Monday Briefs

Oregon: From an e-mail sent out by Speaker Jeff Merkley's Senate campaign:

Retired Air Force General Tony McPeak, former Army Special Forces officer Jim Rassmann, and Iraq/Afghanistan war veteran Paul Evans have been tapped to lead the Veterans for Jeff Merkley effort, Merkley's U.S. Senate campaign announced Monday. Rassmann will serve as the chair, with McPeak and Evans serving as co-vice chairs.

Indeed an impressive trio. It is also noteworthy that Evans had earlier considered a 2008 Senate run himself. I suppose it is safe to say that his support for Merkley effectively closes the door on a potential bid from him. This leaves businesswoman Eileen Brady as the only person publicly considering a bid, but not formally in the race. Also, as we bask in the resignation of Alberto Gonzales, it should be remembered that, one week ago, Speaker Merkley called for Gonzales' impeachment.

Minnesota: MN Blue offers a handy comparison of the Democratic candidates for Senate in 2008, looking at their positions on issues, comparing endorsements, and so on.

Nebraska: In separate articles, the Lincoln Journal Star's Don Walton praises former Senator Bob Kerrey as the "Democrats' best hope" for a competitive Senate race and praises former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub as a potential candidate not to be overlooked in the Republican Senate primary.

New Mexico: Iraq Summer offers it protest schedule in New Mexico for today and tomorrow. More bad news for Pajamas Pete Domenici.

Kentucky: Mitch McConnell lamely pleads that "there’s a good chance that in September we’ll go in a different direction" in Iraq. Is there anyone buying it anymore?