Maddow’s Blog | Campaign summary for Monday, 8.5.24

Today’s edition of campaign-related news from across the country.

* We don’t yet know who Vice President Kamala Harris will choose as her running mate, but Senator Mark Kelly published an item to social media last night that raised some eyebrows. “I spent my life in the Navy and NASA, where the mission always comes first,” the Arizona Democrat wrote. “Now, my mission is to serve Arizonans.” The missive was withdrawn about half an hour later.

* Latest CBS News/YouGov poll found Harris leading Donald Trump nationally, 50% to 49%. Throughout 2024, President Joe Biden has not led the Republican in any national CBS News/YouGov poll. (Click the link for information about survey methodology and margins of error.)

* There is quite primary races in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington state tomorrow, and as is usually the case, Bolts a very useful summary in competitions that are worth watching.

* Harris’ campaign added some new high-level staffers late last week, including some prominent members of the Barack Obama campaign teams. Among the most notable additions was David Plouffewho managed the former Democratic president’s operation in 2008.

* Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced over the weekend that the special election to fill the vacancy in Congress left by the late congressman. Sheila Jackson Lee will be on November 5th, coinciding with the general elections.

* As Republicans keep trying to help Cornel West’s far-left presidential campaign, a new complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission alleges there was illegal coordination between West’s operation and Republican-linked companies.

* And in Tennessee, state Rep. Gloria Johnson – a member of the so-called Tennessee Three who faced an expulsion vote last year – won the Democratic primary in the US Senate last week. She will face far-right Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn in the fall, and the incumbent is the favorite in the race.

This article was originally published in MSNBC.com