<p>Today's installment of campaign-related news items that won't necessarily generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to

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:

* Though much of the political world's focus has been on Michigan and Arizona, nearly $5 million has already been spent on the GOP presidential race in Ohio.

* Speaking of the Buckeye State, Rick Santorum appears to have the edge, leading Mitt Romney by seven points in a Quinnipiac poll, and by 12 points in a University of Cincinnati poll.

* A federal three-judge panel approved Texas' new redistricting map, though both parties seem to hate it.

* Newt Gingrich hasn't had much to cheer about lately, but polls show him looking relatively strong in his former home state of Georgia.

* Public Policy Polling shows Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) trailing both of his most likely Democratic opponents in the upcoming recall election. Both Tom Barrett and Kathleen Falk enjoy narrow leads in hypothetical match-ups.

* As expected, Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.) announced he'll retire at the end of this term (thanks to reader R.S. for the tip).

* Guess who registered to vote yesterday in Nebraska? None other than former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D), which appears to be a big hint about his 2012 plans.

* In New Jersey, a new Quinnipiac poll and the latest Rutgers-Eagleton survey both show Sen. Bob Menendez (D) as a strong favorite to win re-election.

* And speaking of the Garden State, even if Mitt Romney asked Gov. Chris Christie (R) to be his running mate, President Obama would still lead the GOP ticket in New Jersey by six points.