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:
* Organizing for Action, an outgrowth of President Obama's campaign, is airing this ad on cable networks this week, slamming Republicans on creating a debt-ceiling crisis. "Tell them to stand up to the Tea Party," the ad's narrator says. "Enough already."
* In Virginia's closely watched gubernatorial race, the Republicans' shutdown appears to have undermined Ken Cuccinelli (R) at an inopportune time. A Politicopoll conducted by Public Policy Polling and Harper Polling shows Cuccinelli trailing Terry McAuliffe by nine points when Libertarian nominee Robert Sarvis is included in the mix. Without Sarvis, McAuliffe's lead is 10 points. The poll found most Virginians blame the GOP for the crisis in Congress.
* In related news, a new Wason Center also shows McAuliffe leading Ken Cuccinelli by nine, 47% to 38%, with Sarvis trailing with 8%.
* The Republican National Committee, hoping to make up lost ground with Latino voters, has now hired "Hispanic engagement staff" in seven states.
* In Arkansas, Rep. Tom Cotton (R) is running a new attack ad, going after Sen. Mark Pryor (D) for the health care policy that covers Capitol Hill employees -- a policy written by a Republican and championed by Republican leaders. Pryor hit back quickly, releasing a response ad overnight.
* In Wisconsin, Trek Bicycle executive Mary Burke announced yesterday she's running for governor as a Democrat and hopes to take on Gov. Scott Walker (R) in November.
* And in Michigan, Rep. Justin Amash (R), a favorite among libertarians in the party, now has a primary challenger. Conservative investment manager Brian Ellis launched his bid this morning.
