Idaho on Thursday May 08, 2008

Archive of Idaho on Thursday May 08, 2008

Attorneys general treat big oil with kid gloves
By Tom Banse, Northwest Public Radio
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- Another day, another new high for oil prices. Against that backdrop, the president of Shell Oil Company delivered a vigorous defense of his industry's record profits. The oil executive stopped in the Northwest -- in his words -- to "educate" political leaders.
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Idaho superdelegate Roark uncommitted
By Jared S. Hopkins, The Times-News (Twin Falls)
Idaho Democratic Party Chairman and presidential superdelegate Keith Roark said Wednesday he still hasn't backed a presidential candidate, but said Sen. Barack Obama's 14-point victory in the North Carolina primary Tuesday helped address his concerns.
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Idaho Dems miffed at Bill Clinton's comments
By Jared S. Hopkins, The Times-News (Twin Falls)
Idaho Democrats sounded off Wednesday against former President Bill Clinton and his campaign comments about Gem State politics.
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Only one superdelegate in Idaho is undecided
By Heath Druzin, The Idaho Statesman (Boise)
R. Keith Roark still isn't picking sides, but an overwhelming win by Sen. Barack Obama Tuesday night in the North Carolina Democratic primary and a closer-than-expected showing in Indiana erased some doubts for Idaho's one uncommitted Democratic superdelegate.
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Southwest Idaho company making millions by accepting toxic waste
By Cynthia Sewell, The Idaho Statesman (Boise)
Railcars loaded with 6,700 tons of radioactive waste will roll across the Treasure Valley this week, the cargo destined for a remote site south of Boise on a sagebrush-dotted plateau near the Snake River. And it won't be the first time.
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Senate panel approves Idaho wilderness bill
By The Associated Press, The Times-News (Twin Falls)
WASHINGTON -- A bill to create a wilderness in southwest Idaho's Owyhee canyonlands has cleared a Senate committee.
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At-risk gubernatorial seats increase
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

After a pair of hard-fought primaries, North Carolina joins Missouri, Washington and Indiana on Out There's list of states where partisan control of the governorship could flip this fall.
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Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008)

When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states.
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Will states fix 2012 primary process?
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

While voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls today (May 6) to help Democrats pick Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as their nominee and Republicans rally behind John McCain, party insiders and state election officials are in informal talks to improve the presidential nominating contests for 2012 and beyond.
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Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
By Kim Mendelsohn, Special to Stateline.org
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state.
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Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer
Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views.
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WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
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Parents turn to states for autism help
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.

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Legislators prod Congress on Medicaid, Real ID
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
As some states tumble into what they fear is a recession, state lawmakers from across the country are pushing Congress for relief from impending federal rules that would force states to pick up more Medicaid costs and spend billions to make drivers’ licenses more secure.
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With justices' OK, voter ID moves ahead
By Daniel C. Vock and John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writers
A decision Monday (April 28) by the U.S. Supreme Court to let Indiana demand photo identification from voters paves the way for other states to do the same during November’s presidential election, experts say.
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More states offer choice in long-term care
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
More states are poised to offer a successful alternative to traditional Medicaid plans that allows elders and the disabled to avoid moving to a nursing facility by hiring friends, neighbors or family members to look after them in their own homes.
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Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

For the past several election cycles, the Democrats have been on a roll in legislative elections. This year, the party is well-positioned to hold its majority of chambers — but greatly expanding Democratic control may not be in the cards.

'Purple' states turn a little more 'blue'
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

The national polls point to a tight presidential race in November. But Democrats have a bit more to cheer about than Republicans do, regardless of who wins the Democratic primary, according to the latest state-by-state electoral-vote projections by “Out There.”
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Obama's friends in unlikely places
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

Barack Obama is striking an unlikely connection with voters in the reddest of red states. However the Democratic presidential contest plays out, the Illinois senator has breathed new energy and resources into several long-forsaken state parties.
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