Today's installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn't generate a post of their own but may be of interest to political observers:

* In mid-July, Barack Obama will be making an overseas trip to Europe and the Middle East. Though, for security reasons, there has been no announcement about visiting Iraq, one assumes it will be on the itinerary.

* There has been plenty of speculation about what Bill Clinton will do, or not, to support the Obama campaign. The ice may be thawing.

* Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., acknowledged on CNN Sunday that he doesn't believe Republicans have any shot at reclaiming the Senate majority this cycle.

* Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., said over the weekend that he's going to continue to withhold his endorsement in the presidential race, and added that he no longer holds his party in high regard.

* SurveyUSA shows Obama leading McCain in Virginia by 2 points, 49 percent to 47 percent.

* SurveyUSA shows Obama leading McCain in Ohio by 2 points, 48 percent to 46 percent.

* While some recent polling showed Georgia looking very competitive, a new Rasmussen poll shows McCain leading Obama in Georgia by 10 points, 53 percent to 43 percent.

* Rasmussen shows McCain leading Obama in Mississippi by 6 points, 50 percent to 44 percent.

* Rasmussen shows McCain leading Obama in Texas by 9 points, 48 percent to 39 percent.

* Rasmussen shows McCain leading Obama in Arizona by 9 points, 49 percent to 40 percent.

* McCain is, for some unknown reason, running ads in parts of Iowa hardest hit by flooding, where plenty of families are living in FEMA trailers.