Rasmussen Reports says Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J., has opened a commanding lead over his Republican opponent, former Rep. Dick Zimmer. In seeking his 5th term, the 84-year-old incumbent leads Zimmer 49 percent to 36 percent, according to the latest Rasmussen survey in New Jersey. “Last month, the two candidates were virtual[ly] tied, with Lautenberg on top by just a single percentage point,” according to Rasmussen. “That poll was taken just days after Lautenberg survived a primary challenge that raised questions about whether he was too old to serve.” Still, the new survey shows that despite his lead, Lautenberg’s support is below 50 percent. “Any incumbent who polls below 50 [percent] is considered potentially vulnerable.”

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that nine-term Rep. William J. Jefferson, D-La., likely will face at least five Democratic challengers in the September primary. Jefferson, who filed for reelection Wednesday, faces federal corruption and bribery charges and is awaiting trial. His “legal troubles will be the ubiquitous thread that binds every aspect of the campaign leading up to the Sept. 6 Democratic primary,” the paper reports. Currently, Jefferson faces former television news anchor Helena Moreno, former New Orleans City Councilman Troy Carter, New Orleans City Councilman James Carter, state Rep. Cedric Richmond, and Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee. The field could expand. Qualifying continues until Friday at 5 p.m.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that University of New Mexico’s men’s basketball coach Steve Alford says his planned appearance at a fundraiser for New Mexico’s 1st District Republican candidate Darren White is being falsely advertised. White’s congressional campaign offered supporters the chance to have their photo taken with Alford for $1,000. “Now, University of New Mexico athletics vice president Paul Krebs — who acknowledges he asked Alford to participate in the event — says Alford could be pulled from the lineup as political controversy roils,” the paper reports. Alford said he agreed to appear at the event in July 16, but he had no intention of endorsing anyone running for the 1st District seat. White blamed Democratic political pressure on the university for the situation. White faces Democrat Martin Heinrich for the seat being vacated by Republican Heather A. Wilson.