The Rhode Island petition deadline for independent presidential candidates, and the presidential candidates of unqualified parties, is not until September 5. However, groups that wish to circulate such petitions must turn in a declaration of candidacy for at least one candidate for presidential elector by 4 pm, Wednesday, June 25.

As of June 24, these groups had already filed a declaration of candidacy for at least one candidate for presidential elector: Constitution, Green, Libertarian, Socialist, Socialist Workers, and Socialism & Liberation. An electoral slate pledged to Ralph Nader should be filed on June 25, and possibly others will be filed on June 25.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court released several full opinions on Wednesday, June 25, it did not release the campaign finance decision, Davis v Federal Election Commission. That means it will be released on June 26. June 26 is the last day the Court sits before it goes on summer recess. June 26 news coverage of the election law decision will be overshadowed by the simultaneous release of the Heller decision. The Heller case will determine whether the Second Amendment requires the invalidation of the District of Columbia law that bans handguns.

A Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll released on June 24 shows these results when four candidates are listed: Obama 48%, McCain 33%, Nader 4%, Barr 3%, other 2%, don’t know 10%. Here are the details. Scroll down to the 3rd chart to find these numbers. Thanks to Tim Brace for this news.