KERREY CALLS FOR END TO SUPER PAC SPENDING: Nebraska Democratic Senate candidate Nebraska Democratic Senate candidate Bob Kerrey sent a letter Tuesday to his opponent, GOP state Sen. Deb Fischer , calling for a pledge to end spending by super PACs in their race.

“I propose that we sign an agreement to vigorously oppose any and all such spending from now until November 6,” Kerrey wrote in the letter. “Our bi-partisan agreement would have a very positive impact and send a wonderful signal to the nation about our values.”

Kerrey made the proposal following an interview Fischer did with a local TV station saying she opposed super PAC spending.

Kerrey is not the first Senate candidate to make this plea. Sen. Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren made a similar pledge in the Massachusetts campaign, which has largely deterred super PAC influence. In total, outside groups have spent less than $177,000 on the race

Even if Fischer agrees to the proposal, outside spending is ultimately not controlled by the candidates, so it would be up to the independent groups to abide by the ceasefire.

VEEPSTAKES UPDATE: Two reports this week indicate that presumptive Republican presidential nominee New York Times Reuters Two reports this week indicate that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is close to selecting his vice presidential running mate. The reported that Romney has already made his decision and could announce it this week while reported that the former Massachusetts governor’s shortlist has been narrowed down to just three candidates — Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

One common thread between the three men still reportedly on the shortlist — they all know how to rake in campaign cash from a variety of sources. Portman raised $16.5 million for his 2010 U.S. Senate bid, Jindal brought in a total of $15.2 for his 2011 re-election campaign and Pawlenty collected $5.1 million for his short-lived presidential run.

Look for the final installment of the series later today, profiling three dark horse contenders to join Romney on the GOP ticket.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Flickr user JWHComm via Tyler Schmitt, Flickr user Gage Skidmore



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