Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
* In South Dakota’s gubernatorial race, incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden, who was elevated to the office after Kristi Noem joined the White House Cabinet, advanced this week to a Republican runoff primary against businessman Toby Doeden. That’s notable in its own right, although it was also of interest to see who didn’t make the cut.
Rep. Dusty Johnson was an early frontrunner in the GOP race who ended up finishing third. As Roll Call reported, he joined a growing group of incumbent members of Congress who gave up their seats to seek statewide office, only to fall short in party primaries.
Among Republicans, the list includes Texas’ Wesley Hunt, Georgia’s Buddy Carter, Texas’ Chip Roy and Iowa’s Randy Feenstra. Among Democrats, Texas’ Jasmine Crockett, Illinois’ Raja Krishnamoorthi and Illinois’ Robin Kelly are in the same unfortunate club.
* Former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown received some good news in the latest Fox News poll, which showed the Ohioan leading appointed Republican Sen. Jon Husted by a 53% to 45% margin. The same poll showed Husted with a 41% favorable rating, while Brown enjoyed a 53% favorable rating.