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Archive of Politics on Friday July 06, 2007
Rookie rep. calls 'em like he sees 'em
Former Major League Baseball umpire Dale Ford once tossed manager Earl Weaver from a game during the national anthem. This year, he got plenty of practice with the art of compromising as a rookie lawmaker in the Tennessee General Assembly. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Money can't buy good press
New York's top Republican state senator lashes back after a newspaper scorches him over travel expenses. Kentucky's first dog has her own Web site, Internet video, and now a book deal? Visits to Internet porn sites cost an Iowa state employee his $84,500-a-year job monitoring other employees’ computer usage. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in. Read More
Party chief's dual role draws fire
Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman makes $100,000 a year to build a political machine to compete with Republicans, and earns extra income working for a law firm headed by one of the state's leading Republicans, Al Cardenas. Read More
State budget feud turning nastier
The political feud between Gov. Ed Rendell and Senate Republicans over a new state budget intensified yesterday as a Senate committee voted to subpoena two top administration officials to find out why the state's five casinos may be shut down Monday morning. Read More
State probing BP safety
State officials said Thursday in response to a congressional letter citing safety concerns at Prudhoe Bay that they have long been inspecting the North Slope oil production facilities under discussion and plan to release their findings soon. Read More
Closing arguments set for today in Anderson trial
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The defense in the federal corruption trial of former state Rep. Tom Anderson rested its case after breezing through a flurry of witnesses Thursday, as it tried to demonstrate Anderson has on numerous occasions voted against legislation his consulting clients asked him to support. Read More
Palin hopeful that producers will apply to build gas pipeline
Gov. Sarah Palin is publicly hoping that the state's major oil producers will apply to build an Alaska natural gas pipeline. The companies remain reluctant. Read More
Defense rests its case in Anderson trial
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The defense rested its case today in the trial of Tom Anderson without calling the former Alaska legislator to the stand. Read More
Palin's budget cuts leave operations intact
Last week, Gov. Sarah Palin vetoed $231 million from the capital budget for construction projects, a move that pleased many Alaskans who voted for the self-described fiscal conservative to rein in government spending. Read More
Anderson case likely to get to jury today
On June 13, 2005, an FBI agent left a message on then-state Rep. Tom Anderson's cell phone asking for his views on an upcoming federal appointment because he had been such a friend of law enforcement in the past. Read More
Court upholds ballot laws
Three independent candidates lost a challenge to Alabama's ballot access laws, which are among the toughest in the nation. Read More
Prosecution urges more jail time or restitution
Federal prosecutors on Thursday urged U.S. District Court Judge Mark Fuller not to erase the part of former Gov. Don Siegelman's sentence for bribery and other crimes that ordered him to pay $181,325 in restitution. Read More
Governor tours tornado-hit city, finds it on mend
DUMAS, Ark. - If it weren't for the fireplace and the brick frame standing alone in a yard, it would be hard to tell with the naked eye that a tornado cut through the Lennox Circle neighborhood in Dumas four months ago. Read More
Beebe gives hospital $250k to cover care after Feb. storm
DUMAS, Ark. - A recreation complex rebuilt since tornadoes struck in February shows the power of community action, Gov. Mike Beebe says. Read More
On vacation, Elkins' state senator rescues drowning swimmer
State Sen. Bill Pritchard made headlines while on vacation in Florida this week when he helped rescue a man drowning in a swimming pool. Read More
Beebe aids hospital, views rebuilding effort in Dumas
DUMAS, Ark. - Gov. Mike Beebe provided $250,000 in aid to Delta Memorial Hospital on Thursday during a tour of tornado rebuilding efforts in this southeastern Arkansas community. Read More
New budget already faces shortfall
The newly enacted state budget may already be in the red. Read More
California, Nevada governors want review of agency after Tahoe wildfire
CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Governors of California and Nevada agreed Thursday to form a panel that will determine whether policies to protect Lake Tahoe may have worsened the impact of a wildfire that destroyed 254 homes and other buildings. Read More
California lobbyists hit record number
No one apparently noticed, but California state politics recently broke a record. Read More
Lawmaker advocates greater independence for state air board
The head of the Assembly's Natural Resources Committee said Thursday that she's considering introducing a bill to give members of California's air board fixed terms in office, saying that would allow them to implement the state's landmark global warming law without fear of political retribution. Read More
Veterinarians desert sterilization bill
The state's biggest veterinary group withdrew its endorsement this week of legislation that would require most owners to spay or neuter their dogs and cats, dealing the bill a serious blow. Read More
Offering a drop of hope
OAKLAND, Calif. -- At 3 months, Sophia DeMiguel appears to be a healthy, happy baby. She exhibits no signs of the disease that will color her life. Read More
Dems weigh subpoenas for 2 of governor's aides
Assembly Democrats said they may need to subpoena two of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's aides who are expected to rebuff an invitation to testify at an oversight hearing today on why two officials were forced from the state's air resources board. Read More
A craving to stay cool challenges power grid anew
Each time the temperatures rise, so do Californians' fears. Read More
School oversight measure advances
Democrats in an Assembly committee advanced a bill Thursday that would revive oversight of California's career-oriented schools despite the Schwarzenegger administration's continued criticism that it's too heavy-handed. Read More
Schwarzenegger may lose a bit of his eco-luster
SAN FRANCISCO - In the last year or so, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger -- he of the incredible orange perma-tan -- has had a remarkably green tint. In September, Mr. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, signed into law a landmark emissions-reduction measure and then drove a green bus during his easy, breezy re-election campaign. Read More
Blacks fear losing their voice
Former state Sen. Gloria Tanner looks at the future of politics in Denver and the state House of Representatives and sees few folks who look like her. Read More
State closes illegal trash dump in Milford
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal renewed his push for regulation of the garbage industry after announcing Thursday that the state has shut down an illegal dump linked to reputed mob figure Gus Curcio. Read More
Democrats see last legislative session from different angles
House Speaker James A. Amann has a quick diagnosis for those fellow Democrats who have quietly complained that the party didn't get all the results it hoped for out of its new super-majority status in the legislature. Read More
McCain scales back Florida staff
A cash crunch has forced Republican John McCain to gut his presidential campaign in Florida, an early sign that only a few, extremely flush contenders will be able to compete in a state hosting one of the nation's first primaries. Read More
State on empty -- No funds for road upgrades
The state Department of Transportation ran out of money when its budget year ended, leaving nearly $445 million in routine maintenance and safety upgrades unfunded throughout the state. Read More
Governor reports staff promotions
Gov. Sonny Perdue has made four changes to his administration. Read More
Georgia cash for GOP is lacking
In the first quarter of the year, Republican candidates took in less than $650,000 from Georgians, compared to nearly $1.7 million for Democrats, according to the Federal Election Commission. Read More
Sharpton -- Wilson sentence 'wicked,' 'illegal'
Longtime civil rights activist Al Sharpton headlined an energetic rally at the Douglas County courthouse Thursday in support of Genarlow Wilson, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for engaging in oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17. Read More
Sharpton embraces relatives at rally for Gernarlow Wilson
Standing on the steps of the Douglas County Courthouse, the Reve. Al Sharpton embraced the mother and sister of Genarlow Wilson Thursday as he joined hundreds of supporters demanding Wilson's immediate release from prison. Read More
Democrats deny governor's request to amend bills
Legislative leaders are rejecting Gov. Linda Lingle's last-minute request that the Legislature amend four of 33 bills that the governor is threatening to veto. Read More
Override session still on Tuesday
Gov. Linda Lingle publicly asked lawmakers yesterday to compromise on a few bills on her potential veto list, but legislative leaders said they intend to stick with their own plans for a one-day special override session on Tuesday. Read More
King silent on possible run for office
U.S. Rep. Steve King was mum Thursday about his own chances of running for statewide office, but he did offer a prescription for Iowa Republicans to bounce back from recent losses. Read More
Otter reiterates support for higher Idaho highway taxes
It could become more expensive to drive a car in Idaho. Read More
Idaho to move 125 prisoners from Texas facility after concerns
State prison officials say 125 Idaho inmates in a private Texas prison are due to make their fourth move since 2005, following a suicide in March, problems with a guard passing contraband to inmates and the former warden's ouster. Read More
State evaluating math ed
In an effort to prepare students for the rigors of increasing math requirements, the Idaho State Department of Education is re-evaluating the way schools teach and assess student proficiency in mathematics. Read More
State in danger of violating Swan Falls Agreement
The state may be in danger of violating the Swan Falls agreement because a drought is drying up the Snake River, according to a statement released late Tuesday by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Read More
No curtailment
Just hours from cutting water access to nearly 600 Magic Valley groundwater users, the state's water director announced Thursday he was rescinding plans to shut down wells. Read More
State cancels water shut-off
Water continues to flow this morning to 16,600 acres of corn, sugar beets, hay, barley and wheat in the Magic Valley, and no farmers are going to jail for defending their pumps. Read More
Pension costs growing sharply for Illinois government
Pension systems for Illinois teachers and government employees are $41 billion short of the money ultimately needed for retirement benefits. Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants to eliminate a big chunk of that shortfall by privatizing the state lottery and borrowing money to reinvest. Read More
Ban on horse slaughter upheld
A federal judge effectively put a horse-slaughtering plant in DeKalb out of business with a ruling Thursday that upholds a state law banning the production or possession of horse meat for human consumption. Read More
Stroger's cancer diagnosed prior to his nomination
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger said Thursday that prostate cancer had been diagnosed in him months before he was picked by Democratic Party leaders to be on the ballot in 2006, and that he did not publicly disclose the serious illness because he did not want to compound his mother's woes. Read More
Horse slaughtering plant to remain closed
CHICAGO ? The last U.S. plant that slaughtered horses for human consumption will remain closed after a federal judge on Thursday dismissed its challenge to the state law that shut it down. Read More
Some minimum-wage earners not happy
While most people would be excited about a pay increase, Gretchen Lesle is worried a $1-per-hour bump in Illinois' minimum wage could come back to haunt her in the form of higher prices. Read More
Fireworks on the fifth
Smoke from Independence Day fireworks barely had time to clear the air above the Capitol before state lawmakers started in Thursday with their own political pyrotechnics. Read More
Plenty of doubt over lottery sale plan
The Illinois House is poised to vote as early as today on whether to lease the Illinois lottery and issue billions in bonds to pay down the state?s pension debt. Read More
Stroger -- I kept cancer secret for mom
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger conceded Thursday that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer months earlier than his staff had previously announced, but said he hid the matter until very recently because of concern for his mother. Read More
Safety on the streets -- Jesse White discusses details of teen driver bill
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said he doesn't mind being "the bad guy" as long as it keeps teen drivers and others on the roads safe. Read More
Fire marshal to lose $3,923 in salary for DUI arrest
The state fire marshal will lose nearly $4,000 in pay, but he will not lose his job in connection with a May drunken driving arrest in which he was driving a state-owned vehicle. Read More
Illinois finalizes FutureGen lobbying contract
The state has finished hiring a prominent Washington, D.C., lobbying firm to push officials to build a prototypical power plant in Illinois. Read More
Blagojevich's lottery privitization plan likely to be scratched
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to privatize the state lottery may soon join his other proposals in the Legislative dustbin. Read More
Lawmakers return to Springfield
Legislators held a special session that was called by Governor Rod Blagojevich to try to end the battle over a multi-billion dollar budget. However, some lawmakers are not happy the governor refused to attend a budget hearing Thursday. Read More
House fights lottery lease
Lawmakers spent the first day of a special legislative session Thursday attacking Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to lease the state lottery, and a key Democratic lawmaker predicted the Illinois House would vote to condemn the idea as early as Friday. Read More
Springfield budget talks yield no progress
The Illinois House spent hours repeating familiar budget arguments. The Senate convened, then immediately adjourned. Gov. Rod Blagojevich holed up in his office. The first day of the General Assembly's special session wasn't exactly special. Read More
Cone-zone scofflaws will pay dearly
State transportation officials hope higher fines ultimately will lead to safer work zones, where 14 people were killed and 636 were injured in Indiana last year. Read More
Sign of rising anger, property taxes
It is just one of many "For Sale" signs posted in front of some of the stately homes along North Meridian Street. Read More
'Diploma mills' are shut down
Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter has shut down two Michigan City-based businesses accused of operating "diploma mills" that sold fake high school and college diplomas via the Internet. Read More
House speaker wants legislative review of 'gambling czar' position
House Speaker Melvin Neufeld says the Legislature needs to be involved in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' request to establish a new position to oversee gambling expansion in Kansas. Read More
House votes to end session on first day
In an unprecedented move, the state House shut down yesterday rather than take up the 67 items -- including tax incentives for coal-conversion plants -- that Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher asked the legislature to consider in a special session. Read More
College wants 2008 debate
DANVILLE, Ky. - Centre College is seeking $1 million in state funds as part of an attempt to lure a presidential debate in 2008. Read More
House lawmakers adjourn special session; Senate continues work
House lawmakers adjourned without taking any action during a special legislative session on Thursday, saying Gov. Ernie Fletcher's decision to call them back to Frankfort was ill conceived. Read More
Beshear reception for Democrats draws criticism
Less than an hour after House Democrats led a vote to immediately adjourn Gov. Ernie Fletcher's special legislative session, the governor's election opponent hosted a reception for those lawmakers at Democratic Party headquarters. Read More
FAA runway money said not in peril in jeopardy
House Democrats said their decision to leave Frankfort yesterday will not endanger the proposed $27 million relocation of the Blue Grass Airport runway from which Comair Flight 5191 mistakenly departed. Read More
House adjourns as session starts
In a swift rebuke to Gov. Ernie Fletcher, the House met yesterday and adjourned on the first day of a special session -- called to consider matters that Fletcher said couldn't wait until the next regular session begins in January. Read More
Out-of-state voters a concern for Louisiana
Out-of-State voter registration for Katrina evacuees is a nightmare for the state. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne says after Katrina, many Louisiana voters moved to other states but never canceled their voter registration. Read More
Blanco signs off on pay raises for assessors, clerks
Gov. Kathleen Blanco has signed into law hefty pay raises for clerks of court and assessors, and aides said Thursday she is probably going to sign into law pay raises for judges and statewide elected officials. Read More
Tax breaks may burden state's next governor
The state's next governor will likely receive a pricey welcome package upon entering office -- millions of dollars in tax breaks that will have to be absorbed by the future administration. Read More
Galvin lost in Chinese translation
Local Chinese community activists are accusing the state?s elections chief of using ?ignorant? arguments to keep candidates? names in English on Boston ballots. Read More
Lawmakers upset new Rockville courthouse left out of the capital budget
Montgomery County lawmakers expressed regret that Gov. Martin O?Malley?s capital budget failed to include money for a new District Courthouse in Rockville, a project in the planning stages for four years. Read More
Miller - sales tax hike likely
Consumers could soon be paying more at cash registers across the county and state. Read More
Maryland looks for ways to flip switch on new power plan
Gov. Martin O?Malley wants Marylanders to reduce their electricity usage by 15 percent by 2015 and is convening a summit July 25 to explore options. Read More
Franchot, state clashed over pay for assistants
Gov. Martin O?Malley?s top aides tussled with Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot over salaries for the state tax collector?s top deputies, who are being paid more than some Cabinet secretaries. Read More
Money week - bond ratings, spending cuts
Gov. Martin O?Malley will seek Board of Public Works approval on Wednesday to cut about $200 million from state agencies, the first step toward closing a $1.5 billion deficit in next year?s budget. Read More
State park may become wilderness
CLAY, Mich. -- A 200-acre portion of Algonac State Park could become a state-designated wilderness area if the Legislature accepts a recommendation from the state Department of Natural Resources. Read More
Feds clarify EMU crime report
The U.S. Department of Education has written a letter of clarification to Eastern Michigan University President John A. Fallon III after a damaging report released earlier this week implied Fallon knew about a campus homicide sooner than he had previously said. Read More
Ads bash proposed $1.35 monthly fee on Mich. phone bills
Michigan telephone companies on Thursday launched an advertising campaign against a proposed $1.35 monthly fee on all phones, which would raise $200 million a year for law enforcement and fire services. Read More
Report about EMU revised
A U.S. Department of Education official acknowledged Thursday that Michigan State Police did not send letters to Eastern Michigan University's president suggesting that a student found dead in her dorm room had been murdered until after a suspect was arrested, clarifying a report released earlier this week. Read More
Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up
As a condemnation hearing over the site of the new Minnesota Twins stadium nears its midpoint, the best drama may still be found outside the courtroom. Read More
GOP selects candidate for open Missouri state seat
ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Republican officials chose on Thursday night state Rep. Tom Dempsey to run for a vacant state Senate seat, but their Democratic counterparts delayed picking a nominee until later this month. Read More
Challenger tops chief, but Martin may contest count
Official results from Tuesday's runoff make Beasley Denson the first new chief the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has seen in nearly three decades, but it's possible Chief Phillip Martin, the loser in the race, will challenge the vote count. Read More
$500K-plus balance sets record; nearly $200K raised in past 3 months
Gov. Brian Schweitzer has raised slightly more than $600,000 for his 2008 re-election campaign and reported having about a record $500,000 left in the bank on June 30, a report filed Thursday showed. Read More
Rehberg -- No run for Senate
WASHINGTON - Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg will not challenge Sen. Max Baucus in 2008, the state Republican Party announced Thursday. Read More
Schweitzer nears $600,000 raised for re-election campaign
Gov. Brian Schweitzer's fundraising for his re-election bid slowed a bit in the most recent quarter, although he still had $506,504 on hand at the end of June, according to campaign finance reports released Thursday. Read More
Hackney governs House from the middle
Senate leader Marc Basnight is a fan of his counterpart in the House, Speaker Joe Hackney. But Basnight doesn't relish negotiating a $20 billion budget with him. Read More
Pardon, $100,000 compensation elude N.C. man freed five years ago
GOLDSBORO, N.C. - Five years after new evidence helped free Terence Garner from prison, he is still pressing for a pardon from the governor that would allow $100,000 in compensation for the years he lost in prison. Read More
Black sentencing could be delayed
Former House Speaker Jim Black's attorney has requested that his sentencing on a federal public corruption charge be delayed into August. Read More
Cowell, Folwell join state treasurer's race
Two legislators threw themselves into the state treasurer race Thursday. That makes three who have raised their hands so far. Read More
State workers' pay raise gets tentative agreement
A week after a tax and Medicaid deal collapsed, House and Senate negotiators made progress yesterday on a two-year spending plan for state government, including a tentative agreement on pay raises for state workers. Read More
Folwell wants to follow Moore as treasurer in '08
After eight years as a school-board member and two terms in the N.C. General Assembly, Dale Folwell wants to be state treasurer. Folwell, a Republican from Winston-Salem, said yesterday that he plans to run next year to replace Richard Moore, a Democrat who is running for governor. Read More
Black wants judge to delay sentencing
Former N.C. House Speaker Jim Black has asked a judge to delay his sentencing for more than a month because of what Black's attorney describes as a surprise recommendation that his crimes fall under a federal bribery law. Read More
State agency heads get raises
Gov. Dave Heineman granted pay raises of up to 5.1 percent this year to directors of the state agencies he controls, while raises for most state workers are tied up in a contract dispute. Read More
Presidential tab - Priceless
DURHAM, N.H. ? Hosting two former Presidents isn't cheap. The University of New Hampshire's May commencement cost $440,417, or more than three times the cost of last year's ceremony, which rang in at $134,660, according to figures provided to the New Hampshire Union Leader. Much of the added expense went toward extra security for keynote speakers and former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton as well as for accommodating the larger than usual crowds who came to watch. Read More
Nevada pleased with role, however small
Last year about this time, Nevada loomed. At least among primary junkies, fear was real that the state's rodeos and casinos would supplant New Hampshire's candlepin bowling and house parties as the early backdrops of presidential politicking. A year later, the candidates keep coming here, actually logging more days in the state than their counterparts did four years ago. Read More
Rock out, but don't flick on that CO2-spewing lighter
NEW YORK - It is an uphill battle for green-themed Live Earth organizers to pull off concerts around the world in the name of curbing global warming while avoiding their own contribution to landfills and emissions. Read More
Use of on-loan lobbyist under scrutiny
Attorney General Gary King said Thursday that his office will review whether there were legal or ethical problems with Gov. Bill Richardson?s use of an electric utility lobbyist as on-loan staffer, including during this year?s legislative session. Read More
Universities help pay salaries of Richardson appointees
Two New Mexico universities are helping foot the bill of Gov. Bill Richardson appointees, and the arrangement has some concerned about potential conflicts of interest. Read More
Local legislator receives poor conservation rating
FARMINGTON, N.M. - This year, James Strickler, R-Farmington, was identified by Conservation Voters New Mexico as having the worst voting record among the members of the New Mexico Legislature with respect to environmental issues. Read More
Change makes reaching out to at-risk teens less risky
Say it's Friday, 3 a.m. A 17-year-old boy comes out of the night and through the door of the Center for Independent Living shelter downtown, one of the few places in the Las Vegas Valley that a teenager on the run or on the streets can land at that hour. Read More
Lending regulator plans to resign
Gov. Jim Gibbons' administration is changing the top regulators over private lenders, banks and other financial institutions with the appointment of a new commissioner and the departure of another. Read More
Gibbons joins call for joint fire commission
Gov. Jim Gibbons joined the call Thursday for creation of a joint Nevada-California commission to study forest management and fire prevention in the Tahoe Basin. Read More
Gibbons accelerates program to design, widen I-15 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS -- Widening should begin by next spring on a key southern Nevada freeway under an accelerated program allowing the project to be designed as it is built, officials said Thursday. Read More
Court won't review death sentence in Reno murder case
Cary Williams, sentenced to die for the 1982 torture-murder of a pregnant Reno nurse, lost Thursday in a bid to have the full Nevada Supreme Court review a court panel ruling against his appeal. Read More
State mental health official resigns post
The state's Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services has lost another top administrator. Read More
Nevada justice, ACLU critical of trend in state prison funding
LAS VEGAS -- With Nevada's prison system eating up a larger chunk of the state budget, critics ranging from a state Supreme Court justice to the American Civil Liberties Union are calling for curbing growing inmate populations and spiraling costs. Read More
Water authority-owned ranches join Nevada cattlemen's
ELKO, Nev. -- The Nevada Cattlemen's Association has granted membership to six ranches owned by the Southern Nevada Water Authority -- a group distrusted by some ranchers who believe its plans to pipe water to Las Vegas will drain northeastern Nevada's aquifers. Read More
Assemblyman Marvel recovering
Veteran Assemblyman John Marvel is recovering following surgery at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. Read More
Gibbons appoints new V&T commissioner, gives no explanation
Gov. Jim Gibbons replaced a 14-year representative to the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway. Read More
Live Earth New York? Not exactly
TRENTON, N.J. - When Saturday's Live Earth concerts bring focus to global warming, millions around the world will hear about Live Earth New York. But try as one might, they will find no such show in New York. Read More
Bruno - I'm watched
The battle between Gov. Eliot Spitzer and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno escalated once again on Thursday with Bruno charging the governor put him under State Police surveillance in an act of political "espionage," and likening him to a "Third World dictator. Read More
Bloomberg says he will support state G.O.P.
At the same time that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has been traveling the country in recent weeks denouncing partisan politics, he has been quietly sending a very different message to the state's Republican Party: I will continue to support the G.O.P. team. Read More
The feuding by Bruno and Spitzer turns bitter
After three months of what has seemed like constant fighting, Gov. Eliot Spitzer on Thursday called his antagonist, Senator Joseph L. Bruno, and asked for a meeting. Read More
Bid rejected for more aid to small-city schools
A state appeals court on Thursday agreed with a lower court?s decision rejecting a lawsuit by a group of small urban school districts seeking billions more in state aid, saying the group lacked the proper standing to sue. Read More
Bruno, Spitzer feud heightens with claims of misuse of police
The feud between Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno and Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer escalated Thursday with Bruno calling for Spitzer to be investigated for abusing the powers of his office. Read More
Newspaper denies claims of extortion
A Times Union attorney on Thursday told Albany County District Attorney David Soares that claims that an advertising salesman for the paper tried to extort money from Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno's office were "baseless" and untrue. Read More
Official pleads no contest to ethics violations
In violation of state ethics laws, George Forbes took fancy meals, charter flights and limo rides from investment professionals who wanted a chance to manage a slice of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's $20.9 billion investment portfolio. Read More
Democrat guilty of ethics charges
The accused drunks, thieves and prostitutes fell silent yesterday morning when George L. Forbes, with a trademark scowl and well-dressed entourage, walked into the hot, crowded room in Franklin County Municipal Court. Read More
Tuition freeze celebrated, but cost of campus living increases
Costs of attending a state college or university will continue to rise this fall for many students despite a two-year undergraduate tuition freeze celebrated by lawmakers and university officials. Read More
George Forbes convicted; avoids jail time
Democrat George Forbes, one of the most powerful men in Cleveland, was convicted this morning in a Columbus courtroom for his role in the still-unfolding Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation scandal. Read More
Indictments hit Atoka Tech Center employee
An indictment unsealed Thursday accuses two employees of Kiamichi Technology Center's Atoka campus of using state equipment for political activity. Attorney General Drew Edmondson said the indictment, issued by the state's multicounty grand jury, contained six counts, all felonies. Read More
Coos Bay dredging plan wins aid
COOS BAY, Ore. -- The Legislature has committed $60 million to the dredging of the Coos Bay channel, attempting to lure one of the world's largest shipping companies to Oregon. Read More
Rabbis visit prisons as a testament to faith
Prisoners representing at least a dozen religions use the library on the fourth floor of the Oregon State Penitentiary. Read More
Illegal workers turn to ID theft
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Fictitious Social Security numbers and green cards are cheap and widely available, and getting them is the first step for many undocumented immigrants arriving in Oregon. Read More
Eulogy for a shining, fallen star
ST. HELENS, Ore. -- When Gov. Ted Kulongoski spoke Thursday at the memorial service for Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Gregory Dean Young, excellence was an appropriate description for a man at the cutting edge of a dangerous and demanding profession. Read More
State highway workers roll in answer to major accidents
Tom Woodward was putting on his boots at his Beaverton home and was on his way out the door before 6 Thursday morning when he got a page: a crash on U.S. 26 eastbound, west of Oregon 217 in the Cedar Hills area. All lanes closed. Read More
Agencies scramble to alert public about furlough effects
Only days before more than 24,000 state employees could be furloughed because of a state budget impasse, agencies that would be the hardest-hit scrambled Thursday to alert Pennsylvanians to the potential closings of 120 state parks and scores of motor-vehicle licensing centers across the state. Read More
Senate ups ante on Pa. budget
Wielding a power not used for more than a dozen years, a state Senate panel yesterday issued subpoenas ordering two Rendell administration officials to testify about pending worker furloughs that could shut down Pennsylvania's nascent casino industry. Read More
State legislators still mired in budget disputes
Lawmakers made a modicum of progress toward a state budget agreement during a long day of negotiations that wrapped up at midnight. Read More
Pa. House sets sights on city's campaign law
In what critics deemed a setback for ethics reform, state House lawmakers quietly gave a nod Tuesday to a measure that would make it harder to monitor how much candidates in Philadelphia raise and spend, while also eliminating the online reports that currently disclose such details. Read More
Bill eliminating minimum drug sentences vetoed
Rhode Island?s mandatory minimum sentences for drug charges will remain on the books, at least for now. Governor Carcieri has vetoed a bill that would have eliminated the minimum sentences. Read More
E-mails offer glimpse of Ravenel's world
Weeks before state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel was indicted on a federal cocaine charge, his supporters were encouraging him to run for the U.S. Senate, an Associated Press review of e-mail records shows. Read More
Hearing this morning for Ravenel
An arraignment hearing for suspended state treasurer Thomas Ravenel and Mount Pleasant resident Michael L. Miller is scheduled at 11 a.m. today in federal court in Columbia, but Ravenel is not expected to be there because of his admission into an Arizona drug rehabilitation center. Read More
Richardson -- Democrat with conservative views
He likely won't say anything that will instantly pop up on a Web site as the campaign slogan of the month. But New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential contender, believes voters will be able to look past the glitz and glamor of his party's top-tier candidates and see his vision for America's future when he spends Saturday campaigning across the Upstate. Read More
Indicted Ravenel had eye on bid for Senate
Weeks before South Carolina's state treasurer was indicted on a federal cocaine charge, his supporters were encouraging him to run for the U.S. Senate, an Associated Press review of e-mail records shows. Read More
SD state lawmaker running for Tim Johnson's U.S. Senate seat
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A state representative from Canton, Joel Dykstra, on Thursday became the second Republican to step forward in the race for his party's 2008 U.S. Senate nomination. Read More
Drought prompts governor to seek disaster relief for state's farmers
Crop and livestock losses caused by this year?s drought has prompted the governor to ask for federal emergency farm relief for the second time this year. Read More
Stanley endorses Smith for GOP leadership
Hamilton County resident Robin Smith on Thursday picked up a critical endorsement in her effort to become the new leader of the Tennessee Republican Party when her only rival announced he is backing her. Read More
Ex-state Sen. Nixon in trouble with the law again
Ten years after serving jail time for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer, former state Sen. Drew Nixon faces new charges of official oppression in connection with an East Texas election, the Texas Attorney General's office said. Read More
Perry taps Spurs owner to chair state parks panel
San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt was named by Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. Read More
Ex-senator charged with abuse of office
A former state senator from East Texas has been charged with two counts of election oppression before the 2006 elections, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday. Read More
Border sheriffs feel snubbed on security funds
HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas - Running for re-election, Gov. Rick Perry repeatedly praised border-county sheriffs and their deputies for being "on the front lines" of a violent battle to keep criminals out of Texas. But a year later, those on the front line feel as if they're on the back burner. Read More
Lawmakers set for China trip
A delegation of Utah lawmakers leave Saturday for China, a trip they promise will pay off in the long term even as the price of the journey climbs. Read More
U.Va. worker still seeking salary data from school
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - A longtime University of Virginia employee whose freedom-of-information campaign prompted a change in state law has renewed his effort to obtain salary data from U.Va. Read More
9/11 expert will steer Tech fund
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Three months after the April 16 shootings, Kenneth Feinberg, the man who helped regulate compensation to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, will do the same with the more than $7.1 million in donations amassed in the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. Read More
Information statute now shields ID of state's executioners
Executioners can carry out Virginia's death penalty without fear of their identities becoming public, thanks to changes in Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. Read More
Northern Virginia road authority facing legal challenge
LEESBURG, Va. - An agreement that could raise up to $400 million a year for transportation improvements in northern Virginia is facing a legal challenge from Loudoun County officials. Read More
Senate race defies labels
Depending on who's talking, state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis is either running a smart campaign that takes nothing for granted or she's scared to death that her bluer-than-ever Fairfax County district is disinclined to pick a Republican this year. Read More
Residency rules may tighten in Pr. William
Prince William County is moving to enact what legal specialists say are some of the toughest measures in the nation targeting illegal immigrants, including a provision that would direct police to check the residency status of anyone detained for breaking the law -- whether shoplifting, speeding or riding a bicycle without a helmet. Read More
His art sends a clear message -- Don't let go of lifetime dream
Brom Wikstrom, one of the newest members appointed this month to the Washington State Arts Commission, knew all his life he'd be an artist. Read More
State considers what amount is legal for medicinal marijuana
SEATTLE -- This fall, sober public servants will convene meetings across Washington state to answer a pressing question: How much marijuana constitutes a two-month supply? Read More
New state Legislature puts less focus on abortion debate
The state Legislature has considered fewer bills dealing with abortion laws this session, and legislation has been introduced months later than in the previous session. Read More
Think tank -- UW, system should split
A conservative Milwaukee-based "free market" think tank recommended today that the UW-Madison should be broken off from the University of Wisconsin System, which should also be reorganized to create clearer lines of management authority. Read More
Proposal in state Legislature seeks tougher fines for OWIs
A proposal in the state Legislature would as much as quadruple the fines against motorists convicted of drunken driving for the first or second time. Read More
Residents also irked by action on cable
Some Madison residents who told an advocacy group they supported competition for cable television providers said they're angry the group implied to state lawmakers that they endorsed specific legislation affecting cable TV. Read More
Parkways chairman says top priority is Tamarack, not Turnpike tolls
BECKLEY, W.Va. -- Some lawmakers fear toll hikes are looming on the West Virginia Turnpike, but the chairman of the highway's governing board says the top priority is moving Tamarack to another agency. Read More
Railroad seeks land condemnation
The Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad has filed lawsuits against several landowners in northeast Wyoming seeking condemnation of some 1,200 linear acres. Read More
Railroad filing beats change in law
A railroad's lawsuit seeking condemnation of some 1,200 linear acres in northeast Wyoming was filed on June 28, just days before changes to Wyoming's eminent domain laws went into effect on July 1. Read More
Agencies aim to test for asbestos
State and federal regulators have released a plan for testing whether a lot containing asbestos is releasing the cancer-causing substance into the air. Read More
La. passes new partial-birth abortion ban
Louisiana lawmakers this week unanimously approved a ban on a medical procedure known as partial-birth abortion, passing the first in what could be a spate of similar state laws next year. Read More
Govs win greater flag powers
(Updated 1:40 p.m. EDT, July 2) Governors now enjoy new authority to order the Stars and Stripes lowered on federal buildings – including the White House – under a law just approved by President George W. Bush. Read More
New state laws bring changes July 1
Come Sunday, it will be a felony in Iowa to dismember a body to conceal a crime. New York City will have to stop sending undercover investigators to Virginia to buy guns in sting operations. And even Rip Van Winkle will have to show some ID if he wants to buy beer in Tennessee. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Tear down this wall -- in Bismarck
North Dakota legislators flip-flop on a pricey partition. Indiana inmates trade handshakes for fist bumps. And Oregon lawmakers weigh in on the NBA draft. In case you missed any of these stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
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Ethanol demand outgrows corn
Corn is king of renewable auto fuels, for now. But federal and state governments already are racing to find alternatives to corn as they look for ways to use ethanol to help break the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Read More
Missouri taps into the sale of student loans
Missouri is selling off some of its college loan portfolio to finance $350 million in new college buildings – a twist on states’ efforts to raise revenue for projects without increasing taxes. Read More
Early ed gains momentum in states
A record 29 governors sought to boost funding for their state pre-K programs this year, and mid-year results show that a number of states have increased spaces in their preschool programs and added money to expand full-day kindergarten classes.
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Embryonic stem cell research divides states
President Bush’s second veto of a bill to allow federal funding of stem cell research puts the ethical issue squarely in states’ hands. So far, seven states have moved to fund the research, six have banned it, three have affirmed its legality but do not fund it and a handful of others continue to debate the issue. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden. Read More
Payday lenders catch lawmakers' attention
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States outpace feds on minimum wage
When the new federal minimum wage takes effect July 24, 30 states will require employers to pay hourly workers more than federal law requires. Read More
Iraq war, gas prices, surpluses mark 2007
Stateline.org compiled state-by-state highlights from the first 29 legislatures to adjourn or wrap up their budgets — plus a 50-state calendar charting adjournment dates and special sessions. Read More
South Dakota poised to be last in '08 primary schedule
South Dakota has no problems being dead-last in the 2008 presidential primary sweepstakes. Read More |
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