Post-New Year's News

Happy New Year everyone. Here's the latest bits from around the country:

Oregon: The Hill has U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio pulling his name from speculation about a possible Senate challenge to Gordon Smith. The article also mentions:

Democratic two-term former Gov. John Kitzhaber and state schools Superintendent Susan Castillo have reportedly pulled their names from consideration. Others mentioned include State Treasurer Randall Edwards, Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis and state Sen. Ben Westlund. Independent John Frohnmayer, a former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts under the first President Bush, has also hinted at a run.

[U.S. Rep. Earl] Blumenauer shrugs off questions about a potential 2008 Senate bid but said there is plenty of time for potential challengers to decide. According to Federal Election Commission filings, Blumenauer has $373,000 cash-on-hand, while Smith has over $2 million.

As always, stay tuned as potential candidates publicize their decisions on running.

Louisiana: Political Wire highlights the latest Evans-Novak Political Report, discussing how population loss due to Hurricane Katrina will hurt incumbent Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu's chances for re-election to a third term.

New Hampshire: PW also mentioned the E-NPR's thoughts on the vulnerability of Republican John Sununu.

Virginia: Kos looks at the impact the blogosphere could have on Republican John Warner's decision to run for re-election or to retire.

Jonathan Singer at MyDD breaks down vote rankings for '08 Senators by presidential support and party unity.