McCrory, Perdue to face off
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory will face Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue in the N.C. governor's race, the outsider mayor against the state's No. 2 executive.
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Archive of Politics on Wednesday May 07, 2008
McCrory, Perdue to face off
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory will face Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue in the N.C. governor's race, the outsider mayor against the state's No. 2 executive. Read More
Long Thompson wins gubernatorial primary
INDIANAPOLIS - Former U.S. Rep. Jill Long Thompson eked out a win yesterday to become the Democratic nominee for governor and will face well-funded Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels in November. Read More
Will states fix 2012 primary process?
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Nevada governor wants his mansion back and his wife out
CARSON CITY, Nev. - The state that pioneered the quickie divorce is witnessing a potentially ugly breakup that has the governor of Nevada fighting to get back into his own mansion. Read More
Crist plane in emergency landing after controls malfunction
The state plane carrying Gov. Charlie Crist had to make a U-turn over Georgia and return to Tallahassee on Tuesday after three controls malfunctioned. Read More
State lawmakers seek new polar bear study
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The state Legislature is looking to hire a few good polar bear scientists. The conclusions have already been agreed upon - researchers just have to fill in the science part. Read More
House district 49 race lacks incumbent
The race to replace Mark Pate, who was term-limited, in House District 49 has drawn two candidates for the May 20 Democratic primary: Educator Kieth Williams, 61, and farm consultant Johnny Wheetley, 47. Read More
Study calls for overhaul of state's pay for Ark. employees
An overhaul of the state's pay plan that would boost entry-level salaries by nearly 14 percent has been proposed by the head of Arkansas' personnel office and legislative researchers. Read More
Candidates differ on casino, gas tax
FORT SMITH, Ark. - Sebastian County Democratic Chairman Lee Webb can't remember the last time two members of his party competed in a legislative primary here, especially one that pits a challenger against an incumbent. Read More
State proposes $46.7 million pay overhaul
State and legislative staff members on Tuesday proposed an overhaul of the pay plan that covers about 35,000 of the state?s employees. It would cost $ 46.7 million. Read More
Fewer teachers leaving after first year, panel told
The number of public school teachers leaving the profession after their first year has dropped considerably in the past six years because of a more than 20 percent hike in minimum teacher salaries in 2004, officials told legislators Tuesday. Read More
State needs more health care professionals, experts say
Arkansas' dwindling health care work force needs a boost to meet the needs of the state's aging baby boomer population, health care officials told legislators Tuesday. Read More
Increase in pay for government workers recommended
To lower the turnover of entry-level government workers, the state should revamp pay scales by $46.7 million, the head of Arkansas' personnel office told legislators Tuesday. Read More
Legislator wants eased rules on using teen labor
State lawmakers are weighing whether to let teens perform jobs now considered too hazardous for them under state law as one answer to the complaints of a labor shortage. Read More
Coalition pushing tax for roads
Business and community groups took the first steps Tuesday to persuade Arizonans to raise the taxes on virtually everything they buy to build new roads. Read More
Council OKs tougher tailpipe-emissions rules
New cars and trucks sold in Arizona would have to meet stricter, California-style standards for tailpipe emissions by the 2012 model year under a new rule approved Tuesday by an executive oversight panel. Read More
Measure would let officers enforce immigration laws
Trying to prod the Legislature into action, state Rep. Russell Pearce on Tuesday rallied immigration hardliners to underscore support for his bill that would let local police officers enforce immigration laws. Read More
Group seeks to get sales-tax hike for transportation on ballot
Supporters of a transportation-tax package filed language Tuesday for the November election, marking the kickoff of what is likely to be an intensive campaign to collect signatures needed to get the measure before voters. Read More
Arizona seeks Goldwater statue for D.C.
A likeness of Barry Goldwater, the five-term Arizona senator and 1964 presidential candidate, could soon grace a prominent U.S. Capitol hallway. Read More
Differing views on measure to end rent control
Hundreds are expected to descend on San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza today to protest a June ballot measure that would end rent control across the state and, many argue, would push thousands of people from their homes through evictions or rising prices. Read More
Vallejo to become largest city in state to file for bankruptcy
Vallejo is set to become the largest California city to declare bankruptcy after leaders voted in favor of the solution to its spiraling budget crisis. Read More
Vallejo to become largest city in state to file for bankruptcy
Vallejo is set to become the largest California city to declare bankruptcy after leaders voted in favor of the solution to its spiraling budget crisis. Read More
Senate GOP leader rules out tax hikes to balance budget
Saying the ailing economy is putting enough stress on taxpayers, Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill said Tuesday that Republicans will oppose any tax hikes to bridge California's budget deficit. Cogdill suggested the deficit, which he pegged at $16 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1, could be wiped out through service cuts and tapping into the reserves of voter-approved initiatives intended for early childhood education, mental health services and transportation. Read More
What's behind rival California redistricting plans?
Fabian N??ez ended his four-year reign as speaker of the state Assembly Tuesday by proposing ? seriously or not ? that the Legislature cede the power to redraw legislative districts to an independent commission and modify legislative term limits. Read More
California Assembly speaker proposes ethics plan as rival initiative is filed
Assembly Speaker Fabian N??ez proposed a ballot measure targeting legislative ethics Tuesday, hours before backers of a rival measure filed voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Read More
Los Angeles limits 'mansionization,' downtown hotel conversions
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved new rules to address major byproducts of the gentrification that has swept the city: limiting the size of "mansionization" additions and making it harder for developers to convert low-income housing into luxury lofts. Read More
Senate GOP leader rules out tax hikes to balance budget
Saying the ailing economy is putting enough stress on taxpayers, Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill said Tuesday that Republicans will oppose any tax hikes to bridge California's budget deficit. Read More
Springs DA filmed drinking, driving during office hours
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Fourth Judicial District Attorney John Newsome has been caught on tape drinking and then driving his county-owned vehicle, KOAA reported Tuesday. Read More
$500,000 to boost 527 groups' Colorado campaigns
Another half-million dollars have flowed into stealth political groups who will use the money to try to influence key Colorado races this year. Read More
Ritter touts business wins
Gov. Bill Ritter checked off several wins on his business scorecard before members of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Read More
Boasts, barbs end session
The state legislative session reached its furious conclusion late Tuesday with a heaping of last-minute work and one final dollop of partisan finger-pointing. Read More
Raising the initiative bar
Colorado lawmakers wrapped up the 2008 legislative session Tuesday by passing a ballot measure that would ask voters to make it harder to amend the constitution but easier to change state law. Read More
Mayors, others decry state budget decision
Mayors, union leaders and activists for the poor ramped up the political pressure Monday on the General Assembly and Gov. M. Jodi Rell, hoping to change their minds about not amending the new budget that takes effect July 1. Read More
GOP pushes budget spending
On the eve of the General Assembly session adjournment, the political battle continued at the state Capitol Tuesday over whether to alter the budget that kicks in July 1. Read More
All present and accounted for
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. - For the first time since the start of the Iraq War, the Connecticut National Guard units are all home. Read More
Rell looks for savings as deficit looms
On the eve of the General Assembly session adjournment, the political battle continued at the state Capitol Tuesday over whether to alter the budget that kicks in July 1. Read More
Senate cuts fee for Gold Star plates
A bill that eliminates the fee for the Gold Star Family license plate is heading to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's desk. Read More
Senate votes to limit lead in toys
The state of Connecticut is moving closer toward establishing limits for lead in children's products. Read More
Use of state lawyers in ethics cases flounders in House
A Senate-approved bill that would let legislators and other state employees use taxpayer-funded state lawyers to defend them in ethics cases is floundering in the House - where a key committee chairman, who normally would bring it up, refuses to do so. Read More
Needy districts face cuts in school reading programs
The state's neediest school districts are facing cuts in critical programs that help teach children to read because of a looming $20 million falloff in funding under the state's "do-nothing" budget. Read More
Bill on open alcohol containers in vehicles seems dead
In the state Senate, it seemed like a no-brainer last week that a driver in the year 2008 should not be able to bolt down the highway with an open bottle of whiskey in his hand. To the surprise of many, that's still legal in Connecticut. Read More
State spends $18 million to right wrongs
In a day of righting government injustice, a wrongfully convicted man was finally compensated for 24 years in prison Tuesday, just hours after Gov. Charlie Crist signed off on an $18 million payment plan for a brain-damaged girl whom the system failed. Read More
Capitol gadfly stirs up change
He started every appearance before lawmakers the same way: "Brian Pitts, Justice 2 Jesus." Read More
Perdue signs bill that makes dogfighting penalties tougher
Animal rights groups on Tuesday applauded a new law that toughens penalties for dog fighting in Georgia. And they credited Michael Vick - the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback serving time for running a brutal pit bull ring - with making it possible. Read More
Officer says he was misled by documents about Harbin case
The officer who arrested state Rep. Ben Harbin on suspicion of drunken driving said Tuesday that he wouldn't have missed a hearing on the suspension of the Evans Republican's driver's license if not for a court procedure legal observers called rare but not unprecedented. Read More
U.N. secretary-general to visit Atlanta, meet with Gov. Perdue
U.N. Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon will visit Atlanta this week and meet with public officials. Read More
Cagle -- Let the voters decide on Sunday sales
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a possible Republican candidate for governor in 2010, now says he is willing to let the state Senate vote on Sunday package store sales of liquor. Read More
Governor signs dogfighting bill
Five months after Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick was sentenced to prison for his involvement in dog fighting, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed legislation Tuesday stiffening Georgia's dog-fighting laws. Read More
Isle schools must absorb $7.7 million budget cut
The price of A+, lunch and bus fares could go up as education officials consider raising fees to absorb a $7.7 million cut in their $2.4 billion operating budget. Read More
Big Isle election funding plan criticized
HILO, Hawaii ? A proposal to publicly fund some Big Island elections, which passed the Legislature by a wide margin and awaits Gov. Linda Lingle's signature, will make candidates less beholden to special interests, supporters say. Read More
Superferry awaits signal from Kauai
The Hawaii Superferry, which hasn't sailed to Kaua'i since harbor protesters blocked its arrival in August, intends to resume trips there only if the community signals it wants the service restored, the company's new chief executive said yesterday. Read More
Lobbyist says more regular citizens should own wind turbines
A wind turbine entrepreneur says it's time for Iowa to take some of the steps taken in Minnesota in order to position the state as a leader in the wind energy industry. Ed Woolsey of Prole, president of Green Prairie Energy, lobbies legislators on behalf of the Iowa Renewable Energy Association. Read More
Lawmakers tout law that pays nurses more money
Iowa House speaker Pat Murphy and other lawmakers paid a visit to University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City Tuesday to highlight legislation passed on the final day of this year's session. The bill earmarks this year's Medicaid provider reimbursement increase to go directly to increasing the wages of registered nurses. Read More
Top Democrat says there won't be effort to repeal "English only"
Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro says his office will not appeal a ruling which prohibits the state from providing voter registration forms in languages other than English. A fifth district court judge ruled that the Secretary of State's office was violating state law by offering voter registration forms in languages other than English. Read More
Lawmakers react to proposed casino smoking ban in Sioux City
The city council in Sioux City is considering an ordinance which would ban smoking at the city's gambling casino. The state law which goes into effect July 1st bans smoking in most pubic places, but would allow it on the gambling floors at casinos. Read More
Iowa secretary of state won't appeal English-only ruling
Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro said Tuesday he won't appeal a judge's decision that voter registration forms must only be in English. Read More
Culver signs tax bill for schools
A 1-cent state sales tax will replace local-option sales taxes that every Iowa county collects for school infrastructure, under a bill signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Chet Culver. Read More
Banned voter forms weighed as 'guides'
State officials will try to assist non-English-speaking voters without appealing a judge's ruling that outlaws voter registration forms in languages other than English, Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro said Tuesday. Read More
'Sunshine bill' failed to rise
A bill that legislative leaders called a top priority early this year became the last one to die as the 2008 session ended last month. Read More
State Bar survey rates Idaho Supreme Court candidate Horton above rival Bradbury
Idaho Supreme Court Justice Joel Horton rated higher than his judicial election challenger in four separate categories, according to the results of an Idaho State Bar survey released Friday. Read More
Anti-wolf petition drive falls short of goal
LEWISTON, Idaho -- Idaho voters will not have a chance to vote wolves out of the state in November. Read More
Legislative pay raises again debated in Illinois
Illinois House Republicans tried unsuccessfully to kill a proposed hike in state lawmakers' salaries Tuesday, saying it sends the wrong message to voters in the midst of governmental gridlock in Springfield. Read More
Lawmakers to introduce truancy bill
With less than a month before the end of spring session, Rockford?s lawmakers are pushing for changes in state law that Mayor Larry Morrissey says will help the city fight rampant truancy. But to succeed, Morrissey and the delegation must mount a last-minute blitz ? four months after the session started in January Read More
IDOT move could cost $1 million
Relocating the Illinois Department of Transportation?s Division of Traffic Safety to southern Illinois could cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars in moving expenses, according to estimates provided to The State Journal-Register on Tuesday. Read More
Suburban schools benefit from lawmakers' lapse
Suburban schools will be able to avoid stricter driver education laws because Illinois lawmakers didn't get their work done on time. Read More
Gov. wants to spend $150 million on anti-violence programs
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's $150 million plan to curb youth violence after a rash of Chicago shootings relies on something the Democrat hasn't done before: Getting lawmakers to pass a capital bill so he can pay for his proposal. Read More
Lawmakers vow to fight for Pontiac prison
Lawmakers vowed Tuesday to fight for the future of the state prison at Pontiac, with some questioning whether its threatened closure was part of political payback by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration. Read More
Lawmakers brainstorm on construction funds
House Democrats sized up a broad menu of ways to pay for a potential multibillion-dollar statewide construction program Tuesday, coming to no conclusions but considering options that include income tax increases, gambling expansion and leasing the lottery. Read More
Illinois House approves legislation to arrest parolees charged with domestic battery
A month after a 22-year-old Chicago graduate student was shot to death by a violent ex-boyfriend out on parole for murder, the Illinois House unanimously passed legislation that would tighten the rules to try to prevent similar crimes. Read More
Indiana's primary turnout high, despite photo ID law
Indiana's controversial photo identification rule may not have made a major dent in the state's high turnout, but it did frustrate a small group of voters more accustomed to divine law. Read More
Early votes lead to late count
The nation was kept waiting into Wednesday morning for the outcome of the Democratic presidential primary as election officials in Lake County struggled to count what they described as an unprecedented number of absentee ballots cast. Read More
Indiana Reps. Carson, Burton Survive Primaries
Indiana Democratic Rep. Andre Carson triumphed over a crowded field of primary challengers Tuesday, passing a big political test less than two months after he won a special election to fill a vacancy in the Indianapolis-centered 7th District. Read More
3 GOP veterans coast to victories
The longest-serving member of the House Republican caucus weathered a spirited primary challenge Tuesday night in her quest for a 16th term. Read More
Long Thompson takes win in governor's race
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jill Long Thompson was poised early this morning to take her underdog status into the fall election against Republican Mitch Daniels. A topsy-turvy night of returns had her leading by about 5,400 votes with 99 percent of the precincts reporting. Read More
Large turnout for Democrats
Voter turnout was Tuesday as Hoosiers flocked to the polls to take part in a historic Democratic presidential primary race. Read More
Indiana House Districts 7, 17 incumbents fend off challengers
Two local House Democrats have fended off challengers in their primaries, with one facing a challenger in the fall. Read More
Night owls first to hear Indiana's key election results
By the time Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., was announced the winner of Indiana's Democratic presidential primary early Wednesday, plenty of people were in bed. Read More
Lake County puts Long Thompson over top
Former congresswoman Jill Long Thompson squeaked out a win for the Democratic nomination for Indiana governor, with Lake County apparently giving her the victory in the homestretch. Read More
Lawson earns House nod
State Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, turned away challenger Raymond Fletcher on Tuesday in the Democratic primary for House District 1. Read More
Hoosier cable showdown
The hours-delayed results of Lake County voting sparked a live, late-night sparring match between Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and Gary Mayor Rudy Clay. Read More
Randolph wins state senate nomination
Former state Sen. Lonnie Randolph won the seven-Democrat showdown to replace East Chicago state Sen. Sam Smith, election results showed Wednesday morning. Read More
Clinton wins narrow victory
As the nation's attention fixed on the snail-slow pace of Lake County's election bureaucracy, Hillary Clinton held onto the slimmest of victories over opponent Barack Obama in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Read More
'There is no rational response'
With Indiana's presidential primary hanging in the balance and much of the nation's attention focused on the state, Lake County's election results were inexplicably slow to come out. Read More
Voter ID law thwarts elderly nuns
Indiana's controversial photo identification rule may not have made a major dent in the state's high turnout, but it did frustrate a small group of voters more accustomed to divine law. Read More
Long Thompson beats Schellinger
Jill Long Thompson captured a slim victory early today in a fierce battle for the Democratic nomination for governor. Read More
4 incumbents protect seats in rare challenge
Four Republican state senators appeared late Tuesday to have weathered the recent property tax uproar that produced rare opposition for them in their party's primary. Read More
Clinton squeaks by Obama in Indiana
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton squeaked out a critical razor-thin victory in Indiana's presidential primary Tuesday but lost North Carolina's primary, a split decision that left her no closer to overcoming Sen. Barack Obama in the race for the Democratic nomination. Read More
No ID, no vote, 10 retired nuns told
WASHINGTON - At least 10 retired nuns in South Bend, Ind., were barred from voting in Tuesday's Indiana Democratic primary election because they lacked photo IDs required under a state law that the U.S. Supreme Court upheld last week. Read More
4 incumbents protect seats in rare challenge
Four Republican state senators appeared late Tuesday to have weathered the recent property tax uproar that produced rare opposition for them in their party's primary. Read More
Budget deal looks close in Kansas Legislature
Lawmakers were close to breaking a budget deadlock Tuesday night that could lead to the Legislature?s adjournment sometime today. Read More
House, Senate adjourn nearer accord on budget
Senate and House negotiators drew close to an agreement on the final spending bill of the year late Tuesday, before adjourning until this morning. Read More
Coal plant bill OK'd by Kansas Senate
The Kansas Senate has passed yet another bill to authorize two coal-fired power plants in western Kansas, even as enthusiasm for the fight dimmed in the legislative session's final hours. Read More
Funds scant for disabled services
It was a loud day at the state Capitol Tuesday as people with disabilities and their supporters tried to shout their way to additional funding. Read More
Session nears end with third coal bill
Call it Coal 3. For the third time in the 2008 legislative session, lawmakers on Tuesday approved a bill that would authorize the construction of two 700-megawatt coal-fired power plants and strip the state of authority to block similar projects. Read More
Voter ID passes, but veto possible
A bill requiring people to provide photo identification when they vote passed both houses of the Legislature on Tuesday and is headed for the governor's desk. Read More
House speaker alleges improper use of plane trips by governor
In Kansas politics, the state plane used by the governor can be an asset or a liability. House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, recently accused Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of getting people to vote against the coal-fired power project by flying them to Kansas University basketball games. Read More
State's budget still up in air
The state's wrap-up budget remained in limbo late Tuesday after the House adjourned with no resolution to negotiations on the final spending issues. The day was filled with talk of who was to blame for the delay. Read More
Session slowly coming to end
The Legislature moved closer to a climatic ending of the 2008 session late Tuesday by debating a bill containing a cluster of economic development incentives and consent for construction of a $3.6 billion coal-fired electric plant in southwest Kansas. Read More
Same race, new challenges
Just 24 votes separated Sen. Johnny Ray Turner from challenger Eric Shane Hamilton in the 2004 Democratic primary for Eastern Kentucky's 29th Senate District. Read More
Kentucky likely to get some attention
As implausible as it once sounded, Kentucky will likely take a turn in coming days as the center of the American political universe. Read More
State urged to end ethics case
A hearing officer has recommended dismissing an ethics charge against former state Highway Commissioner Marc Williams. Read More
Justice recounts cases on Commandments
In 2005, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer wrote a concurring opinion with the majority in ruling that Ten Commandments displays in two Kentucky courthouses were unconstitutional -- yet one at the Texas Capitol was not and could stay. Read More
Jindal's key bill on move
Work-force development -- the key piece of Gov. Bobby Jindal?s legislative package -- sailed through the state Senate Tuesday. Read More
Legislature delays start of ethics law
The Legislature has agreed to delay the start of a new law requiring outside, third-party groups that try to influence elections to detail their contributors and their expenses. Read More
Juvenile records could be public
The criminal records of some juveniles could become public record under legislation passed by a Senate committee on Tuesday. Read More
Sex offenders? retirement penalty fails
The House on Tuesday sidelined a proposed constitutional amendment that would strip retirement benefits from school employees convicted of felony sex crimes involving students. Read More
Jindal -- Nation's noticing work
Gov. Bobby Jindal, who spent last week making appearances on "The Tonight Show" and in front of the National Press Club in Washington, said America is taking notice of Louisiana. Read More
No tales about tails' origin
Restaurants would have to be open about the country of origin of crawfish and shrimp they use under a bill that cleared a House panel Tuesday. Read More
Panel votes to repeal helmet law
Less than one week into Motorcycle Safety Month, a House committee has voted to lift the law requiring motorcycle riders to wear safety helmets. Read More
Senate bill boosts debt collection exemptions
Legislation to better protect homes from debt collectors passed a Senate panel Tuesday. Read More
Senate passes bill allowing statewide cable franchises
Legislation that would allow companies such as AT&T to get a statewide franchise to offer television service cleared the Senate on Tuesday. Read More
Cazayoux takes oath, joins House
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Don Cazayoux, a small-town lawyer and former state representative, was sworn in Tuesday as the new congressman for Louisiana's 6th Congressional District. Read More
Panel seeks shift in helmet requirement
Louisiana's requirement that motorcyclists wear protective helmets should be repealed for riders 18 and older, a divided House committee decided Tuesday. Read More
Legislative notebook -- Cell phone use continues to dominate debate
Bans on certain types of cell phone usage while driving won Senate approval Tuesday, as lawmakers continue to debate an array of bills that would restrict cell phone use by drivers. Read More
Lawmaker wins 1st fight against secret contracts
Rep. Cameron Henry began his first regular session aiming to outlaw a unique component of Louisiana civil law, the practice of using counter letters as a way to conduct certain business deals without leaving a public paper trail. Read More
Committee crawfishes on imported seafood disclosure
A weakened bill prohibiting restaurants from misrepresenting that they serve Louisiana shrimp or crawfish when they use the imported variety unanimously cleared the House Commerce Committee Tuesday, the first time in almost a decade a seafood disclosure bill has made it to the full House for debate. Read More
Phone measures aim to enhance traffic safety
A divided Senate on Tuesday approved a bill that would outlaw text-messaging while driving and would ban young drivers from using cell phones unless they're hands-free devices. Read More
No trace of Patrick's mid-'90s contribution to Obama
Governor Deval Patrick tells audiences a funny story about donating to Barack Obama as an Illinois state Senate candidate, yet after a media inquiry, he said yesterday that he can't find proof of any such contribution. Read More
Patrick aide backs teacher pay overhaul
Governor Deval Patrick's top education adviser came out in favor yesterday of changing the way public school teachers are paid - backing higher salaries for those who take posts in the most challenging schools; who teach hard-to-staff subjects such as math, science, and special education; and who work in schools with dramatically improved performance. Read More
Deval's donation doesn't check out
Gov. Deval Patrick tells audiences a funny story about donating to Barack Obama as an Illinois state Senate candidate, yet after a media inquiry, he said yesterday he can't find proof of any such contribution. Read More
Ex-medical examiner seeks to resurrect job in court
The state?s former chief medical examiner, who took over an office plagued by chronic underfunding and staff mistakes that included misplacing eyeballs and bodies, is taking the governor to court today. Read More
Mo. combat vets could get tuition break
Returning combat veterans could soon be in line for deeply discounted tuition at the Missouri's public colleges. Read More
O'Malley talks about importance of slots referendum
Gov. Martin O'Malley said today that if a referendum on slot machine gambling fails in November, "it'll be back to the drawing board with a lot of unpopular choices, and I don't think any of us wants to go there." Read More
O'Malley ad campaign takes on foreclosures
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley gingerly embraced one of the perks of office yesterday that fellow Democrats had accused his Republican predecessor of shamelessly exploiting: the ability to appear in public service ads. Read More
Mitchell tackles U.S. health care
If ever there were a time for high-level intervention in the debate over reforming the American health care system, former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell of Maine says, this is it. Read More
City council weighs 3 options to punish Kilpatrick
Detroit City Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. said Tuesday that a plea to Michigan's governor to remove Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from office or a vote to censure him seem to be the best options for the council, which wants to avoid a protracted and pricey legal battle to remove the mayor on its own. Read More
Uh, that's not what she said
No one has stepped more gingerly around the controversy involving Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick than Gov. Jennifer Granholm. She has said she is reserving judgment until the criminal charges against the mayor are resolved because state law provides for a possible gubernatorial role in removing elected officials. Read More
Rally for freedom -- Strangers join drive seeking commutation for escapee
Supporters of a former Saginaw woman who was a fugitive for 32 years are waging an Internet-fueled campaign to prevent her from serving the rest of her prison sentence. Read More
Bills seek to help Michigan foster care system
Michigan's strained foster care system might get some support from the private sector under a plan soon to be introduced in the state Legislature. Read More
Law targets drunken bar patrons
LANSING, Mich. -- When customers get intoxicated at Pomorski's Tavern, Warren Smith wants to keep them safe. Read More
Tax credit pushed for children who care for aged parents
LANSING, Mich. -- When her ailing mother-in-law moved in for six months, Lynn Coursey, of Three Rivers, had to make some changes in her house and lifestyle. Read More
Senator says he faces unwelcome choice on road safety rules
A top senator claimed Tuesday that he was being forced to choose between three safety features as he prepared a transportation policy bill to send to Gov. Tim Pawlenty -- an account the governor called "not helpful." Read More
Voters could set new rules
Minnesota voters could have two chances this fall to set new rules for their state lawmakers ? from when they meet to what they?re paid. Read More
Tempers flare at Minnesota Legislature
Tempers occasionally flared, but most legislative negotiators kept their nose to the grindstone Tuesday in an effort to wrap up the 2008 Minnesota Legislature's work. Read More
Lawmakers say budget deal near
Minnesota lawmakers and the governor are close to agreeing on a budget deal ? but they hadn't reached one by Monday night. Read More
Traffic safety provision bill heads to House floor
After a trip down a rocky political road on Tuesday, a bill is going to the House floor today that would impose nighttime driving restrictions on teens, stiffen seat-belt law enforcement and require parents to belt kids into car booster seats until they reach age 8. Read More
Bills advance local projects
The Missouri Senate approved budget items yesterday to build several facilities in Columbia, including an item that reauthorizes millions of dollars for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Read More
Lawsuit contends Blunt's aides ordered staffers to break the law
Gov. Matt Blunt's top aides ordered state employees to break the law by destroying copies of government e-mails so they wouldn't ever become public, a lawsuit filed Monday charges. Read More
Lawyers set strategies in Blunt office's e-mail case
A day after investigators sued Gov. Matt Blunt to obtain thousands of e-mail records to and from the governor's staff, lawyers for both sides on Tuesday provided a glimpse into their strategies. Read More
Higher fees for Missouri motor vehicle and driver records anger insurance companies
A new fee structure for Missouri motor vehicle and driver records has insurance companies enraged and a lawmaker promising action in the waning days of the legislative session. Read More
Aid for elderly, disabled urged
WASHINGTON -- Three Gulf Coast senators are pushing legislation to aid thousands of disabled or elderly residents who remain uprooted nearly three years after they were left homeless by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Read More
Manufacturers presenting how-to on new immigration law
The Mississippi Manufacturers Association will sponsor a seminar May 21 on a newly enacted state law requiring employers to verify workers' legal status. Read More
Wind insurance vote possible
Gulf Coast lawmakers are expressing optimism that the Senate will vote this week on an amendment to add wind insurance coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program. Read More
Congress to hear from Miss. about use of housing funds
Mississippi's decision to divert $600 million from a hurricane housing program to a port improvement project will be one of the key topics of a congressional hearing on the use of federal block grant funds. Read More
Helena lawmaker files complaint of misrepresentation
A Helena Republican legislator has filed a political practices complaint against his primary-election challenger, claiming he misrepresented Ward?s 2007 Legislature voting record. Read More
Roy Brown criticizes Schweitzer spending requests for 2009
Roy Brown, a Republican running for governor, criticized Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer Tuesday over state agencies requesting $413 million in new spending over the next two years and seeking 245 new employees. Read More
Republicans running for AG outline their plans
Lee Bruner and Tim Fox have almost nothing bad to say about each other. The two Republican lawyers are in a gentlemanly showdown to be the GOP's attorney general candidate in November. Read More
State Treasurer
Two state lawmakers will vie for state treasurer, unofficial campaign results show. Read More
State Auditor
Beth Wood will challenge her former boss, Republican incumbent Les Merritt, in the general election for state auditor. Read More
It will be McCrory, Perdue in race for governor
Democrat Beverly Perdue and Republican Pat McCrory emerged from tough primary campaigns last night to run in the general election to be North Carolina's next governor. Read More
Runoff looks likely in race to face Berry
The race among four Democrats to challenge incumbent Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry appears to be bound for overtime. Read More
Hagan to run against Dole
U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan easily humbled four Democratic primary opponents yesterday, but she didn't savor the victory. She immediately turned her attention to the more daunting challenge she faces in November. Read More
Turnout likely set a record
The crowds Tuesday were steady, but not overwhelming, as area voters took part in the most-talked-about N.C. primary in decades. Read More
For McCrory, a convincing victory
Pat McCrory celebrated the latest victory in his undefeated political career Tuesday with more than 100 supporters at the SouthPark Marriott. Read More
Mackey wins District 99 House nomination
Lawyer Nick Mackey, whose failed bid for Mecklenburg County sheriff touched off a nasty political debate, won Tuesday in his second attempt for public office. Read More
Record number cast votes
North Carolina voters set a new record Tuesday for ballots cast in a presidential primary. "It's a good day," said Lee Thomas, chief election judge at Binkley Baptist Church in Chapel Hill. "A good, spirited electorate. Everyone seems to be glad to be here." Read More
Senate nomination easy for McKissick
DURHAM, N.C. - State Sen. Floyd B. McKissick Jr. cruised to an easy win in the Democratic primary in Senate District 20 Tuesday. Read More
Dalton vs. Pittenger in Nov.
State Sens. Walter Dalton and Robert Pittenger will face off for lieutenant governor in November, according to unofficial election returns. Read More
Atkinson, Morgan will go head-to-head
Risen from the political graveyard, Richard Morgan, the ousted N.C. House co-speaker, walloped two GOP primary opponents to earn his party's nomination for state superintendent of public instruction. Read More
N.C. Republicans give McCain expected win
Republicans also voted in the presidential primary Tuesday, and, as expected, they voted overwhelmingly for Sen. John McCain. Read More
Goodwin, Odom will run to replace Long
Wayne Goodwin, a Rockingham lawyer, won the Democratic nomination for state commissioner of insurance. Read More
Carroll, Rouzer easily defeat foes
Democrat Kay Carroll and Republican David Rouzer are headed for a fall face-off, both winning by wide margins Tuesday in party primaries for the District 12 state Senate seat. Read More
Perdue nominated after high-road pitch
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue defeated state Treasurer Richard Moore handily Tuesday to win the Democratic nomination for governor with a campaign that stressed pocketbook, kitchen-table issues such as education and health care. Read More
Morse tried to lose, but wins House seat
In a bizarre election-night turn, Stan Morse won the Democratic primary for state House District 40 despite endorsing, campaigning for and voting for his opponent. Read More
McCrory captures GOP nomination
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory won the GOP nomination for governor Tuesday, setting up contest between a state government outsider and longtime insider Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue in the general election. Read More
Hagan to face Dole in U.S. Senate battle
U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan easily outpaced her four rivals in Tuesday's Democratic primary, setting up a historic race against incumbent Republic Sen. Elizabeth Dole. A state senator from Greensboro, Hagan claimed 60.5 percent of the vote with 92 percent of the precincts reporting. Read More
A fresh, fractious era for N.C. Democrats
For most of North Carolina's history, there was no chance that a man named Barack or a woman named Beverly would finish atop the heap on election day. Read More
Obama barrels past Clinton in N.C.
Sen. Barack Obama's double-digit victory in North Carolina and a narrow loss in Indiana brought him closer to clinching the Democratic nomination for president. Read More
Hughes likely winner in race for Wright's spot in District 18 race
Last month, the party leaders spoke for N.C. House District 18. On Tuesday, the people did. In both cases, Sandra Spaulding Hughes prevailed. Read More
From ages 18 to 106, local voters flock to polls for historic primary
It?s possible no one knows how many times Lacy Williams has voted in a presidential primary. Even she can?t say for sure. What do you expect? She?s 106. Read More
Perdue will face McCrory in fall
When voters pick a governor in November, they must consider whether state government is the remedy or the problem. Read More
Perdue gets Democratic nomination for governor
Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue has won the Democratic nomination for governor. Read More
McCrory, Perdue to face off
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory will face Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue in the N.C. governor's race, the outsider mayor against the state's No. 2 executive. Read More
Legislative Chamber to get facelift
First, the workers removed the state senators? chairs from their pedestals. Then they encased their desks in cheap, chipped woodboard, leaving the Legislative Chamber looking like a warehouse, big boxes lined up and waiting to be shipped. Read More
Advocacy groups criticize Bruning record on bias cases
Several groups that fight discrimination in the state called Attorney General Jon Bruning?s record a shameful debacle on Tuesday, with one considering a lawsuit against him if he doesn?t change course. Read More
Group, 6 towns sue to force redistricting
Members of a conservative advocacy group said yesterday the state Legislature could easily redistrict the New Hampshire House to comply with a new constitutional amendment. Read More
Discord turns to detente for McGreeveys
After three years of bickering and backbiting, the McGreeveys appear to be reaching a detente in their acrimonious divorce. Read More
Water tax floated for open space
A state senator said yesterday he is renewing efforts to try to win public approval this fall of a ballot question that would constitutionally dedicate a proposed new water tax to raise about $150 million annually for open space purchases. Read More
Preservationists release the latest list of 10 sites worth saving
Preservationists from Scotch Plains, Jersey City, High Bridge, Milltown and elsewhere traveled to Trenton yesterday to draw attention to New Jersey sites -- "historic and cultural resources and landscapes" -- that are in imminent danger of disappearing. Read More
Charting a course for urban revitalization
New Jersey's older cities and towns can be revitalized if the state sets goals and allows local governments to do more on their own to meet them, a report to be released today concludes. Read More
Environment: Score cards give lawmakers mixed reviews
Santa Fe-area members of the state House of Representatives have declining environmental voting records while local state senators are on the upswing, according to a state-based environmental group's "score card" released Tuesday. Read More
Prison officials criticized for baby policies
The case of an abused 3-year-old girl rescued in a Wisconsin drug bust shines light on a system that could allow a baby born to a Nevada inmate to be turned over to a criminal, child advocates say. Read More
Nevada law would raise state gas tax if federal tax is cut
LAS VEGAS - Motorists in Nevada might not see a savings at the pump if Congress approves a gasoline tax holiday touted by two presidential candidates, a state official said. Read More
First lady asks to move divorce trial
An attorney for Nevada first lady Dawn Gibbons, who has been hit with a divorce complaint from Gov. Jim Gibbons, filed a demand Tuesday to have the closed-door divorce trial moved from Carson City to Reno. Read More
Reno firm pays $80,000 settlement to EPA
RENO, Nev. - A Reno manufacturer has agreed to an $80,000 fine to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its failure to required reports about toxic chemical. Read More
Nevada governor wants his mansion back and his wife out
The state that pioneered the quickie divorce is witnessing a potentially ugly breakup that has the governor of Nevada fighting to get back into his own mansion. Read More
Retired teachers' health plan pact reached
After months of haggling, the Clark County School District and the teachers union have a tentative agreement to offer health insurance to the district?s retired educators. Read More
Nevada governor wants his mansion back and his wife out
CARSON CITY, Nev. -- The state that pioneered the quickie divorce is witnessing a potentially ugly breakup that has the governor of Nevada fighting to get back into his own mansion. Read More
New York's pork barrel not equally shared
While state lawmakers represent about the same number of residents, what they have to spend in so-called member items, or pork, is widely disparate. Read More
NY Senate expected to OK gas tax holiday
With gasoline prices nearing $4 a gallon, the Senate planned to pass a bill today that would suspend the state's gasoline taxes for the summer months. But the Republican-backed measure faces opposition in the Assembly and reservations in the governor's office. Read More
After promise of reform, Ohio Democrats face test
CINCINNATI - Eighteen months after scandals helped Democrats in Ohio break a Republican monopoly on top state offices, a Democratic official has found himself enmeshed in one of his own. Read More
Husted turns to 'the judge'
Members of the Ohio House frequently call Rep. William "Bill" Batchelder "the judge" for his years as a common pleas and state appeals court judge. Read More
Gov. signs bill snuffing anti-smoking foundation
The foundation that operated Ohio's anti-smoking programs is gone. Read More
Husted wants more info before moving to impeach Dann
House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, wants Attorney General Marc Dann to resign but Husted wants more information before the House considers impeaching the Democratic attorney general. Read More
Dann seemed either oblivious or misleading
If the Ohio House ultimately tries to impeach Attorney General Marc Dann, it could come down to Dann's testimony in his office's internal investigation of sexual harassment. Read More
Ohio lethal injection hearing heats up
ELYRIA, Ohio - A prosecutor accused a judge Tuesday of making arguments on behalf of two men challenging the state's method of executing prisoners. Read More
Republican, Democratic parties get to work on Marc Dann impeachment plans
Ohio Democrats on Tuesday took a breather, a day after working themselves into a lather behind their vow to swiftly wrest the attorney general's office from their party mate Marc Dann. Read More
Charges suggested, but not filed, for Rep. Matthew Barrett over nude photos
An assistant prosecutor suggested that former State Rep. Matthew Barrett face an obstruction charge for lying to police about nude photos of women that turned up on his computer flash drive. Read More
High-ranking officials marred by scandal don't always resign
A Democratic political consultant questions why two former U.S. House members who voted against impeaching President Clinton 10 years ago are now jumping on a bandwagon to force Ohio's attorney general to resign or be forced from office. Read More
Ohio leaders study impeachment process for attorney general
The Ohio House member reviewing impeachment processes for possible action against Attorney General Marc Dann said he expects to present findings to legislative leaders Wednesday, but he cautioned against rushing to judgment. Read More
Ohio legislators dismantle tobacco prevention agency
Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday pounded the last nail into the coffin of the state's quasigovernment anti-smoking agency that dared to defy lawmakers' plans to take the bulk of its money to help pay for a $1.57 billion economic stimulus package. Read More
Dann could be 1st nonjudge to be impeached
Attorney General Marc Dann has not been charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one, but that may not stop Ohio lawmakers from proceeding with plans to impeach him if he remains firm in his refusal to resign. Read More
Voter ID bill fails to pass
A bill to require voters to show identification at polling sites was defeated along party lines Tuesday in the Oklahoma Senate. Read More
Senate honors oldest OHP trooper
Ed Vandergriff, among the first members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, was honored by the Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday as the oldest retired state trooper. He is 97. Read More
Fire-safe cigarette bill on Henry's desk
Legislation that would require retailers to sell only "fire safe" cigarettes in Oklahoma is awaiting Gov. Brad Henry's signature. Read More
House speaker wants to study state autism bill costs
A state senator who could not get the House of Representatives to hear his measure to require insurance companies to cover autism diagnosis and treatment costs said Tuesday he is disappointed the issue appears dead this session. Read More
State economy is healthy but not for the poor
The state's economy continues to be robust, but low- and middle-income households in the state aren't faring as well because of stagnant wages and rising fuel, food and health care costs, a study released Tuesday shows. |
