Romney Jokes About Hunting Gaffe
The Boston Globe reports that Mitt Romney joked about his recent claim to have been a lifelong hunter — despite having gone on only two hunting trips plus, in his own words, shooting "small varmints — at a Republican dinner in Texas. Romney held up a "trophy" of a squeaking toy squirrel mounted on a piece of wood, declaring, "I want you to know that those small animals can be ferocious," and saying the toy's squeak was ""the sound I heard just before I let it have it."

Centrist House Dem Endorses Obama
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), a key House New Democrat and organizer of John Kerry's Washinton state campaign in 2003 and 2004, is backing Barack Obama and will keynote a Seattle "Meetup For Obama" on April 28.

Romney Playing Down Health Care
The Associated Press notes that Mitt Romney is playing up his social conservatism and playing down what was actually his greatest accomplishment as Governor of Massachusetts: Instituting univeral health insurance coverage. The reason? In the words of an analyst at the Cato Institute, "In essence, you have Romney embracing 'Hillarycare,' and that doesn't play well on the right."

Clinton Recruits Hispanic Activist
The Associated Press reports that Hillary Clinton's campaign has recruited Raul Yzaguirre to co-chair her campaign. Yzaguirre is known for his activism on behalf of the Hispanic community, notably having served as president of the National Council of La Raza. He is currently teaching at Arizona State University. — Kate Redburn

Byrd Intends To Run Again At Age 95
The New York Times reports that Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), alreayd the longest-serving Senator ever, says he intends to run again in 2012, when he will turn 95 shortly after Election Day. "I am not getting ready for any re-election right now," he said. "I will run in 2012, the Lord willing." If he does run and serves out the whole term, he would leave office at age 101 and beat Strom Thurmond's record as the oldest Senator ever.

Swann Considering House Bid
Former Pittsburgh Steelers player and failed 2006 GOP gubernatorial nominee Lynn Swann told the Associated Press that he has been approached about running for Congress from Pennsylvania's Fourth District. Freshman Democrat Jason Altmire previously defeated three-term Republican Melissa Hart in a major upset last Fall, and Republicans are likely to heavily target Altmire in the GOP-leaning district that voted twice for President Bush. Swann said he is "still collecting information" about a prospective bid, while Hart is also reportedly considering a comeback. If Swann were elected, he would be the first black Republican in Congress since 2002.

John Warner Raised Only $500
The Hill reports that Senator John Warner (R-VA) raised a mere $500 in the last quarter, news sure to feed expectations that he'll retire in 2008. Warner's office released a statement clearly aimed at downplaying that implication. "“Virginians know me," Warner is quoted in the release. "If I confirm my decision to seek reelection, I have every confidence that I will be able to raise sufficient resources and structure an organization to wage a vigorous campaign leading to Election Day in November 2008.”

Congresswoman Quits Hispanic Caucus Over Treatment Of Women
The Hill reports that Representative Linda Sanchez (D-CA) has quit the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, saying she made the decision "because I believe that the current leadership has not made needed structural reforms to ensure that the caucus is more equitable and inclusive of all its members." Her sister, fellow California Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, quit the caucus over allegations that Chairman Joe Baca (D-CA) called her a "whore."