Friday Must-Reads: Countdown

This year’s gubernatorial primaries are fast approaching, and both states, New Jersey and Virginia, look to be hot contests. In New Jersey, incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine is still sitting low in the polls, but lately he’s improved slightly. A new pair of ads are trying to bring his numbers up further. In Virginia, state Sen. Creigh Deeds puts up his first radio spot. Specter hasn’t been a Democrat too long, but he’s already voted on 15 partisan issues, and he’s sided with his new party two-thirds of that time. That’s a lot more than moderate Dems like Nelson and Bayh, though much less than fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey. But maybe it’s enough to appease Democrats in the state? Specter’s primary opponent, Joe Torsella, has dropped out—leaving Rep. Joe Sestak as the potential sole opponent, if he declares. Michelle Bachman’s push to ensure controversial community group ACORN receives no federal funding is now being supported by Michael Steele. Bachman, who seems to find an easy time earning the spotlight, is still a target for Democrats—but if they couldn’t take her out in 2008, they might have even less hope next year. Sen. John Cornyn, head of the NRSC, is guessing that fellow Texas Sen. Kailey Bay Hutchinson will retire some time this fall, giving a GOP replacement more time to prep for a special election. Some are criticizing House Minority Whip Eric Cantor’s National Council for a New America, which, though adhering to the letter of House laws, appears to be using tax-payer funded House staff for organizing. The DSCC is hoping Obama’s celebrity will be a fundraising boon, as they are raffling off face time with the president at their controversial June fundraiser. And here’s a new one in the campaign-technology arms race: A candidate for Montana’s House seat is allowing voters to download his policy proposals onto their Kindles.