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Archive of Politics on Tuesday May 13, 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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Exxon seeks $800 million for lost leases
Exxon Mobil Corp. asked Monday that Alaska pay $800 million in damages, claiming the state breached a deal when it revoked gas and oil leases on a North Slope oil field. Read More
Palin to offer plans for state energy relief
Gov. Sarah Palin will announce plans for statewide energy relief on Thursday, and legislators are weighing in on what should be in those plans. Read More
Administration announces energy relief special session
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Gov. Sarah Palin has announced the Alaska Legislature will be called into an additional special session this summer. Read More
Palin, lawmakers to revisit energy relief
Gov. Sarah Palin will call the Legislature into a special session this summer meant to provide Alaskans some relief from the soaring cost of energy. Read More
AEA gives up on several bills
Two-year college Chancellor Bradley Byrne has learned to play political defense in the year since he left the Legislature. Advertisement. He said the Alabama Education Association was pursuing four bills to thwart changes he and the State Board of Education have made at the schools, and all four bills have stalled. Read More
Rove refuses call to testify under oath
WASHINGTON-- A House Judiciary Committee deadline passed Monday with former White House adviser Karl Rove standing by his refusal to testify about allegations that he pushed the Justice Department to prosecute former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman. Read More
Chiefs' hirings need oversight, lawmakers told
Arkansas has about 350 police chiefs, but no state agency checks to see whether the cities conducted the required background checks. Read More
Beebe -- Early parolees could pick up litter
As Arkansas continues to dig out from round after round of tornadoes, Gov. Mike Beebe said he would consider offering inmates early parole if they'd help clean up from such disasters. Read More
Beebe declares two counties disaster areas after weekend storms
Gov. Mike Beebe declared Arkansas and Phillips Counties disaster areas Monday after weekend tornadoes and thunderstorms ravaged the areas. Read More
Same-sex-marriage ban advances
Efforts to put a question on the November ballot asking voters to ban same-sex marriage overcame a major roadblock Monday -- passing through a closely divided state House. Read More
Legislature votes to overturn emissions standards
State lawmakers gave final approval Monday to legislation overturning newly enacted vehicle emission standards for greenhouse gases, setting the stage for a showdown with Gov. Janet Napolitano. Read More
House OKs gay-marriage amendment
A state constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman inched closer to the November ballot on Monday after passing the Arizona House of Representatives. Read More
Governor's deal with builders irks senators
Some Republican state lawmakers on Monday blasted a "backroom deal" between Gov. Janet Napolitano and a Valley home-builders group that would exempt residential developers from sharing a portion of the costs of a major transportation initiative in exchange for a $100,000 contribution to boost the signature-gathering campaign. Read More
Napolitano OKs child-custody-enforcement measure
Child Protective Services caseworkers must make a "good-faith effort" to obtain and obey court orders regarding child custody, according to a bill signed into law Monday by Gov. Janet Napolitano. Read More
Legislature to get another look at DUI bill
In a deal struck between Arizona House and Senate Republicans, DUI legislation vetoed by Gov. Janet Napolitano last month is expected to be revived today - without a controversial provision the governor had opposed. Read More
Emissions restrictions thwarted
A week after a state panel approved rules for cleaner car emissions, the Legislature Monday passed a bill that would block those rules from taking effect. Read More
Deficit ensnares another governor
The famous catchphrase spoken by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in one his action movies, "I'll be back," can now refer to his handling of the state budget. Read More
Federal judge stays order for governor, Rincon band to reach gambling agreement
SAN DIEGO - A federal judge has put on hold, for now, his order that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and North County's Rincon Indian band reach an agreement on a gambling expansion by July. Read More
Fremont Democrat to take a top post in Assembly
The Bay Area, which has been on the verge of losing political power within the leadership of the state Legislature, will bounce back into prominence as early as today when Alberto Torrico of Fremont is elevated to one of the top posts in the Assembly, the Mercury News has learned. Read More
Nunez leaves mixed legacy as Assembly speaker
Fabian N??ez, the eighth and longest-serving Assembly speaker in the 13 years since the legendary Willie Brown was forced to vacate the position in 1995, is being forced out himself by a legislative term limit law he tried, and failed, to persuade voters to change. Read More
EdFund executives seek at least $3 million in severance
The executive staff of EdFund, the student loan guarantor the state plans to sell to a private investor, has crafted its own severance package worth more than $3 million. Read More
Fixing state budget is Bass' top priority
Los Angeles Democrat Karen Bass will be sworn in today as the first African American woman to serve as speaker of the Assembly. Bass, a 54-year-old former nurse, physician's assistant and Los Angeles community organizer, sat down Monday with the The Bee's Capitol Bureau. Read More
Black woman in powerful job in California
LOS ANGELES - The California Legislature is often first out of the gate with certain laws or to take on a policy issue that other states have yet to grapple with. Read More
Immigration raids shake California schools
Raids by federal authorities on undocumented immigrants in Northern California panic parents and school officials as fears spread that students might be targeted. Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums and other big-city mayors are denouncing the raids. Read More
Schwarzenegger drops plan for early release of 22,000 inmates
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has dumped his plan to release about 22,000 lower-risk inmates from prison before they complete their terms, The Bee learned Monday. Read More
First delegates are diverse but share passion for politics
A father and daughter. A campaign worker for John F. Kennedy who now champions the disabled from his wheelchair. A civil-rights advocate who almost believes her selection was divine. The first round of Colorado's pledged delegates selected to attend the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver come from a rich mix of backgrounds and are electrified about the party's chances to make American political history. Read More
Election hard time to tinker with TABOR
Many political, business and community leaders agree the budget gridlock enshrined in the state constitution needs fixing, but as the continued unraveling of a plan to relax TABOR shows, now may not be the time. Read More
UD adopts residence hall program
NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware Faculty Senate approved a new educational program for campus residence halls Monday. Read More
Party leaders weigh Florida primary delegation
U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, an uncommitted superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, Monday suggested that Florida's 211 presidential nominating delegates should be seated in Denver next summer with a half-vote each. Read More
Obama plans Hollywood fundraiser during S. Florida swing
After months of virtually ignoring Florida, Barack Obama plans to come to Hollywood to raise money on May 22 and to rally supporters in other parts of South Florida. Read More
Florida delegate drama nearing a finale
Florida Democratic leaders are expecting some mercy from the national party on May 31 when it reconsiders the state's delegates to the nominating convention. But as Barack Obama continues to expand his lead over Hillary Clinton, Florida's delegates matter less and less. Read More
Election held to fill House District 93 seat
Voters in parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties go to the polls on Tuesday in a special election to replace state Representative Ron Sailor. Read More
Perdue says no to gas tax moratorium for Georgia
Farmers and timber companies got a break from record-high fuel prices on Monday as Gov. Sonny Perdue suspended the state sales tax on diesel for off-road uses. But Georgians driving the state's roads shouldn't be expecting any such relief. Instead, the state's gasoline tax will rise on July 1. Read More
After 3 years of failures, Gov. to sign bill allowing 'credit freeze'
Georgians soon will be allowed to freeze their credit to thwart identity thieves. Governor Sonny Perdue is expected to sign a measure Tuesday that allows residents to place a freeze on their credit for $3 - or a total of $9 for the three major credit reporting agencies. Read More
Governor rules out relief for other drivers
Farmers and timber companies got a break from record-high fuel prices Monday as Gov. Sonny Perdue suspended the state sales tax on diesel for off-road uses. Read More
Off-road diesel tax suspended to aid struggling farmers
Local farmers are feeling the pain of rising fuel prices, and Gov. Sonny Perdue's suspension of the tax on off-road diesel fuel only will help a little. Read More
Perdue signs film tax credit
Governor Sonny Perdue has signed legislation designed to make Georgia the Hollywood of the South. Read More
Group returns to palace this week
The Hawaiian Kingdom Government sovereignty group is back on the makai lawn at 'Iolani Palace for a third week. Read More
Culver 'very troubled' by allegations
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has formed a working group of top state officials to help the community of Postville after a raid on its meatpacking plant by federal immigration officials Monday. Read More
New agency will deal with Native American issues
The Iowa Commission on Native American Affairs was created with the stroke of a pen Monday, as Gov. Chet Culver signed legislation creating the new agency. Read More
Questions raised about budget bill amendment
Questions are being raised about a last-minute amendment to a budget bill that deals with special 1-cent sales taxes that voters have approved in hundreds of Iowa cities. Read More
Feds say more than 300 arrested in Postville immigration raid
Federal authorities say more than 300 workers at the Agriprocessors meat processing plant in Postville in northeast Iowa have been arrested for immigration violations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered the plant at ten this morning (Monday). Read More
Culver signs ethanol incentives bill
Gas station owners would have heightened incentives to sell renewable fuels under a bill signed Monday by Gov. Chet Culver. Read More
Immigration raid at Postville plant
There's been an immigration raid at the meat packing plant in Postville and sources tell Radio Iowa as many as 700 people may be arrested. Postville Police Chief Michael Halse isn't participating in the action, but the plant on the west corner of town appears to be surrounded. Read More
Immigration raid -- Town's Hispanics shutter businesses, scatter
POSTVILLE, Iowa -- The phone calls started at 5 a.m. They carried the same message: Immigration was coming. Read More
Immigration raid -- Union fears action hurts probe
A union trying to organize Postville meatpacking workers had asked federal immigration authorities earlier this month not to raid the Agriprocessors Inc. plant while a government investigation of possible labor law violations was under way. Read More
ID fraud claims bring state's largest raid
POSTVILLE, Iowa -- The largest workplace raid in Iowa history Monday resulted in the arrest of more than 300 people and reignited the debate over immigration. Read More
What Vilsack said -- Ex-governor was not surprised by the raid
Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said Monday that the Postville investigations may be warranted, despite his concerns that federal officials violated the rights of people during past immigration raids. But a state senator who represents Postville expressed doubt about the motivation for Monday's raid. Read More
Culver expected to wrap up work on legislation by Friday
Gov. Chet Culver will probably sign or veto any remaining bills before he leaves Friday on a trade mission to China, a governor's spokesman said Monday. Read More
What Culver said -- State gathers agencies to aid city in aftermath
Gov. Chet Culver said Monday he has appointed a group of state agencies to assist Postville as the community deals with the effects of the raid. Read More
Group provides translated forms for voters
Translations of Iowa voter registration forms will be available today in foreign languages through a Web site run by international relations advocates. Read More
Kempthorne still owes $15,000 from '02 campaign
WASHINGTON -- Six years after his last election, supporters of Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne are still raising money to pay off debts from his final bid for Idaho governor. Read More
State's last superdelegate to pick chooses Obama
Idaho's last Democratic superdelegate holdout is backing Sen. Barack Obama for president, meaning an almost certain clean sweep of Idaho's unpledged delegates for Obama. Read More
Sullivan seeks re-election as Idaho GOP chairman
The chairman of Idaho's dominant Republican Party is running for re-election this June despite a rift with some compatriots over a move to close the GOP's primary election to all but registered party members. Read More
Idaho responds to ballot lawsuit
The Idaho secretary of state has asked the Idaho Supreme Court to throw out a lawsuit from a man who says he is illegally being kept off the primary election ballot. Read More
Republicans' lawsuit against Idaho stalled
It's been a month since the Idaho Republican Party filed a federal lawsuit against the state, attempting to restrict the Republican primary election to registered GOP party members. But the second step in moving the case forward -- formally serving the state with a summons or notice of the lawsuit -- has yet to be taken. Read More
Idaho Supreme Court candidates keep it civil
Previous election campaigns for the Idaho Supreme Court bench have garnered a reputation for being nasty affairs, complete with contentious advertisements and bitter feelings. But so far the race between incumbent Idaho Supreme Court Justice Joel Horton and his challenger, 2nd District Judge John Bradbury, is anything but. Read More
If these papers could talk, what would they say about Idaho?
Recent talks between officials with former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and the Idaho State Historical Society finally could open Kempthorne's gubernatorial records, which he has controlled since leaving office two years ago. Read More
Zell rejects Wrigley sale to ISFA
The Tribune Co. has reportedly spurned plans by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority to buy Wrigley Field and instead intends to sell the Chicago Cubs ball club and the historic field together, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday. Read More
Court clears path for O?Hare expansion
Ending years of litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for Chicago to acquire and relocate a cemetery needed for the continued expansion of O'Hare International Airport. Read More
The promise of prisoners
THOMSON, Ill. ? Construction workers completed a $140 million state-of-the-art maximum-security prison here seven years ago. But today the prison remains mostly empty, filled only to a fraction of its capacity. Read More
Lawmakers hear, see diabetic study
If lawmakers can see the prevalence of diabetes in their communities on a big screen, they may be more motivated to set aside dollars necessary to better prevent the disease. Read More
Rezko lawyer savages Levine
CHICAGO ? Political fundraiser Antoin ?Tony? Rezko?s defense attorney ripped into the government?s star witness against his client Monday, describing him as an admitted lifelong liar and swindler whose brain was all but rendered useless by three decades of abusing powerful narcotics. Read More
Ill. lawmakers return with long list of unfinished business
The calendar says Illinois lawmakers are supposed to finish their spring session in just three weeks, but it may take far longer. Read More
RTA chief chastises state leaders for failure to fund transit and roads
The chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority lashed out at state politicians Monday for failing to work aggressively toward completing a capital spending plan for mass transit and repairing deteriorating roads. Read More
U.S. Supreme Court will not hear church's appeal on O'Hare cemetery plans
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear an appeal filed by a church attempting to save a cemetery in the path of planned runways at O'Hare International Airport. Read More
Lawmaker wants state to cancel lease with firm linked to Rezko
A state senator on Monday called for the state to cancel its office lease with a firm linked to political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko and seek the return of $3.4 million in rent the state has paid since 2004. Read More
Corrupt mastermind or victim of frame-up?
Antoin "Tony" Rezko was attacked by the prosecution as the mastermind of an elaborate fraud scheme but excused by the defense as a total bystander as closing arguments began Monday in the trial of the Blagojevich administration insider. Read More
Why all the potholes? City blames the state
Chicago is fighting a losing battle against potholes because arterial street re-surfacing has been put on hold for the last two years, aldermen were told Monday. Read More
Zell no to state bid for Wrigley
Tribune Co. Chairman Sam Zell has rejected former Gov. James Thompson's secret plan to acquire and renovate Wrigley Field for at least $400 million without raising taxes and now plans to package the Cubs and their landmark stadium in a private transaction, sources said Monday. Read More
Rezko defense rips Levine as 'Pinocchio'
The star witness in Tony Rezko's corruption trial unwittingly stole the spotlight in Monday's closing arguments, with prosecutors admitting Stuart P. Levine is the "embodiment of corruption," while the defense disgustedly tossed him onto the government's doorstep. Read More
Star Plaza eyed for gubernatorial debate
The Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville is among 10 sites being considered for a proposed series of fall debates between Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels and Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson. Read More
Petition -- BP air permit hurts poor, minorities
Two groups claiming a breach of environmental justice have called for a stop to BP Whiting Refinery's $3.8 billion expansion, according to the first appeal of BP's controversial air permit. Read More
State blames county for voters left off poll books
A state election official said Monday the county is responsible for an error that left several new and longtime voters off the lists provided to most polling places. Read More
Daniels backs Costas for attorney general
Gov. Mitch Daniels sent state Republican Party leaders a letter Monday endorsing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas' bid for Indiana attorney general. Read More
Daniels makes endorsements for AG, state school chief
Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels endorsed Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas for attorney general on Monday and Tony Bennett, superintendent of Greater Clark County Schools, for superintendent of public instruction. Read More
Schellinger campaign was full of missteps
For years to come, in back rooms and over beers, Indiana Democrats will ponder the question: What doomed Jim Schellinger's bid for governor? Read More
Town's last hold-outs see little to stay for
A tornado did what the federal government could not. Ellis Jones had been a holdout in the government's quest to pay everyone to leave Picher, contaminated from its long-closed lead mines. Read More
Missouri Senate panel endorses voter ID measure
Voter ID legislation most likely will see action on the Senate floor this week as lawmakers rush to approve the measure before the session adjourns on Friday. Read More
Docking renovation funds out
Reconstruction of the dilapidated Docking State Office Building will have to wait another year after lawmakers ended the 2008 legislative session last week with state budgets that didn't include money for the $96 million project. Read More
Ky.'s new chief justice hailed for fairness
Kentucky Supreme Court Justice John D. Minton Jr., a moderate Democrat from Bowling Green, has been chosen by his peers on the high court to replace Joseph Lambert as the state's chief justice. Read More
State lab's DNA testing halted in 1979 murder
With Kentucky lab technicians just hours away from completing DNA testing that could exonerate death row inmate Brian Keith Moore in the 1979 murder of a Louisville man, the testing was halted at the request of state prosecutors last week, Moore's attorney said. Read More
State chief justice chosen
The Kentucky Supreme Court elected Justice John D. Minton on Monday to be the next chief justice. Read More
Bill to end income tax stalls
Behind-the-scenes negotiations are under way at the State Capitol to scuttle a proposal that would gradually eliminate the state income tax, lawmakers said Monday. Read More
Bill to end Causeway panel rejected
An indirect way of abolishing the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Commission by mandating that span officials start construction of "an additional lane and shoulder" by Jan. 1 or face extinction failed by one vote in a House committee Monday. Read More
Airport proposals pass legislative hurdles in House
Companion bills that would allow the state to assume control of the Louis Armstrong International Airport and, in exchange, funnel about $500 million in bond money to the city of New Orleans as a way to develop biomedical research, entertainment and sports districts cleared separate committees Monday with no opposition. Read More
Smoking bill clears House committee
Smoking should be prohibited in vehicles with passengers 16 and younger, a House committee said Monday. Read More
Panel approves bill tripling legislative pay
A pay raise that would triple the base salaries of state legislators was approved Monday by the Senate Finance Committee without opposition. Read More
Ethics bill altered, passed in House
Legislation that backers said would impose a more reasonable standard for judging ethics violations won House approval Monday 45-42. Read More
Senators back budget overhaul bill
The Senate approved legislation Monday that would change the way the state handles funding for construction projects. Read More
Retiree benefits proposals rapped
A Senate panel on Monday approved two separate retirement increases despite opposition from state officials who seek a uniform fix to the differences between different kinds of state employees. Read More
Athletics officials criticize allowing guns on campus
Legislation that would allow some handguns on college campuses was delayed on Monday after more than 20 LSU athletics officials, including football coach Les Miles, signed a letter in opposition. Read More
Bill would compensate landowners near canal
Residents along the 17th Street Canal won quick and unanimous approval Monday for a plan that would require they be compensated for the Army Corps of Engineers' using portions of their lots for levee improvements. Read More
Radio ad targets tuition grant foe
An advocacy group has ratcheted up the debate over Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposed private school tuition grant program for New Orleans public school students with a radio advertising campaign criticizing a leading opponent of the plan. Read More
Bill would cut N.O.'s health care
The New Orleans region could lose up to $70 million a year in health care financing under a bill approved overwhelmingly by the Senate on Monday that aims to redistribute the way money is divided among southern Louisiana charity hospitals. Read More
Panel backs doubling lawmakers' pay
A bill that would more than double the salaries of state senators and representatives sailed out of a Senate committee Monday after supporters argued that lawmakers often work full-time hours in their part-time positions. Read More
UMass chief asks degree be rescinded
University of Massachusetts president Jack M. Wilson backed growing calls yesterday to rescind an honorary degree awarded to President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who is facing international scorn and sanctions for his authoritarian regime's bloody campaign against political opponents. Read More
Mass. bill would help protect, manage state's coastal waters
BOSTON - A landmark bill designed to better manage everything from wind farms to whale watching in the coastal waters off Massachusetts is making its way through the Statehouse and could emerge from a key legislative committee as soon as this week. Read More
DiMasi looks to clear 'good name,' vanquish 'enemies'
In an extraordinary bid to reassert control over a divided House, Speaker Sal DiMasi yesterday accused unnamed "enemies" of concocting ethics charges to undermine his authority. Read More
DiMasi fires back at ethics charges
House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi issued a broad and emotionally worded defense of his conduct in office yesterday, saying he was outraged by accounts that he backed legislation and a state software contract that benefited his friends. Read More
Officials seek ban on waste from boats
State environmental regulators are asking federal officials to ban boats from discharging waste in Boston Harbor and Cape Cod Bay, as part of an effort by the Patrick administration to make the state's entire coastline off-limits to sewage. Read More
Maine Senator Asks Reopening Of Border Station
A senator from Maine is asking that the U.S.-Canadian border station at Van Buren, which was closed May 1 as a result of flooding, be reopened as soon as possible. Read More
King, Allen postpone fundraiser
Democratic Rep. Tom Allen on Monday postponed a campaign fundraiser with bestselling horror writer Stephen King, who asked for the delay after being criticized for remarks he made about the U.S. Army. Read More
Cote says work on energy issues, Army service equip him for office
Running for Congress is tough. To compete, you must work hard ? criss-crossing the district, shaking thousands of hands, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, depriving yourself of sleep. Read More
Rep. Allen endorses Obama bid
Democratic Rep. Tom Allen announced Monday that he is backing Sen. Barack Obama for president, saying that now is the time to end the party's nomination fight gracefully. Read More
Hoogendyk to challenge Sen. Levin
Republican State Rep. Jack Hoogendyk turned in more than 30,000 nominating petition signatures Monday, making official his candidacy to be a giant slayer -- or sacrificial lamb -- against 30-year veteran U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. Read More
Confident Obama coming to woo Michigan voters
Sen. Barack Obama returns to Michigan on Wednesday for the first time in 10 months, his campaign increasingly looking like that of a Democratic nominee unwilling to let his Republican rival hustle freely for votes this fall in battleground states. Read More
Gas sales tax holiday urged in Mich.
Michigan motorists would get a three-month holiday from the state sales tax on gas this summer -- a break of about a quarter per gallon -- under a plan unveiled Monday by a couple of House Republican lawmakers. Read More
John Ramsey drops bid for Mich. House
John Ramsey won't run for the Michigan House after all. Like a few other candidates, Ramsey has withdrawn from the 105th district House race after incumbent Kevin Elsenheimer reconsidered and decided to run for re-election. Read More
Detroit City Council to vote on Mayor Kilpatrick ouster options
A fragile majority of City Council members could be poised today to launch a double-barreled effort to topple Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick by starting their own impeachment-like process and petitioning Gov. Jennifer Granholm to oust him. Read More
Protecting Michigan's water wonderland
State lawmakers are carefully maneuvering Michigan toward joining a historic international compact reserving Great Lakes water for the states and Canadian provinces around them. Read More
Efforts to remove Detroit mayor to go to vote
DETROIT - The Detroit City Council has spent weeks debating what to do with scandal-plagued Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick: force his ouster or slap him on the wrist. Read More
Curators to legislature - Don't let student member vote
The University of Missouri Board of Curators approved a resolution this morning to oppose legislation pending in Jefferson City to give the student member of the body the right to vote on most proceedings. Read More
State Senate committee passes voter ID measure
Missouri senators are set to consider a ballot item that could require Missourians to present photo identification in order to vote. Read More
Immigration bill loses steam
This just in from the Missouri legislature, which wraps up its 2008 session Friday: A Senate immigration bill was sent back to committee today, lessening the chances that legislators will enact measure to crackdown on those who employ illegal immigrants. Read More
Missouri Civil Rights Initiative stays in play even though ballot campaign ends
COLUMBIA - Students, faculty and staff overflow from the sidewalks onto the streets. Chants are heard, signs are raised and fists are pumped in the air on MU's campus down Rollins Street, in front of Johnston Hall. Read More
UM curators vote to formally oppose bill to add voting student member to board
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The University of Missouri System Board of Curators voted Monday morning in an emergency meeting to voice its opposition to Senate Bill 873, which could create a voting student curator position. Read More
Missouri Senate Republicans move forward with voter ID bill
Senate Republicans pushed forward on Monday with a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow voter identification laws in the state. The issue is one of the most partisan issues to be raised in the legislative session. Read More
Mo. House panel rejects Senate immigration bill
A House committee rejected a Senate-approved immigration bill Monday while the governor's office touted state troopers' arrest of 250 illegal immigrants since last summer. Read More
Ethics bill OK'd
Mississippi officials say a new state ethics law should make government more open and accountable by expanding the scope of information available to the public. Read More
Barbour signs utility rate bill
Gov. Haley Barbour signed bills Monday to allow utility companies to raise rates to pay for new power plants before they are built, as well as measures to strengthen ethics laws and protect waterways. Read More
Barbour signs most bills
Gov. Haley Barbour has signed into law the final batch of bills passed by the 2008 Legislature. Read More
Barbour vetoes metal theft bill
Gov. Haley Barbour has vetoed bills to increase the number of local prosecutors and investigators and to toughen penalties for metal theft. Read More
Gov. OKs measures on ethics, ID theft
Mississippians will find public officials' sources of income on a Web site. A training school for troubled teens will close its doors in seven weeks. A conviction for identity theft committed through a violent crime will mean more prison time. Read More
Barbour says Toyota delay good for state
Toyota's decision to delay the startup of manufacturing at its $1.3 billion plant near Blue Springs will be beneficial to the state, Gov. Haley Barbour said Monday. Read More
Childers tours district with state lawmakers
Congressional candidate Travis Childers made a final appeal to voters Monday in a whirlwind tour of the district he hopes to represent in Washington. The road-weary Booneville native held news conferences in Batesville, Oxford, Holly Springs and Tupelo. In each stop, he appeared with Mississippi political leaders who are backing Childers. Read More
Mississippi's rainy day fund will be full -- but does it matter?
Mississippians can expect to hear plenty of bragging about the next few months about the healthy condition of the state's "rainy day fund." Read More
Candidate Steele targets state spending
Republican Larry H. Steele of Great Falls said he's running for governor to rein in state spending. Read More
Bill Clinton to return to Montana
Former President Bill Clinton will visit Montana today and Wednesday to campaign for his wife in Kalispell and Missoula. Read More
Voter registration up for primary
The secretary of state's office reports voter registration in Montana is up amid excitement over the race between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama. Read More
Republican AG hopeful vows tough stand on sex offenders
Tim Fox, a Republican candidate for attorney general, said this month that he'd fix the state's sexual offender registry within six months of taking office and make tracking and prosecuting sex offenders a top priority. Read More
Tax fight is likely for Easley
Gov. Mike Easley is proposing tax increases on cigarettes and alcohol, but he has stiff opposition from state legislators as they return to Raleigh today. Read More
Law silent on illegals in colleges
North Carolina is free to admit illegal immigrants to public colleges and universities, federal officials said. "It is left for the school to decide whether or not to enroll" illegal immigrants, said a statement released last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Read More
Cooper refuses to expand on admissions advice
Attorney General Roy Cooper has steadfastly refused to discuss the advisory letter his office sent out last week, which recommended barring illegal immigrants from the state's 58 community colleges. Read More
Key numbers in Easley's budget
Highlights from Gov. Mike Easley's $21.5 billion state budget proposal: Read More
Funds for mental health in governor's plan
Gov. Mike Easley's proposed budget seeks to improve the state's troubled mental health system, shoring up local services and state hospital care. But Easley, legislators and others concerned about mental health services said still more needs to be done. Read More
Easley tax proposals greeted coolly
Gov. Mike Easley's proposal to raise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes ran into nearly immediate skepticism from senior lawmakers Monday, who characterized the idea as anywhere between "ambitious" and "unlikely." Read More
Easley seeks escalation in 'sin taxes'
Gov. Mike Easley's plan to give teachers dramatic raises and spend $68 million to reform the mental health system depends on his ability to sell increases in so-called "sin taxes" to the legislature in an election year. Read More
Senator files complaint against judge in regional center case
Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers filed an official complaint against a Sarpy County judge for sending a man to the Lincoln Regional Center in handcuffs. Read More
Bruning takes housing discrimination fight to CNN
OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning on Monday defended his refusal to prosecute housing discrimination cases on CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight," again couching his stance in the nationwide debate over illegal immigration. Read More
State GOP leader "sorry" for Clinton assassination remark
The chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party has apologized to Sen. Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton for joking about them being assassinated. Read More
NJ budget shifts to black from red
Legislative budget analysts are set to announce today that they believe New Jersey is heading into the next budget year with a windfall, not a shortfall. Read More
Coalition to urge more 'clean elections'
Members of a new coalition today vowed to push for more publicly funded legislative elections next year despite the state's budget problems. Read More
McGreevey talks fizzle, so it's time for testimony
After failing to make headway yesterday during a full day of settlement negotiations, the McGreeveys are preparing for testimony in the second phase of their high-profile divorce trial. Read More
Primary candidates forum set for Thursday
FARMINGTON, N.M. - Leadership San Juan's Alumni Association hosts a pre-primary candidates forum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Farmington Public Library, 2101 Farmington Ave. Read More
Domenici backs ex-aide for Congress
U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici has endorsed his former aide Marco Gonzales in the contested Republican primary in the 3rd Congressional District. Read More
Republican - Allegation by colleague false
A prominent Nevada Republican alleged to have engaged in inappropriate conduct with the daughter of a GOP colleague denied the accusation Monday and vowed not to speak further on the subject. Read More
Court upholds dress codes
A federal appeals court ruled Monday that Clark County's school dress codes do not violate students' right to free speech after considering a case involving a junior suspended for wearing T-shirts expressing her religious faith. Read More
No new GOP convention date yet
State Republican Party leaders are still hunting for a date to complete a convention abruptly shut down prior to final votes on what was shaping up as a Nevada delegation to the national GOP convention with more supporters for Ron Paul than John McCain. Read More
Economic chief named
Mike Skaggs, who has made a career of expanding business activity in southwest states, was named Monday as executive director of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. Read More
His priority - Protect rural water
Sen. Dean Rhoads, the second in seniority in the Nevada Legislature, says his priority in the 2009 session will be to protect the water resources of rural Nevada. Read More
Yucca foe fought till his death - and beyond
WASHINGTON - Even in death, Joe Egan plans to keep fighting Yucca Mountain. Read More
Pol flips over prof
The $1 million-a-year SUNY professor who flipped the bird for a photo at an office party was insulting the very taxpayers who foot his salary, an angry lawmaker charged yesterday. Read More
Picture worth a thousand words?
Pay Alain Kaloyeros the highest salary of any state employee, and officials gush about why he's worth it. Splash a picture of him flipping the bird at a photographer in the New York Post, and lawmakers tell you about his great sense of humor. Read More
Pay raise suit no excuse for judges
New York's judges can't refuse to hear cases involving state lawmakers or legislators' law firms because Chief Judge Judith Kaye and the Unified Court System are suing the Legislature for a judicial pay hike, the Commission on Judicial Conduct said Monday. Read More
Plea expected in ring tied to Spitzer
The woman accused of being the primary booker for the prostitution ring patronized by Eliot Spitzer is expected to plead guilty this week to charges related to her role in the ring, people involved in the matter said Monday. Read More
Obama picks up 2 Ohio pledged delegates
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama picked up two pledged delegates Monday from the official results of the Ohio presidential primary held March 4. Read More
AP Newsbreak - Pocket of Ohio Republicans voted Democratic
The number of Republicans who switched sides to vote for Democrats in Ohio's March 4 presidential primary easily eclipsed President Bush's 120,000-vote margin of victory in the state that decided the presidency four years ago, documents released Monday show. Read More
Ohio's superdelegate battle rages
WASHINGTON - In the Ohio Democratic superdelegate battle, "uncommitted" still holds the narrowest of leads, but probably not for long. Read More
28,627 in local GOP switched parties
Newly released numbers show that more than 28,000 of the Democrats in Southwest Ohio who voted in the March 4 presidential primary previously voted Republican - a number higher than the state average. Read More
Ex-wildlife officer guilty of tampering, falsification
TROY, Ohio - A former state wildlife officer assigned to Miami County pleaded guilty Monday, May 12, to tampering with records and falsification. Read More
Ohio Democrats pick convention delegates
She could be called the great-grandmother of the Democratic National Convention. At 85, Ruby Gilliam of Minerva will be the oldest appointed member of Ohio's delegation. Read More
McCain adviser - Voinovich and Brown are 'overstating their concerns' about climate bill
John McCain, the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, promoted a cap-and-trade carbon emissions plan today in Oregon. He'll continue to talk up his proposal to curtail global warming with appearances in Washington state Tuesday and in Columbus on Wednesday and Thursday. Read More
Lucas County Elections Board tries to address ballot problem
Lucas County elections officials are investigating ways to avoid a repeat of what happened in the March 4 primary election, when 921 absentee ballots were disqualified because voters failed to seal them in ballot envelopes that were too small. Read More
Religious beliefs bill for state students gets a pass
Legislation that proponents say would guarantee Oklahoma students who express religious views at school get the same protections as students expressing secular views is on its way to the governor. Read More
Supporters urge more funds for state highway improvements
Advocates for better highways urged legislative leaders Monday to give the state highway program more money through legislation or a bond issue this year. Read More
For Picher residents, it's not as simple as just rebuild
PICHER, Okla. - Sue Sigle was hoping for the government to offer more money for her home before moving away from this pollution-scarred town. Then the tornado came. Read More
Various Oklahoma Co. bond issues are on today's ballot
Today's Oklahoma County bond issue election is mostly about Tinker Air Force Base. Read More
House veto override on lawsuit reform bill falls short
Gov. Brad Henry?s veto of legislation intended to make it tougher to file some lawsuits was sustained Monday when House Democrats blocked a Republican-led override attempt. Read More
Bill Clinton calls mail election a challenge
TILLAMOOK, Ore. -- In his second of three straight days of crisscrossing Oregon campaigning for his wife, former President Clinton said the state's innovative vote-by-mail system is challenging for candidates who are trying to run campaigns in several states at once. Read More
Opinions on effect of Bill Clinton's mega-tour vary
TILLAMOOK, Ore. -- When former President Bill Clinton visited conservative far-Eastern Oregon this weekend, some were left scratching their heads, wondering why he would even stop by to ask them to vote for his wife. Read More
McCain joins Democrats on climate issue
Sen. John McCain's Portland-based global warming manifesto now puts all three presidential candidates -- and both major parties' leaders -- firmly in favor of aggressive cuts to greenhouse gases. Read More
McCain touts greener goals
Sen. John McCain used a wind energy company in Portland as a backdrop Monday to describe his determination to break with the Bush administration and take a much more aggressive approach to fighting global warming. Read More
In Oregon, McCain touts his cap-and-trade system to fight global warming
PORTLAND, Ore. -- In a major environmental speech, Sen. John McCain on Monday said he would combat global warming with a cap-and-trade system to cut carbon emissions and increase use of nuclear power and alternative energy. Read More
Taxpayer bill in Pa.'s Bonusgate grows
First, taxpayers footed large, secretive government bonuses to legislative staffers. Now, more than a year into a criminal probe known as Bonusgate, the General Assembly's cost to tighten ethical standards and cope with the scandal has topped the $1 million mark and is growing. Read More
Fumo appeals new assessment on his Phila. home
State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo has filed an appeal of the property-tax hike on his Spring Garden mansion, contending that the city illegally singled him out for a 281 percent increase. Read More
Rendell vows veto if state bill preempts Philadelphia smoking ban
Gov. Rendell yesterday said he would veto any legislation to ban smoking in public places statewide if it would weaken Philadelphia's existing law. Read More
Rendell says he'll veto weakened ban on smoking
A House-Senate panel had been expected to adopt a compromise bill yesterday outlining which workplaces had to be smoke-free, but Gov. Ed Rendell changed things with just a few words at a news conference. Read More
House mulls change in sentencing rules
As summer dawned on Smith Hill in 1988, panic was escalating. It was the height of the Reagan-era war on drugs and Rhode Island, like other states, believed it was grappling with a serious social problem. Read More
Sen. Greg Ryburg says lawmakers shouldn't be in education testing business
State Sen. Greg Ryberg said education experts, not lawmakers, should be responsible for what kind of test South Carolina public school students take to hold schools accountable. Read More
House panel to consider requiring DNA samples after arrests
A House committee is to consider a bill to require anyone charged with a felony punishable by at least five years in prison to give DNA samples for a state database. Read More
Senate to resume spending limit debate
The Senate could resume debate on a constitutional amendment limiting state government spending. Read More
Bill suggests to local governments how to hold legal prayers
A bill designed to guide local governments on how to legally pray before meetings is up for discussion in a House committee. Read More
Panel rebukes Rounds on tax memo
The Legislature's Executive Board on Monday sent a stern message to Gov. Mike Rounds to rescind what they say is a new tax on mid-range ethanol blends. Read More
Obama campaign reaches out to rural South Dakota
Two former state agriculture leaders made a pitch to rural South Dakota on Monday for presidential hopeful Barack Obama, touting farm-policy initiatives aimed at strengthening disaster assistance, helping beginning farmers and boosting alternative fuel supplies. Read More
Networks, AP sue in South Dakota over exit polling
The three major networks, CNN, Fox News and The Associated Press filed a lawsuit Monday asking a federal judge to strike down a South Dakota law that prevents exit polling within 100 feet of a voting place. Read More
Bill Clinton to visit Pine Ridge Reservation Wednesday
Former president Bill Clinton will return to South Dakota on Wednesday, May 14, to campaign for presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Read More
Bill Clinton plans return visit
Former President Bill Clinton is planning a second trip to South Dakota. Read More
Obama expected to make S.D. stop
Barack Obama is scheduled to land in Sioux Falls late Friday afternoon in a four-hour stop to rally his South Dakota supporters. Read More
Nashville - Bredesen urges lawmakers to 'act decisively'
Gov. Phil Bredesen told lawmakers Monday that state taxpayers "expect us to live within our means" as he fleshed out plans to slash nearly a half billion dollars from the state budget. Read More
$100M fund to attract jobs
Gov. Phil Bredesen proposed Monday a revised state budget that puts $100 million into a new economic development "contingency fund" while cutting $80 million from a TennCare program for the "medically needy." Read More
Bredesen budget cuts jobs, TennCare, pre-K
Funding for state universities will be cut $56 million and 80,000 fewer people with huge medical bills will be enrolled in TennCare. Read More
Buyout talk changes state workers' retirement plans
The prospect of lucrative buyout packages is leading some state employees to put their retirement plans on hold. Read More
Budget cuts won't touch fund for recruiting industry
A $100 million state fund designed to help land new manufacturing plants and corporate headquarters for Tennessee won't be cut, despite the budget crisis, state officials said Monday. Read More
Bredesen focuses cuts on three areas
The state should cut from TennCare spending, higher education and employees' salaries to respond to its deepening economic downturn, Gov. Phil Bredesen told lawmakers Monday, saying the state must act "decisively and conservatively" to weather its financial crisis. Read More
Nashville - Megasite incentives on tap despite cuts
Tennessee Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz said Monday that Gov. Phil Bredesen intends to merge $100 million from reserves with savings from several other areas as a "contingency" fund for "some potential large economic-development projects that we hope are going to bear fruit." Read More
Bredesen focuses cuts on three areas
The state should cut from TennCare spending, higher education and employees' salaries to respond to its deepening economic downturn, Gov. Phil Bredesen told lawmakers Monday, saying the state must act "decisively and conservatively" to weather its financial crisis. Read More
Texans take on big debts, taxes
A weak economy and angst over ever-rising property taxes didn't keep Texas voters from approving 66 school bond elections this past weekend. Read More
Perry heading to California to help San Diego GOP
Gov. Rick Perry, who made a splash with a let-conservatives-be-conservatives speech to California Republicans in September, is returning to the Golden State on Tuesday to raise money for the San Diego Republican Party, his office announced Monday. |
