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Archive of Politics on Friday May 09, 2008
Neutral govs to remain on sidelines
 In the homestretch of an unprecedented presidential primary season, spinning with competing sound-bites and endless rhetoric, voters still heading to the polls in four states can’t look to their governors for any pre-election advice. These governors plan to wait until after their states vote to make their own endorsements.
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WORTH NOTING: Illinois treasurer shows his knowledge of charges
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in. Read More
At-risk gubernatorial seats increase
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Will states fix 2012 primary process?
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Two state senators call for review of Department of Corrections
Two Anchorage lawmakers say the Legislature needs to audit the state's Department of Corrections. Read More
Palin support for Juneau access road fading
Gov. Sarah Palin, who supported the Juneau access road in her campaign for governor in 2006, is now backing away from that support. Read More
Facing prison, Kohring blames government but says his conscience is clear
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Facing a prison sentence of 3 1/2 years, a former Alaska lawmaker said he's broke and has lost respect for the U.S. government, but that his conscience is clear. Read More
Kohring sentenced to 3 1/2 years
A federal judge sentenced former Wasilla state Rep. Vic Kohring to 3.5 years in prison Thursday for taking bribes in a scheme to keep Alaska oil taxes down. Read More
Lawmakers tell Ark. MLK panel they're tired of controversy
Legislators on Thursday told the Martin Luther King Commission -- which has been beset by public infighting over its appointments and finances -- that they've grown tired of the controversy surrounding the panel. Read More
6 independents qualify for ballot; 1 comes up short
Six independent candidates for the state House of Representatives have qualified for the Nov. 4 ballot by submitting a petition with enough signatures of Arkansas' registered voters, but a seventh failed to do so, the secretary of state's office said Wednesday. Read More
Independent candidates certified for November ballot
Arkansas Secretary of State Charlie Daniels on Thursday certified six independent candidates for the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Read More
Senate to meet June 12 to hear case of disputed election
The state Senate has scheduled a historic meeting June 12 to decide whether a senator who won a disputed election can keep his seat. Read More
King Commmission co-chair supports director, concerned about commission's direction
The co-chairman of the troubled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission on Thursday defended the executive director, who has been linked to an insurance fraud ring, but said he is concerned about the commission and its future. Read More
Redistricting advocates drop initiative
Two former lawmakers have scrapped plans to ask voters to revamp how the state's congressional and legislative districts are crafted. Read More
Arizona abortion providers might increase
A panel of the state Board of Nursing is recommending that nurse practitioners be allowed to perform first-trimester abortions in Arizona. Read More
Schwarzenegger, automakers agree to pursue emissions control
In their first face-to-face meeting, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and automakers Thursday agreed to explore new cooperative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions even as they duel in court and in Congress over just how far the state can go. Read More
GOP lawmakers offer ideas for tackling deficit
With Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger set to unveil his revised budget next week, Republican legislators on Thursday announced a series of proposals they said would save money and help the state run more efficiently. Read More
Perata drops 'Dump Denham' campaign
After millions of dollars raised and spent and a long trail of acrimonious campaigning, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, said Wednesday he is dropping his bid to recall Sen. Jeff Denham, saying he worried it would get in the way of fixing the state's precarious fiscal condition. Read More
Calif. Senate votes to end Bay-Delta Authority
The California Senate has voted to end state participation in the program created eight years ago to rescue the delta from collapse and resolve persistent water disputes. Read More
Senate Democrat Jack Scott named to lead California community colleges
A former college president-turned-lawmaker has been named the next chancellor of California's community college system, making him think twice about his role in crafting the education budget. Read More
Denham says he'll keep campaigning
State Sen. Jeff Denham said Thursday he intends to campaign through Election Day despite Senate leader Don Perata's decision to drop his bid to recall the Merced lawmaker. Read More
Special session expected on conveyance tax
Cities and towns have nothing to fear. That was the word from the state Capitol on Thursday as Democratic lawmakers and Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell said they expect the legislature to convene a special session so that municipalities can continue receiving $40 million from an extension of the tax on real estate sales. Read More
Yale fires back at South Korean university over fake degree
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Details of a sex scandal involving a top South Korean official and an art history professor, who lied about having a Yale degree, will be used by the Ivy League school to defend itself against a federal lawsuit filed by the South Korean university that hired the professor. Read More
Legislature left nursing-home reforms on table
For months, state Sen. Edith Prague rallied support for nursing-home reforms from Democratic leaders and advocates for the elderly, telling anyone who would listen that "this is the year" for improvements to minimum-staffing requirements and stronger oversight of the industry. Read More
Rell - Low-interest loans OK'd for Norwich fire victims
NORWICH, Conn. - Gov. M. Jodi Rell says victims of the April 26 fire that destroyed a Norwich apartment complex can apply for low-interest federal loans. Read More
Democrats plan special session
Democratic lawmakers said they are committed to calling the state legislature back in for a special session this spring, citing their desire to extend a critical source of revenue for cities and towns. Read More
Courtney will decide presidential pick in June
WASHINGTON - Connecticut Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democratic superdelegate, said Wednesday that he'll decide shortly after primary season ends June 3 whether to support Illinois Sen. Barack Obama or New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as his party's presidential nominee. Read More
Demonstration permits issued for Cheney visit
NEW LONDON, Conn. - Supporters and opponents of the war in Iraq have been granted permits to demonstrate during Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's commencement. Read More
Governor hopefuls urge investigations
Three major-party gubernatorial candidates called Thursday for an aggressive investigation into the causes of cancer that occurs in some Delaware communities above the state average. Read More
Wind farm bill to ease burden on customers tabled
A legislative move to keep Delmarva Power from having its customers foot the bill for the Bluewater wind farm fight fizzled Thursday, at least temporarily. Read More
Bill would restrict eminent domain
WILMINGTON, Del. - The latest eminent domain reform bill in the state legislative pipeline would bring riverfront development "to a screeching halt" if passed, Mayor James M. Baker said Thursday. Read More
Democrats tout shift in Hispanic voting
Hispanic voters registered as Democrats have overtaken Hispanic Republicans in Florida, signaling a trend that, if it continues, could have far-reaching implications for the 2008 election and U.S. foreign policy. Read More
Fla. Dems ask national party to seat presidential delegation
Florida's Democratic congressional delegation called on the national party Thursday to seat the state's delegation based on its January primary, and the state party is growing more hopeful that the campaigns will agree on a plan by the end of the month. Read More
Obama vows to seat Florida delegates, plans stop in Maitland
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama, growing confident he will be the Democratic presidential nominee, promised a group of uncommitted superdelegates Thursday that Florida's delegation will be counted at the party's national convention this summer. Read More
Cash-strapped Florida gives $9.1M to Orlando military training facilities
Despite Florida's economic funk and billions of dollars in recent budget cuts, the Legislature has cleared the way for Orlando's military training facilities to receive an unprecedented $9.1 million, local officials said Thursday. Read More
Republican Hispanic Conference to court Hispanic vote in Orlando
Florida's Republicans will gather Saturday in Orlando to shore up support among Hispanics as the presidential election nears -- part of a long-term strategy to earn the community's votes for good. Read More
Delegation calls for DNC to count Florida's primary votes
Members of Florida's Democratic congressional delegation, along with Sen. Hillary Clinton, Thursday called on the Democratic National Party to end the punishment of the state's presidential selectors.' Read More
Obama backs Florida's role in convention
WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama says Florida's delegation will be at the national Democratic Party's convention this summer, ''happy, with their party hats on,'' two uncommitted Florida superdelegates said Thursday. Read More
Gov. Crist thanks troops at MacDill Air Force Base
TAMPA, Fla. - Gov. Charlie Crist stopped at MacDill Air Force Base Thursday, where he briefly thanked veterans for their service, shook hands with a Norwegian Army general and played coy to a question about his girlfriend. Read More
Prevent blindness, save the manatee - and give to Family First?
A Tampa group that promotes healthy families would be the first of its kind allowed to ask Florida drivers to donate money under a little-noticed bill headed to the governor. Read More
Crist has a $2.4-billion change of heart
Gov. Charlie Crist said "God bless Gov. Chiles" as the 2008 Legislature drew to a close last week, thankful for $2.4-billion in reserves made possible by the late Lawton Chiles. Read More
Sen. Isakson says he will bypass Georgia gubernatorial bid
WASHINGTON -- Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson has decided to seek re-election to the Senate in 2010 and will not run for governor, his spokeswoman said Thursday. Read More
DeKalb legislators to join Dunwoody lawsuit
Members of DeKalb County's state legislative delegation have decided not to file their own complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice about a legislative bill that would give Dunwoody residents the right to vote for incorporation. Read More
Lawmakers OK program to buy foreign medicines
Hawaii residents will be able to buy inexpensive foreign prescription drugs over the Internet under a new state law approved over objections from Gov. Linda Lingle. Read More
Def Leppard to play Iowa State Fair
Classic rock band Def Leppard plays the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Aug. 16 in Des Moines, Iowa fair officials announced Thursday. Read More
Facebook agrees to changes to try and stop on-line predators
Another top social networking website has agreed to take steps to protect children from sexual predators and inappropriate content. Bob Brammer, a spokesman for Iowa's Attorney General, says several states have reached an agreement with "Facebook." Read More
Senator questions printing of DOT notice in Spanish
Senate Republican Leader Ron Wieck of Sioux City says it appears the Iowa Department of Transportation broke the law by having a public hearing notice printed in the Sioux City Journal Thursday in both English and Spanish. Read More
Hospital group expects Culver to approve bill
The Iowa hospital industry says it is optimistic that Gov. Chet Culver will allow most of the state's hospitals to bypass a public-approval process before they construct new facilities. Read More
Despite exemption, prisons to ban smoking
NEWTON, Iowa -- Iowa's prisons will become tobacco-free in early January even though state lawmakers exempted the institutions in a new law that bans smoking in most public places. Read More
Culver signs bill to help students buy textbooks
Gov. Chet Culver has signed a bill intended to make it easier for students to save money on textbooks. Read More
Iowa prisons to ban smoking in 2009
Iowa's prisons are going smoke-free, despite an exemption from the state's new statewide smoking ban. Read More
New law targets fans of dogfights
Those who attend and bet on illegal animal fights could now face tougher penalties, thanks to the work of two Davenport lawmakers who want to stop animal abuse. Read More
DOT to continue using Spanish, other languages
The Iowa Department of Transportation plans to keep publishing official notices in Spanish and other languages, despite a recent court ruling upholding the state's English-language law, a spokeswoman said Thursday. Read More
Waste panel votes to ban EnergySolutions' import of Italian N-waste
BOISE, Idaho - Eight Western states on Thursday derailed EnergySolutions' plans to import nuclear cleanup waste from Italy and bury some of it at the company's Utah landfill. Read More
Governor against plan to stop prison closing
Gov. Rod Blagojevich Thursday panned a plan aimed at stopping him from closing the state prison in Pontiac. Read More
Soldiers could get break on vehicle fees
Soldiers stationed overseas may soon get a break on their vehicle registration fees if a proposal that passed the Illinois House Wednesday makes it into law. Read More
Union -- Mandatory overtime hurts services at 24-hour state facilities
Mandatory overtime is jeopardizing services at 24-hour state facilities, a labor union representing state employees claimed in a report released Thursday. Jessica Becket believes the extended hours contributed to her accident. Read More
Forby -- Governor had talked about moving state jobs out of Springfield
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, whose district could get the nearly 150 Illinois Department of Transportation jobs that Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration wants to move out of Springfield, said Thursday that Blagojevich told him in the past he wanted to move state jobs out of the capital city. Read More
Harper 4-year plan rejected
Efforts to offer bachelor's degrees in two program areas at Harper College hit another political roadblock Thursday at the Illinois Capitol. Read More
Will the capital city be able to gamble on racing?
Harness racing up to nine months a year at the Illinois State Fairgrounds could help raise money for fairground improvements and the Sangamon County emergency dispatch system, according to Rep. Raymond Poe. Read More
Ill. senators get personal in dispute over pay raises
Democrats got personal Thursday in their dispute over legislative raises, with one state senator calling a colleague "filthy rich" and accusing House members of being hypocritical. Read More
'Pay-to-play' ban goes to full Senate but hits a snag
A Senate panel unanimously approved a ban on "pay-to-play" for state contractors Thursday despite a last-minute threat from Senate President Emil Jones to add a provision proponents said would derail the legislation. Read More
Republicans propose moratorium on closing Illinois prisons
Republican lawmakers are proposing a ban on closing any Illinois prisons until a study is done on the needs of the state corrections system. Read More
Pay raise feud gets personal
The debate in the General Assembly over pay raises for lawmakers got personal Thursday, with a Senate Democrat chastising another for her wealth and blaming state representatives for using the Senate to get their money. Read More
Union for state workers wants mandatory overtime eliminated
It's not every day organized labor asks management for less overtime, but that's what the largest union representing state employees is doing as it negotiates a new contract with the Blagojevich administration. Read More
Rezko lender tries to force bankruptcy over $18 million
A Wilmette businessman who testified last week against political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko at his federal corruption trial sought Thursday to force Rezko's bankruptcy over his failure to repay more than $18 million. Read More
'Pay to play' ban advances, faces uncertain Senate future
Legislation to combat "pay to play" politics in Illinois advanced to the Senate floor Thursday, where it faces an uncertain future because of what the Senate president calls a "gaping loophole." Read More
House 'pimping' on pay - Hendon
Saying he's tired of the House "pimping" the Senate, Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) said he'll try to change a bill so lawmakers who vote against raises won't get the extra cash. Read More
Booksellers agree with suit challenging new legislation
"I just thought it was stupid." That was the reaction of Sarah Bird, co-owner of the Griffon Bookstore in downtown South Bend, when she first heard of a new law that will require retailers of sexually explicit materials to register with the state and pay a fee. Read More
Appeal to BP permit in the works?
Environmental groups may appeal BP Whiting's new air permit, a move that could compel the refinery to stop the weeklong construction efforts of its $3.8 billion expansion. Read More
Unity in priorities benefits Wichita region
Despite a tight budget year, south-central lawmakers secured millions of dollars for local projects -- including a package to encourage future aviation development. Read More
Legislature's issues in 2008 mirrored nation's
Kansas lawmakers spent the 2008 session wrestling mightily with problems of national, even global scope, and their failures were nearly as big. Read More
Session marked by little progress
State political leaders on Thursday assigned praise and fault for the outcome of the 2008 legislative session the day after House and Senate ended the four-month marathon. Read More
Opinion of legislative session depends on perspective
If the 2008 legislative session produced unanimity in one area, it was that most everyone was glad when it ended. Read More
Budget includes bonds for pharmacy school
For the Kansas University School of Pharmacy, the Legislature?s final budget bill was just what the doctor ordered. Read More
Local issues played a role in session
For the second time in as many years, lawmakers said with a unified voice that Kansas hates funeral protests. Read More
5 named to state school board
Gov. Steve Beshear tapped four Democrats and one Republican to serve on the state Board of Education, his office announced Thursday. Read More
Clinton to speak at dinner in Louisville
While both Democratic presidential candidates have claimed that Kentucky's May 20 primary is important, it's been U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton who has been the quickest to give the Bluegrass some face time. Read More
Tuition increases scaled back
Facing some of the angriest public remarks by a group of Kentucky university presidents in memory, a panel gave the initial vote of approval Thursday to higher tuition at the state's public universities and community colleges, including five institutions whose requests were cut. Read More
Group urges cuts in some tuition hikes
Five of Kentucky's higher-education institutions -- including the state's community and technical college system -- should not be allowed to raise tuition and fees as much as they propose. Read More
Museum system changes cleared by Senate panel
Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu cleared the first step Thursday to gaining more control over the Louisiana museum system, but not without museum supporters renewing accusations that he is attempting a misguided power grab that would harm properties such as the Cabildo and the Presbytere. Read More
Roads chief says program bankrupt
Louisiana's road-building agenda will suffer because a special program for 16 projects has gone bankrupt, state Transportation Secretary William Ankner said Thursday. Read More
House committee divided on method for cutting taxes
Members of a House tax-writing panel expressed support Thursday for a massive tax-cut bill, but they remained divided on what form it should take. Read More
Bill lets citizens target troublesome businesses
Legislation that would give citizens a greater role in having a crime-riddled business closed for as many as five years cleared the House 89-0 Thursday. Read More
Panel approves 'Bill of Rights'
A Senate committee gave swift approval Thursday to a proposed "Bill of Rights" that would grant sweeping new benefits for Road Home applicants who assert that the contractors running the homeowner grant program are not following the policies set by the Louisiana Recovery Authority. Read More
Panel tacks on to outlay list
Lawmakers added $9.2 million in projects Thursday to the state's construction budget. Read More
Bill would ban mentally ill from guns
More than a year after a mentally ill student killed 32 people at Virginia Tech, Louisiana legislators are considering a bill to prohibit similarly unstable people from buying firearms. Read More
Tuition increase battle likely
Bills that would increase tuition at the LSU and Southern University law schools breezed through a House committee Thursday, but both are expected to trigger controversy later. Read More
Ethics panel opposes changes
The administrative committee of the state Board of Ethics voted Thursday to oppose nine bills lawmakers have offered in the Louisiana Legislature to change the newly enacted laws on how government officials can act. Read More
BRAC backs Jindal plans
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber formally backed several initiatives of the Jindal administration this week to ramp up state economic development efforts, including requests for $307 million more in deal-making money for big projects and a nearly $8 million increase to the Governor?s Rapid Response Fund. Read More
Bill allows flood premium increase
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate is poised to pass a bill changing the National Flood Insurance Program over the objections of Louisiana's two senators. Read More
Tax break vote set
Lawmakers delayed a decision Thursday night on legislation that would eventually eliminate the state income tax. Read More
Cravins expects Jetson bill OK
A state Senate bill that sets deadlines for closing Jetson - a state-run juvenile prison with a history of brutality - and for establishing smaller, regionalized juvenile detention facilities has a good chance of passing, said State Sen. Donald Cravins Jr. Read More
Panel plans income tax vote Monday
A House committee will decide Monday whether to recommend a total repeal of state income tax or reduce the tax. Read More
Higher-ed officials fear 'crippling' cuts
Proposed higher education budget cuts could "cripple" Louisiana's public colleges and universities if they are adopted, according to officials at the state Board of Regents. Read More
Panel adds few projects to budget
A House committee added a smattering of new projects to the state's annual construction budget late Thursday before moving it to the full House for more debate. Read More
Bill aims to limit access to ammo
Individuals who provide ammunition to convicted felons should wind up behind bars for up to five years, the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice decided Thursday. Read More
Patrick joins hunt for Obama voters
Governor Deval Patrick, a big cheerleader for Barack Obama, is taking on another significant role as Obama pivots to general election mode. Read More
Courthouse feud erupts over bathroom key
It started with a simple, if potentially urgent, need. A court official wanted a key to gain access to a bathroom. Read More
Cape owners avoid big hike in insurance
Tens of thousands of homeowners on Cape Cod were spared a second straight 25 percent increase in insurance premiums after a state regulator yesterday rejected an insurance association's request for double-digit rate hikes. Read More
Superdelegates are undeclared and unfazed
The superdelegates may not need to be so super after all. Read More
O'Malley gives hints on vetoes
As lawmakers and advocacy groups turn up the heat on bills they want vetoed, Gov. Martin O'Malley is beginning to signal his posture on several controversial measures passed during this year's legislative session. Read More
Union won't back slots
Breaking with the state teachers union, the Montgomery County Education Association voted Wednesday night not to endorse Maryland's slot machine gambling referendum, according to a news release from Marylanders United to Stop Slots. Read More
Divided over slots
Large organizations are having as difficult a time with the issue of bringing slot machine gambling to Maryland as the General Assembly had in bringing the issue to the November ballot. Read More
Senate OKs plan to ban smoking in bars, eateries
Michigan is closer than it's ever been to snuffing out smoking from most bars, restaurants and workplaces. Read More
State smoking ban closer to reality
"Smoking or nonsmoking?" That question was closer to extinction Thursday as the state Senate approved a statewide ban on smoking on all workplaces including bars, restaurants and even casinos. Read More
Some owners OK with ban, others not
A smoking ban in Michigan restaurants and bars won't have the long-term negative impact on business that many owners fear it will, several restaurateurs predicted Thursday. Read More
Senate passes ban on smoking
All Michigan workplaces, including bars, restaurants and clubs, are a big step closer to becoming smoke-free. Read More
Tribe exemption unfair, casino officials say
A smoking ban approved by the Michigan Senate that includes casinos could keep gamblers away in Detroit, and gives an unfair advantage to casinos operated by tribes, casinos officials and observers said. Read More
Campers get gas-saving perk
Gas price sticker shock has prompted the state to offer a new deal for campers: Store your RV, camper trailer or boat and trailer at certain state parks and recreation areas -- free -- for up to 15 days. Read More
Detroit cops seek state aid
Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings found herself in the awkward position Thursday of asking state lawmakers for $1 million to help run her crime lab, only a couple of weeks after shutting down the lab's firearms section for incorrectly classifying evidence in a double homicide. Read More
Clinton campaign opposes giving Obama more Michigan delegates
Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign opposes Michigan's plan to give fewer delegates to her and more to rival Barack Obama, a campaign spokesman said Thursday. Read More
Senate OKs smoking ban; reaction mixed
When Chris Fegley and his son, 4-year-old Gavin, venture out for a meal, their restaurant choice depends on the location's smoke level. Read More
Same-sex benefits ruling might have minimal effect
A potentially devastating ruling Wednesday by Michigan's high court about same-sex benefits is likely to have little local effect. Read More
Michigan Senate OKs ban on smoking in bars, restaurants
The Michigan Senate on Thursday voted to prohibit smoking in all bars, restaurants and workplaces. Read More
State GOP still trying to clean up its books
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Even as the state Republican Party calls DFL U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken to task over problems with his personal finances, the party continues to try to clean up its own bookkeeping problems. Read More
Legislature approves extended bar hours during GOP event
Beer taps, wine corkscrews and martini shakers should get an extra workout during the Republican National Convention thanks to state legislation that pushes bar closing time out by two hours. Read More
Minn. pays victims of bridge collapse
ST. PAUL, Minn. - A close-knit coalition of Minneapolis bridge collapse victims - some in wheelchairs and others still wearing casts - looked on yesterday as Governor Tim Pawlenty signed a $38 million package to compensate them for their injuries and losses. Read More
Barbour wraps up Gaming Summit
Gov. Haley Barbour will call up the bill to place a moratorium on casinos during the upcoming special session, but will call the tax-incentive bill for casinos only if it has the needed support. Read More
New recovery chief meets Coast leaders
GULFPORT, Miss. -- President Bush's newest recovery czar met with local leaders Thursday to discuss pressing needs in South Mississippi. Read More
Governor slammed by Dems
WASHINGTON - House Democrats on Thursday questioned Gov. Haley Barbour's use of billions of dollars in Hurricane Katrina recovery grants, saying too little was done to rebuild low-income rental housing and help low-income homeowners. Read More
Barbour, McCoy tussle over contracts
Gov. Haley Barbour says some lawmakers are being "foolish and wrongheaded" to tie the fate of an employment agency to a dispute over state advertising. Read More
$600M port plan taken to task
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi's plans to transfer $600 million from post-Katrina housing assistance to restore the Port of Gulfport came under scrutiny in a congressional hearing Thursday as three lawmakers said the diversion hurts efforts to provide desperately needed housing for the state's poor. Read More
Barbour has noncancerous spot removed from face
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour says he had a noncancerous bump removed from his face as a precaution. Read More
Senate defeats wind clause
WASHINGTON -- A Gulf Coast-backed effort to add wind coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program was soundly defeated Wednesday in the Senate amid concerns it would be too costly. Read More
Bruner -- Education is a crime-stopper
Teachers, not cops, are the most effective weapons against crime, said Lee Bruner, a Republican candidate for attorney general who said this week he supports coal mining as a way to pay for public education. Read More
Attorney general hopeful focuses on meth
Montana law enforcement needs more manpower in the battle against methamphetamine, and addicts need more treatment, a Democratic candidate for attorney general said. Read More
Mont. judge rejects bid to delay wolf lawsuit
BILLINGS, Mont. - A federal judge in Montana has rejected the government's request to delay a lawsuit seeking to place the gray wolf back on the endangered species list. Read More
Hardin jail defaults on bonds
HARDIN, Mont. -- An empty $27 million jail in Hardin has defaulted on its bonds, as the city heads to court Friday to try to get out-of-state inmates into the facility. Read More
Schweitzer wants Dems' race to go on
Gov. Brian Schweitzer says he would like to see the race between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama continue to Montana's June 3 primary, the last contest in the nation. Read More
Easley seeks money for children, workers and sex crime victims
Gov. Mike Easley on Thursday offered a teaser -- the good news only -- of his proposed state budget for 2009. Read More
State workers may get public records training
Members of a panel formed by Gov. Mike Easley appear headed toward approval of a plan that would require training on the public records law for most state employees and improvements to government e-mail servers that would archive messages for a number of years. Read More
Just 'political hijinks,' Dulin treasurer says
The treasurer for Andy Dulin's N.C. Senate campaign said Thursday that a campaign finance complaint filed against the campaign amounted to "political hijinks." Read More
Good things came to state that waited
WASHINGTON -- North Carolina's presidential primary held an important lesson for states that rushed to move up their contests this year: Sometimes, it pays to be patient. Read More
NC e-mail panel seeking more storage
North Carolina should create an archive system for the hundreds of thousands of e-mails sent daily by state workers, and provide them with more training about what constitutes a public record, panelists reviewing the state's e-mail retention rules said yesterday. Read More
Easley supports college for illegal immigrants
In a statement that defied the legal advice of the state's attorney general, Gov. Mike Easley told community colleges Thursday that they can set their own admission standards, which currently welcome students regardless of their immigration status. Read More
New figures show shift in Nebraska's voter registration
The number of registered Democrats in the state has risen sharply this year heading into Tuesday?s primary election, giving party leaders hope they may be loosening the stronghold Republicans have had for years. Read More
Low voter turnout expected for Tuesday's primary
Election officials are predicting a low voter turnout for Tuesday's primary elections. Read More
Bruning stands firm on position for discrimination cases
If the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission and Attorney General Jon Bruning can?t cooperate, about 80 housing discrimination complaints a year will go to federal investigators. Read More
McGreeveys forge accord on custody
Working late into the night, going word by painstaking word, the McGreeveys and their attorneys reached an agreement yesterday on custody of the couple's 6-year-old daughter, effectively ending the first section of their three-part divorce trial. Read More
Senate panel clears anti-conflict bills
Two bills designed to increase accountability and transparency in local and state government were unanimously approved yesterday by the Senate State Government Committee. Read More
Former officials discuss ties between governor, top court
When Gov. Christie Whitman was in office, she and then-state Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah Poritz would sit down to lunch every few months at the governor's mansion, talking about administrative issues, the appointment of judges, who might make a good candidate. But they were careful not to venture into matters pending be fore the court. Read More
McGreeveys reach deal on custody of daughter
ELIZABETH, N.J. - Former Gov. James E. McGreevey and his estranged wife settled child custody matters on Thursday as they moved closer to dissolving their marriage, their lawyers said. Read More
Nevada loyalty oath alarms few teachers
Like California's constitution, the Nevada Constitution requires state university system faculty pledge an oath to "protect and defend" the U.S. and state governments and constitutions "against all enemies, foreign and domestic." Read More
Public Health Crisis - More infections surface
Health authorities said Thursday that 77 more patients might have contracted hepatitis C at a local medical clinic where unsafe injection practices have been identified. Read More
Lawmakers to see budget cuts
Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons will submit a package of budget cuts to lawmakers for their approval to satisfy the requirements of state law, his attorney says. Read More
Judge transfers Gibbons' divorce case to Reno
A judge on Thursday approved a request from Nevada first lady Dawn Gibbons, hit with a divorce complaint from Gov. Jim Gibbons, to have the couple's closed-door divorce trial moved from Carson City to Reno. Read More
CNA tips status quo, but doesn?t oust SEIU
The Service Employees International Union suffered a clear vote of no confidence this week as registered nurses it represents at three St. Rose Dominican hospitals voted in greater ? though still inconclusive ? numbers to join a rival union. Read More
Nevada Republicans bolt party line, support housing package
WASHINGTON - In a sign of how the mortgage crisis is rippling through Nevada and across the national political landscape, the state?s two Republican House members broke ranks with their party Thursday and defied President Bush?s veto threat to vote for the main provisions of a Democratic housing rescue package. Read More
Union pushed; Trop fell
The owners of the Tropicana might have filed for bankruptcy protection regardless of labor union tactics. Read More
Senate wants state agencies and public authorities to release spending reports
Members of the state Senate are pushing for an "Accountability in Government Spending" plan that they say will save taxpayers money, reduce government waste and ensure greater transparency and accountability. Read More
One state, one economic development chair
When he was governor, Eliot Spitzer believed Upstate New York needed its own economic development czar. He appointed Daniel Gundersen to focus entirely on helping the Upstate region tackle its unique challenges. Read More
Gov. endorses tests for cops involved in shootings
Gov. David A. Paterson met Thursday with Sean Bell's family at his office in Manhattan, where he endorsed a proposal to test officers involved in shootings for alcohol or drugs. The reform has been sought by activists after Bell's 50-shot slaying in 2006. Read More
NY governor says he'll explore police procedures
NEW YORK ? Gov. David Paterson pledged Thursday to examine undercover police conduct in the aftermath of the 50-bullet police shooting of an unarmed man. Read More
Local business groups urge Paterson to keep upstate development czar
A number of the region's business organizations are beginning a full-court press to get the governor to change his mind about not having a special staffer dedicated to upstate economic development issues. Read More
N.Y. governor vows to examine undercover police procedures
NEW YORK - Gov. David Paterson pledged to examine undercover police conduct on Thursday, a day after more than 200 people were arrested protesting the acquittal of three detectives involved in the shooting death of an unarmed man. Read More
Cuomo sees fraud in some lawyers' pensions
Hundreds of lawyers across the state have been illegally granted state pension benefits by school districts, towns and other governmental entities, according to Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, who has opened an investigation into the abuses. Read More
Dann's ethics form for Washington trip missing
As a state senator, Marc Dann railed against then-Gov. Bob Taft for failing to disclose golf outings and other freebies on his annual financial disclosure statements filed with the Ohio Ethics Commission. Read More
McCain to weigh in on climate change, come to Ohio next week
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain will spend Monday and Tuesday on the West Coast, talking in Oregon and Washington about the environment and climate change. Then, his campaign confirms, he'll come to Ohio for a private fund-raising event in Columbus Wednesday and a possible public appearance on Thursday. Read More
Paid sick day backers say they will take issue to ballot
A coalition that wants to require most Ohio businesses to give their employees paid sick days says it wants to put the issue on the November ballot. Read More
Husted wants independent inquiry
House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, believes an independent, external investigation is needed to gather all the facts before the House considers whether to impeach Democratic Attorney General Marc Dann. Read More
Clearing the air costly to county
DAYTON, Ohio - Enforcing Ohio's indoor smoking ban costs big bucks, and the fines issued to violators don't come close to paying for it, local health department officials have discovered. Read More
Former Ohio AG aide says he was fired with no investigation
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A former aide to embattled Attorney General Marc Dann says he was terminated last year without an investigation by the office, unlike two top aides who were fired last week after sexual harassment claims against one of them prompted an internal probe. Read More
Attorney general office secretary who worked for Anthony Gutierrez suspended and under investigation
An attorney general's office secretary who worked for a manager who was fired last week has been suspended for having information on her state computer erased. Read More
House passes electric utility measure
Legislation that would authorize investor-owned electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives to serve new customers in annexed areas of cities was approved by the Oklahoma House Thursday despite opponents who said it could harm municipal power companies. Read More
Lawmaker encourages disaster funding
A state lawmaker is encouraging the Legislature to approve a plan to secure state dollars for emergency disasters in Oklahoma. Read More
City advocates promoting 'wraparound' care
When her daughter was tiny, Jackie McKenzie knew something was amiss to make her growl and cry instead of coo and smile. Read More
District judge sides with police union, chief seeks appeal
SHAWNEE, Okla. - A judge sided with the Shawnee police union in an issue involving minimum staffing policies that the city had appealed to district court, but the police chief is expected to seek another appeal. Read More
Senator pushes for a vote on state 'social host' legislation
An Oklahoma City senator asked the House speaker Thursday to allow a vote on her bill that would strengthen the law on adults supplying beer and alcohol on their property to minors. Read More
Henry signs fitness bill
SHAWNEE, Okla. - Gov. Brad Henry signed a bill this week that will double the amount of class time devoted to physical activity and nutrition programs in public schools. Read More
State House backs electricity service territory changes
The state House voted 62 to 36 Thursday to approve the latest version of House Bill 1739, which would require electricity providers to divide newly developed service territory among themselves or have the Oklahoma Corporation Commission do it for them. Read More
Ministers appealing assessor's decision to end pastoral tax exemption
ARDMORE, Okla. -Carter County Assessor Kim Cain recently ended a controversial property tax break on ministers? private residences that had been in effect for approximately 14 years ?? but that hasn?t ended the controversy. Read More
Clinton renews call for debate with Obama in Oregon primary
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. -- Hoarse from a cross-country campaign trip through three states, Sen. Hillary Clinton told die-hard supporters in southern Oregon on Thursday night she would keep running for president, and pressed her opponent to debate on Oregon issues. Read More
Candidates prepare for showdown in Oregon
The presidential race's punch-drunk prizefighters are staggering into Oregon, where both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will bring markedly different aspirations to their campaign appearances. Read More
Measure 53 designed to fix seizure law glitches
It's a classic case of unintended consequences. In 2000, Oregon voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 3, a constitutional amendment that imposed restrictions on the ability of government agencies to transfer legal ownership of property connected to a crime. Read More
DeFazio throws support to Obama
On Thursday night, Rep. Peter DeFazio became Oregon's third Democratic congressman to endorse Sen.Barack Obama, putting the Illinois politician one delegate closer to the presidential nomination. Read More
Clinton visits Oregon, stumps in timber country
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. -- Hillary Clinton kicked off three days of Oregon visits from presidential hopefuls with a town hall meeting Thursday night in Jackson County. Read More
Ethics panel rejects ex-official's proposal
The state Ethics Commission this week refused to approve the arrangements the state's former top health and human services administrator had proposed to do her new job while staying clear of the state's ethics rules. Read More
R.I. superdelegates -- most still back Clinton
Rhode Island Democrats are among Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's strongest supporters - she won the state's March 4 primary over Sen. Barack Obama by 19 percentage points - but even among her local stalwarts, the feeling is sinking in that the party's presidential nomination is very likely going to Obama. Read More
Red-light cameras are a go
The state House of Representatives last night approved a controversial provision to permanently allow red-light cameras at traffic intersections. Read More
Lawmakers' motives called into question
Perennial political candidate Christopher F. Young took the annual debate on gay marriage in an unexpected direction late Wednesday night when he accused state representatives of corruption and questioned their interest in Satan. Read More
Senate approves courthouse for Valley
A Senate resolution to move the proposed site of the Blackstone Valley Courthouse from Lincoln to Smithfield and prepare for construction in the budget year beginning July, 2009 won unanimous passage in the Senate Wednesday, but initial indications are it might face rougher sledding in the House of Representatives. Read More
Payday lending bill is on hold
Credit counselors and others testified for an hour Thursday before a House subcommittee about problems created by payday lending, but a bill to restrict the two-week, high-interest loans will have to wait for a vote. About two weeks. Read More
Vote on testing bill, Rex says
State schools chief Jim Rex challenged the S.C. Senate on Thursday to vote on legislation that would replace the current standardized testing system with one educators tell him would be more useful. Read More
Senators prepare to hear from Keel
Confirmation hearings for Gov. Mark Sanford's nominee to lead the embattled Department of Public Safety likely will be held the week of May 19, the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman said Thursday. Read More
House plan will run out of gas
Maintenance at S.C. State University will have to wait, and school buses will run out of fuel by spring, under a tighter House budget passed Thursday. Read More
Rex pushes measure to revamp education accountability
State schools Superintendent Jim Rex is putting the heat on lawmakers to pass a bill to overhaul the state's accountability system. Read More
State House hopeful wins union support
State House District 111 hopeful Clay Middleton won the backing from several labor unions Wednesday. Read More
Senators question "mission creep" at Highway Patrol
Senators questioned today whether the state Highway Patrol has exceeded its mission by creating drug-interdiction squads, a SWAT team and allowing troopers to accompany college coaches as security during games. Read More
SC House member who sought combat tour returning
The South Carolina legislator who sought a combat role in Afghanistan is returning to his state House desk next week. Read More
Senators prepare hard questions for Public Safety nominee
The governor's nominee to lead the Department of Public Safety will face questioning from senators later this month about how he plans to restore public trust in the agency. Read More
New task force aims to reduce scams on state's elderly
Advocates for the elderly hope a task force announced Thursday will stop scams that rob the state's seniors of their hard-earned savings. Read More
SC House approves budget, bill heads to conference committee
The House approved a final version of the state's $7 billion budget Thursday that falls short of meeting a basic state function: getting children to schoolhouses. Read More
Fair says he will side with the House on immigration
Greenville Sen. Mike Fair told the Senate today that he plans to side with the House on immigration reform. Read More
Hearing planned for safety chief nominee
Senators won't be trying to solve problems within the state Department of Public Safety when they meet May 19 to confirm a new director. Read More
Tax break would bring no relief
While a summer holiday from gas taxes might seem like a relief for financially strapped South Dakotans, it would do more harm than good, according to state Sen. Alan Hoerth and former Clinton administration Energy Secretary Federico Pena. Read More
Primary positioning
Hillary Clinton vowed Thursday that South Dakota would become a "Saudi Arabia of wind energy" and an important source of biofuels should she win the presidency. Read More
Tennessee higher-education officials work to keep tuition hikes below 10 percent
Tennessee higher-education leaders pledged Thursday to try to keep tuition hikes below 10 percent for in-state, undergraduate students, despite Gov. Phil Bredesen's plans to cut $55 million from their operating budgets. Read More
Bredesen focuses on schools but tightens belt
Gov. Phil Bredesen maintained his dedicated stance to state education on Thursday as he discussed the elimination of new funding for K-12 schools and a reduction in current funding for colleges and universities. Read More
Officials revisit tuition increases
Higher-education officials say they hope to keep tuition increases below 10 percent despite a $55 million cut in state funding. Read More
State of Tennessee will shed 2,000 jobs
State workers welcomed news from Gov. Phil Bredesen on Wednesday that his administration hopes to use voluntary buyouts rather than layoffs to trim the payroll by about 2,000 employees. Read More
Hopes fading for approval of elected lt. gov. this session
Prospects are dwindling for passage this year of a constitutional amendment that would allow Tennesseans to directly elect their lieutenant governor. Read More
Nashville nonprofits can apply in new grant program
Nashville nonprofit organizations have about three weeks to apply for $2 million in Metro government grants under a new program Mayor Karl Dean announced Thursday. Read More
Chattanooga - 'Provisional ballot' could cause problems, experts say
Like "hanging chads" from the 2000 presidential election, the federally mandated "provisional ballot" has strong potential for causing court fights after the November election, according to two election-law experts. Read More
Shapiro's interest in U.S. Senate is growing
Talk picked up on Thursday surrounding state Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, and a possible run for the U.S. Senat |
