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Tuesday's campaign round-up

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:

* With a week to go in South Carolina's congressional special election, a Democratic super PAC is launching a new ad targeting Mark Sanford (R), continuing to hit him over his sex scandal.

* On a related note, the former governor is now without allies. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R), for example, will be a "special guest" at a fundraiser Sanford tomorrow. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) will also back Sanford, as part of a larger effort to establish roots in South Carolina ahead of the senator's likely presidential campaign.

* It's primary day in Massachusetts, with both parties holding contests in advance of the U.S. Senate special election. Rep. Ed Markey is expected to prevail among Democrats, and there is no clear favorite among Republicans. Polls close at 8 p.m.

* In Montana, a Republican pollster found former Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) as the early favorite to replace retiring Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.). In a hypothetical match-up, Schweitzer leads former Gov. Marc Racicot (R) by four, 47% to 43%.

* In New Hampshire, the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation will each be airing radio ads this week, thanking Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) for supporting the Republican filibuster against the bipartisan background-check compromise.

* In Virginia's gubernatorial race, state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) is also finding himself caught up in the controversy surrounding Jonnie Williams's generosity.

* And in Iowa, the fact that Gov. Terry Branstad (R) publicly urged Rep. Steve King (R) not to run for the Senate is a reminder as to the severity of the state GOP's disarray.