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Archive of Politics on Tuesday October 27, 2009
SC: Bid to impeach Gov. Mark Sanford begins Tuesday
WASHINGTON -- Remember Mark Sanford, Republican governor of South Carolina, who tearfully admitted last June that he had disappeared for five days because he was having an affair with a woman in Argentina? Read More
MI: Budget anger is boiling over
Talk of taxes and reforms swirled Monday from Lansing to Oakland County, where Gov. Jennifer Granholm argued for money to replace what she and lawmakers cut from schools, and her chief rival called her plea futile. Read More
AK: Native leaders enlist legislators in contracting battle
Alaska Native leaders on Monday urged state lawmakers to join them in defending an embattled federal contracting program that has spurred enormous growth among Alaska Native firms in recent years. Read More
AK: Legislators consider a new building in Anchorage
Alaska lawmakers are again talking about building a new legislative office building in Anchorage, after ditching a plan to do so last year because of the price tag and worries of Juneau legislators that it could be a backhanded capital move. Read More
AK: Unsealed documents portray seamier side of Allen
Asking for leniency and a sentence of only six months in prison, Bill Allen wants a federal judge to look beyond his corruption of Alaska politics to a life of charity and job creation in the state. Read More
AK: Palin successor focuses on energy agenda
FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- When Sean Parnell was sworn in here as Alaska's 10th governor in July, dozens of reporters from the lower 48 states were on hand to mark the transfer of power from his celebrity predecessor, Sarah Palin. Read More
AL: Witness -- Mayor had $240K in card debt, $92K in car loans
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Testimony in the corruption trial of Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford portrayed his personal finances as a disaster area Monday, with scant assets and liabilities of about $650,000, including nearly $240,000 in credit card debt. Read More
AL: Alabama Rep. Lea Fite of Jacksonville dies after apparent seizure
State Rep. Lea Fite of Jacksonville has died at his home. He was 59. Read More
AL: Defense set to present case in Langford trial
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Defense lawyers say they haven't decided whether Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford will take the stand in his federal bribery trial in Tuscaloosa. Read More
AZ: Perfect storm threatens child care
Parents of young children in our state are facing rising child care costs and reduced tuition support. Read More
AZ: AG looks at private school scholarship groups
The Arizona attorney general has sent letters to 19 of the state's nonprofit school tuition organizations asking them to explain why they didn't spend 90 percent of donations on scholarships for private school students as required by law. Read More
AZ: Stimulus in Arizona off to a slow start
Economic-stimulus contracts with federal agencies have yet to provide a significant lift for Arizona businesses, with the state garnering a relatively low share of the total amount of federal contracts awarded so far. Read More
CO: Uranium mill clears Western Slope hurdles
A Canadian company's push to build the United States' first new conventional uranium mill since the Cold War has cleared local hurdles — despite environmental concerns — and won wary high-level support. Read More
CO: Ritter to reveal plan to rebalance Colorado's budget
Gov. Bill Ritter's office on Wednesday will reveal its plans to rebalance the state budget, likely meaning more cuts to state programs. Read More
CT: Tracking of federal stimulus dollars in Connecticut scattered, incomplete
Despite promises of transparency and accountability, information on how the state government is spending federal stimulus dollars is scattered and often incomplete. Read More
CT: Override a bad idea
Democratic state legislators may have come to their senses by now and figured out that it would be bad politics — as well as bad policy — to try to override Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto of a bill that would stop her from cutting millions of dollars in spending on the state's judicial branch of government. Read More
DE: Delaware River dredging will commence
Deepening the Delaware River to 45 feet could begin as early as January or February, even as officials from New Jersey and Delaware threatened lawsuits yesterday to block the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from proceeding without approval from state environmental regulators. Read More
FL: Chillier political climate for this Obama visit to Florida
Last time President Barack Obama visited America's biggest battleground state, our unemployment rate was nearly two points lower and his approval rating in Florida nearly 20 points higher. It was February, and he was in Fort Myers touting the $787 billion stimulus package. Read More
FL: Obama gives Florida Democrats a pep talk at Miami Beach fundraiser
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- In his second trip to Florida since his election, President Barack Obama told backers at a Miami Beach fundraiser not to worry about his critics: "I don't rattle." Read More
FL: Crist says he's hopeful for Seminoles gambling pact
Gov. Charlie Crist says there is still hope for a gambling deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe despite what a leading Florida legislator said last week. Read More
FL: Florida gubernatorial candidates take plenty of time off
Bill McCollum and Alex Sink, both running for governor, have schedules most citizens can only dream of -- though both say they work longer hours than their schedules indicate. Read More
FL: Commission to vote on whether to seek permission to be point of entry for Cuba
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Approval would mean Broward asks the federal government to designate the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades as points of entry for flights and ships going to and from Cuba. Read More
FL: Commission vote on FPL rate hike could signal shift in utilities' influence
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Utility regulators will decide Tuesday whether to comply with Gov. Charlie Crist's request to hold off voting on nearly $2 billion in base rate hikes for the state's two largest utilities. Read More
GA: Group alleges environmental discrimination by EPA
ATLANTA — Environmental advocates from six states are set to meet with state and federal environmental officials to discuss claims of environmental injustice against poor and minority communities in the South. Read More
HI: Hawaiian pilots ask for impasse, move closer to possible strike
Unionized Hawaiian Airlines pilots said today they believe their contract negotiations with the airline are at an impasse and asked the federal government to release them from mediation, a process that could start the clock for a future pilots' strike. Read More
IA: Culver causes stir by congratulating Iowa, but not Iowa State
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver pledged Monday to attend bowl games of both the Iowa and Iowa State football teams after being asked why he sent out a statement congratulating Iowa for their win on Saturday, but not Iowa State. Read More
IA: Culver wary of tuition increase or surcharge
Gov. Chet Culver expressed concerns Monday about using tuition increases or implementing a tuition surcharge to help the state's public universities deal with steep cuts in state funding. Read More
IA: Service providers worry about Iowa budget cuts
WEST DES MOINES -- Private service providers in Iowa are keeping a nervous eye on the Capitol, where decisions are being made on cutting $600 million in state funding this budget year. Read More
IA: Iowa's first lady back on campaign trail
Iowa first lady Mari Culver hit the campaign trail again Monday now that her two children are getting over a bout of the seasonal flu. Read More
IA: DCI layoffs at casinos would not save money
A plan to eliminate the jobs of state law enforcement officers at Iowa's casinos will not save taxpayers any money, Iowa's chief gambling regulator confirmed Monday. Read More
IA: Film credits give states more money, headaches
More than 40 states, as well as some cities, counties and several Canadian provinces, offer some type of film subsidy, but the payback is a source of intense debate. Read More
IA: Slash newer programs, Republicans propose
Republicans weighing a campaign for governor suggest reducing state employee pay and eliminating newer Democratic priorities, such as certain economic development and education programs, when asked how they would balance the troubled state budget. Read More
IA: State officials repeatedly reached out to Electrolux
The state said Iowa leaders have worked diligently for a six years to keep the appliance manufacturer in Iowa and found little interest. Read More
ID: Employee group demands Otter delay premium hikes
An Idaho state workers association wants Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to delay increasing health-insurance premiums for part-time government employees, saying the 2010 Legislature should review the move first. Read More
IL: Ex-attorney general Ryan in governor's race
Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan is set to officially enter the race for governor. Read More
IL: Plan to fund college grants on hold
Gov. Pat Quinn has temporarily shelved a borrowing plan to fund scholarships for about 137,000 low-income college students enrolled for the spring semester. Read More
IL: Hynes gets support from electrical, pipe trades
Democratic governor candidate Dan Hynes got the backing today of the state council of electrical union workers and on Tuesday gets the endorsement of the pipe trades in his battle against Gov. Pat Quinn. Read More
IL: Judy Baar Topinka announces run for state comptroller
Three years ago, Republican Judy Baar Topinka was vilified by then-Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich in an expensive series of TV campaign ads that ended with the political punch line, "What's she thinking?" Read More
IL: Former GOP chairman joining Ill. governor race
Andy McKenna plans to formally enter the race on Tuesday. Read More
IL: Social service advocate taking seat on Illinois utility watchdog board
Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday appointed a longtime social service advocate to sit on the board that regulates utilities in the state. Read More
IL: Politicians line up for top spot on primary ballots
Hundreds of politicians and staffers lined up outside the State Board of Elections office in Springfield on Monday to get a spot on Feb. 2 primary ballots, launching a 2010 campaign season that already features competitive contests for dozens of federal, statewide, legislative and county offices. Read More
IL: Quinn names Illinois Commerce Commission member
Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed a vice president for the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies as a new member of the Illinois Commerce Commission. Read More
IN: Daniels makes error in book distribution
Gov. Mitch Daniels offered a disturbing clue into his educational philosophy recently when he passed out copies of "Real Education" to members of the Indiana Education Roundtable. Read More
IN: Ind. panel fails to endorse school start date plan
A legislative study committee declined Monday to endorse the idea of a uniform, later start date for Indiana schools, voting instead to send the issue back to fellow lawmakers for more debate and study. Read More
KY: GOP cries foul over Kelly's judgeship appointment
In a move sharply criticized by opponents of expanded gambling, Gov. Steve Beshear gave his Democratic Party a chance to gain another state Senate seat by appointing Republican Dan Kelly to a vacant judgeship Monday. Read More
KY: Luallen named Public Official of the Year
A national magazine that focuses on state and local government has named State Auditor Crit Luallen one of 2009's Public Officials of the Year. Read More
LA: Medicaid cost-cutting recommended by state official
The state Department of Health and Hospitals has recommended a $232.5 million cost-cutting option in Medicaid rate reductions that would trim the state budget while lowering compensation to private health care providers. Read More
LA: N.O. education dollars from federal stimulus package in limbo
When federal financing formulas reduced New Orleans' share of education money in the federal stimulus package from a projected $25 million down to $673,000, Obama administration officials promised to fix the shortfall. Read More
MA: Just ONE thing in mind -- Taxes
In Boston, the livin' is never easy. And now Bay Staters face yet another challenge, according to the liberal group ONE Massachusetts: You're undertaxed. Read More
MA: Feds blast Deval Patrick on cuts to disabled
A top federal official rapped Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday for a belt-tightening move that could worsen a Social Security backlog, leaving tens of thousands of disabled citizens desperately waiting for benefits. Read More
MA: Robert DeLeo, Therese Murray cut legislative staff
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray are slashing legislative jobs and budgets in an effort to backfill a $600 million budget deficit. Read More
MA: Summit stiffs candidates
Organizers of today's economic summit, billed by Gov. Deval Patrick as a non-partisan effort to map out recovery for Massachusetts, deliberately snubbed Treasurer Tim Cahill and two other gubernatorial candidates vying for Patrick's job. Read More
MA: Senate debate misses 'moment'
The hotly anticipated Democratic debate among candidates vying for the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's historic seat turned out to be a clunker, with the four hopefuls spewing scripted spin that a moderator struggled to enliven. Read More
ME: Opposition to ballot questions grows
A poll released Monday suggests that supporters of gay marriage have pulled further ahead of opponents, but voter sentiment for two tax-related initiatives may be souring as the campaigns enter the final week. Read More
ME: Pingree's No on 1 role challenged
The organization working to overturn Maine's same-sex marriage law accused the opposition and House Speaker Hannah Pingree on Monday of failing to fully disclose her role in the campaign to defeat Question 1. Read More
ME: Bill would hide Maine state workers' names
A bill before Maine lawmakers would block the names of people listed on a Web site that enables the public to search the state budget by category or employee. Read More
MI: Lawmakers wait for next move
State lawmakers will gather back in the state's capital today to resume efforts to pass a state budget by 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Read More
MI: Schools often don't budget wisely
When Gov. Jennifer Granholm cut $54 million in "hold harmless" education funds, some critics suggested she did so for political reasons. Read More
MI: Editorial: Gov. Granholm's attack on Prop A misdirected
Gov. Jennifer Granholm told a Grand Rapids audience last week she wants to rejigger the state school aid funding formula because it no longer is working. Read More
MI: Michigan state senator proposes cutting pay and benefits for lawmakers every time they cut school funding
GRAND RAPIDS -- State lawmakers are "out of touch" and should see their benefits curtailed — and some eliminated — if they make cuts to school funding, under a proposed bill by a Democratic senator. Read More
MI: Poll -- Voters divided over next governor's party
Michigan voters are evenly divided about whether they want the state's next governor to be a Democrat or Republican, but negative perceptions about the performance of Gov. Jennifer Granholm appear to be depressing her party's prospects, according to a new poll from Rasmussen Reports. Read More
MS: Alabama secretary of Senate's salary close to $290,000 a year, report says
With 46 years on the state payroll and counting, 84-year-old Alabama Secretary of the Senate McDowell Lee drew $24,159 in monthly pay before deductions in October -- a salary that adds up to some $289,912 a year, according to a report in the TimesDaily newspaper. Read More
MT: Ex-governor praised at birthday bash
About 300 people gathered in Helena over the weekend to wish former Gov. Tim Babcock a happy 90th birthday. Read More
MT: State senator pleads not guilty to 3 felonies related to boat crash
KALISPELL, Mont. - State Sen. Greg Barkus pleaded not guilty this morning to three felony charges, all related to an Aug. 27 boating accident on Flathead Lake. Read More
NC: Easley friend tells of favors, falsified bills
Gov. Mike Easley personally directed his campaign to pay for $11,000 in roof and bathroom repairs and other fix-ups at his personal residence in Raleigh, and he kept it secret from the public, according to testimony and records at a state elections board hearing Monday Read More
ND: Deadline nears for Branded Program
North Dakota food and agriculture companies have until Saturday to apply to a program that helps small Midwest suppliers promote their brand name products overseas. Read More
NE: Special session -- Senators want to know where you'd cut
Not everyone wants to just cut state agency budgets, state senators learned at a Monday night town hall meeting to get ideas for the upcoming special Legislative session on the state budget. Read More
NE: Web site wants input on state budget
A state senator from Omaha has created an online site to gives Nebraskans a voice on potential budget cuts. Read More
NE: Lawmaker paid no sales tax on boat
A Nebraska lawmaker never paid sales taxes on his high-powered motorboat, and his actions appear to be perfectly legal. Read More
NH: Nottingham secession move dropped
NOTTINGHAM, N.H. -- Selectman Chair Mary Bonser last week made a surprise motion to consider seceding from the state, complaining that the town had no other recourse after years of fighting a state permit allowing water bottler USA Springs to pull about 300,000 gallons a day from local wells. Last night, Bonser withdrew her motion. Read More
NJ: N.J. joins protest against dredging
New Jersey dove headlong into a fight over deepening the Delaware River's main channel Monday, with the state's governor, lawmakers and environmental groups all protesting an Army Corps of Engineers plan to start work without permits. Read More
NJ: Candidates for N.J. governor mount final push
With one week to go until Election Day, Democratic Gov. Corzine is bringing back the national star power, Republican Christopher J. Christie is planning to get on the air, and independent Chris Daggett is firing up the tour bus. Read More
NJ: Civil union law leaves much to be desired for both sides
In the national fight over legalizing gay marriage, New Jersey is a battleground state. Read More
NJ: Corzine -- Using 'weight' in Christie ad was poor word choice
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Governor Corzine said Monday night that it may have been a "good idea" to use different wording in a campaign commercial that spawned accusations he was calling Chris Christie overweight. Read More
NJ: Codey's star dims as Senate president, but still shines brightly as campaigner
Even as members of his own party seek to oust him as Senate president, Richard Codey is in high demand these days as a Democratic Party star on the campaign trail. Read More
NJ: Poll -- Corzine by 9
A Suffolk University poll released today shows New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine with a 9-point advantage over Republican Chris Christie, his biggest lead of the campaign and a result that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. Read More
NM: Group wants Johnson on presidential ballot
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson had little to say Monday about a new "grassroots" Web site promoting a Johnson candidacy for president. But Johnson said he soon will be launching a new Web site of his own as a platform "to speak out on the issues of the day." Read More
NM: Governor seeks input on service cuts
Gov. Bill Richardson is warning of cuts in critical state services in the wake of a Legislature-approved package of budget cuts, but his office couldn't provide details Monday on where those cuts could come. Read More
NM: Is the guv getting ready for line-item vetoes?
Gov. Bill Richardson sounds a lot like a man who's getting ready to line-item veto certain provisions in a bill the Legislature approved last week that makes deep cuts to state government. Read More
NM: Gov. Richardson freezes "pork projects"
Waiting until January to cut capital outlay projects isn't good enough, Governor Bill Richardson said today as he moved to cancel "pork projects." Read More
NV: Reid public option choice could move the debate to state lawmakers
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid's decision Monday that the Senate health care bill would allow states to opt out of the government health care plan ultimately could push the raging debate into state legislatures. Read More
NV: What's at stake in House hearing on OSHA
When the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee holds a hearing Thursday to examine the failings of Nevada's workplace-safety program, representatives will try to answer two overarching questions: Why did the state agency charged with keeping workers safe on the job fail so badly — and are those failures symptomatic of a national problem? Read More
NV: Governor's staff chief takes unusual step of fundraising
The governor's chief of staff, Robin Reedy, is hitting up his supporters for money to help finance his reelection bid. Read More
NY: New rule called obstacle to wind power
Gov. David Paterson has ambitious renewable energy goals for New York state -- most of which he is trying to meet by encouraging the construction of large wind turbines. But wind farm advocates say that a new regulation adopted less than two weeks ago by the state Public Service Commission may severely curtail future construction of large-scale commercial wind farms in upstate New York. Read More
NY: State's ink a deeper shade of red
Gov. David Paterson's call for the Legislature to return for a special budget-cutting session on Nov. 10 may be well-timed: It will likely come as the state enters what finance experts call a month-to-month "negative cash flow" situation for the first time in recent memory. Read More
NY: Taking a crack at ACORN
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- A new lawsuit against the Working Families Party also hits another target -- the scandal-tarnished group ACORN, which shares office space with the party. Read More
NY: Taking a crack at ACORN
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- A new lawsuit against the Working Families Party also hits another target -- the scandal-tarnished group ACORN, which shares office space with the party. Read More
OH: Abortions in Ohio drop to lowest level since '76
The number of abortions performed in Ohio last year dropped to the lowest level since 1976, when the state first started keeping statistics. Read More
OH: Lance Armstrong gets visit from Strickland
Gov. Ted Strickland stopped at cyclist Lance Armstrong's house in Texas last week in between fund-raising events in Austin on Thursday and Dallas on Friday. Read More
OH: Issue 2 opponents slow to mount campaign
The battle over the treatment of farm livestock animals has so far been decidedly one-sided with opponents showing little sign of raising funds to counter TV ads promoting the ballot issue. Read More
OH: Proposal could raise Ohio telephone rates
Consumers relying on telephone land lines could see their rates climb for basic service under proposed state legislation to ease industry regulation, a coalition of consumer groups charged yesterday. Read More
OH: Ohio casino backers and foes debate at Xavier
NORTH AVONDALE -- Concerned citizens got a chance Monday night to ask last-minute questions about Issue 3, the issue before voters next week that would amend the state constitution to legalize construction of one casino in each of Ohio's four largest cities, including one at Cincinnati's Broadway Commons. Read More
OH: Ohio bill would exempt guns from federal rules
DAYTON -- State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow guns made and sold in Ohio to be exempt from federal firearms regulations. Read More
OH: Questions and answers on Issue 3, the amendment to allow casino gambling in Ohio
It is not as big of a draw as a presidential election, but voters will go to the polls one week from today with a critical question to answer: Should casinos be allowed in Ohio? Read More
OR: Senate bill will include a 'public option' but questions remain about its reach
WASHINGTON -- A sleepy Monday on Capitol Hill was interrupted by serious breaking news today when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the health care bill the chamber will soon debate will include a public option. Read More
OR: Ore. lottery chief: don't cut bars' commissions
The director of the Oregon Lottery says cutting gambling commissions would be "too risky" for the lottery and the bars and taverns that offer video gambling. Read More
OR: PERS is a gift that keeps on giving
One number leapt off the page of Ted Sickinger's report in The Sunday Oregonian on the exploding cost of the Public Employees Retirement System: Higher pension costs facing state agencies over the next two years could equal 60 percent of the $733 million in new taxes that voters will consider in January. Read More
OR: Ted Kulongoski unveils 'green' goals for 2009
Saying he wants all Oregonians to "live cleaner, greener lives," Gov. Ted Kulongoski unveiled a sweeping energy agenda Monday designed to combat global warming with everything from zero-emission skyscrapers to tiny electric cars. Read More
PA: Trial lawyers' donations become issue in state Supreme Court race
A candidate for an open seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said Monday her opponent may have been unduly influenced by donations from trial lawyers, although she has received lesser amounts from the same sources. Read More
PA: Supreme Court candidate hits rival over contributions
Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin has launched a sharp attack on Judge Jack Panella, her Democratic opponent for a state Supreme Court seat next Tuesday, claiming it was unethical for him to take $1 million in campaign contributions from trial lawyers, whose cases he rules on regularly. Read More
RI: School superintendents told to abolish teacher seniority
Dropping a bombshell on the teachers' unions, state Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist ordered school superintendents to abolish the practice of assigning teachers based on how many years they have in the school system. Read More
RI: Advocates push for bill to cap utility costs for the poor
Advocates push for law to limit maximum payments to a portion of income; other ratepayers would pick up the tab. Read More
SC: Attorneys -- Gov. Sanford didn't waive right
Gov. Mark Sanford's attorneys said Monday the embattled governor could not approve the release of a State Ethics Commission investigative report even if he wanted to. Monday's filing was in response to a request by the S.C. Supreme Court asking whether Sanford had not already waived his right to confidentiality in that investigation. Read More
SC: Lawmaker wants special impeachment committee
State Rep. Thad Viers said Monday he will ask House Republican leaders to form a special committee if, as expected, impeachment charges are filed against Gov. Mark Sanford. Read More
SD: Jobless rate shows stimulus folly
What shouldn't be unresolvable is the question of whether government spending or private sector growth is the engine of economic prosperity. Read More
SD: Stem cell research petition to circulate to push for a vote
Organized by the South Dakotans for Lifesaving Cures, the petition drive comes eight months after President Barack Obama overturned a 2001 order by then-President George W. Bush that barred the National Institutes of Health from funding embryonic stem cell research beyond the existing stem cell lines. South Dakota passed its ban in 2000. Read More
TN: Rep. Mike Bell to run for Senate seat vacated by Dewayne Bunch
Republican state Sen. Dewayne Bunch of Cleveland has told House colleagues who share his East Tennessee district that he won't seek re-election next year, Rep. Mike Bell said Monday. Bell, a Riceville Republican, announced he would run to replace Bunch in the upper chamber. Read More
TN: Republican Pat Marsh joins state House
Shelbyville businessman Pat Marsh has been sworn into the state House and assigned to the Commerce and Transportation committees. Read More
TX: What the Willingham case is really about
The ex-wife of Cameron Todd Willingham now alleges that he confessed to murdering their three children in her last death row meeting with him, shortly before his 2004 execution. At last, the truth comes out in the high-profile case of a questionable arson-murder conviction. Right? Read More
TX: Rep. Terri Hodge to be tried in Dallas City Hall corruption case days after March primary
Rep. Terri Hodge's trial on public corruption charges has been scheduled to begin March 8, just days after the Democratic primary in which Hodge will attempt to retain her statehouse seat. Read More
TX: Gov. Perry promotes Texas in the Big Apple
The governor spoke at the NASDAQ Closing Bell Ceremony, where he said that Texas is about more than boots, hats and barbecue. Read More
TX: Former ambassador, state senator dies at home in Amarillo
Teel Bivins, a Panhandle cattleman, businessman and former state senator whose loyalty to George W. Bush led to his appointment as the U.S. ambassador to Sweden, died Monday at his Amarillo home, a family spokeswoman said. Read More
US: Senate bill has public option
WASHINGTON -- The Senate will consider in its health-care legislation whether the government should run and fund a plan to compete with private insurance, but states could choose not to participate in the public option. Read More
US: Public option push in Senate comes with escape hatch
WASHINGTON — The Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, sided with his party's liberals on Monday and announced that he would include a government-run insurance plan in health care legislation that he plans to take to the Senate floor within a few weeks. Read More
US: In battle over gay marriage, timing may be key
WASHINGTON -- In a San Francisco courtroom two weeks ago, a prominent lawyer opposed to same-sex marriage made a concession that could mark a turning point in the legal wars over the purpose and meaning of marriage. Read More
UT: Utah lawmakers dislike Reid's public-option proposal
The only good thing about Sen. Harry Reid's proposed health-care reform compromise is that states can opt out from federal reforms, several Utah lawmakers and health-reform advocates said Monday. Read More
UT: Laura Bush wows Utah women
Former first lady Laura Bush wowed the 1,700 women who gathered in Salt Lake City Monday for the wrap-up of Sen. Orrin Hatch's 25th annual Women's Conference. Read More
VA: McDonnell leads Deeds in tally of contributions
Both campaigns have accelerated their spending in recent weeks as they saturate the airwaves with ads. McDonnell spent $6.7 million in the first three weeks of October while Deeds spent $4.9 million. Read More
VA: McDonnell's edge over Deeds grows stronger
Republican Robert F. McDonnell carries a double-digit lead over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds in the final week of the campaign for Virginia governor, according to a new Washington Post poll. Read More
VT: Fund seeks to bring Vermont soldiers home for holidays
COLCHESTER, Vt. — Senate leader Peter Shumlin and Guard officials announced plans Monday to raise $315,000 to pay for a charter plane that will bring about 700 Vermont National Guard members home for leave over the Christmas holiday. Read More
WA: $7B in recovery dollars flowing to WA state
So far, some $7 billion in federal recovery money has been flowing to Washington state. Read More
WI: Lawton's exit increases pressure on Barrett
Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton's surprise decision Monday not to run for governor leaves Democrats with no major announced candidate for the state's highest office and shines the spotlight even more brightly on the biggest of the unannounced candidates, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Read More
WI: Stimulus shines on southern Wisconsin
Milwaukee will receive $650,000 and Madison will receive $370,000 from the federal stimulus package to advance their programs to develop solar energy. Read More
WI: Wis. nonprofit gets $3.3M grant for solar training
A Wisconsin nonprofit will train solar power instructors throughout the Midwest with a $3.3 million federal grant. Read More
WV: Manchin tells employees 'fat tax' is off the table
A proposed "fat tax" on overweight public employees is off the table, Gov. Joe Manchin told representatives of public school employee groups Monday. Read More
WY: States explore differences, similarities
TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. -- Although it's unlikely Western states can agree on a single approach to energy and environmental policy, state leaders hope the interdependence of energy producers and energy consumers within the region will yield some common goals. Read More
WY: Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. Read More
WY: WyoLoan to suspend practices in March
The Cheyenne-based non-profit Wyoming Student Loan Association will suspend making new loans indefinitely starting in March as it eyes legislation that would put the government in charge of all federal student lending. Read More
'Opt out' proposal puts focus on states
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s call Monday (Oct. 26) for a new public health insurance plan already is prompting debate in state legislatures, which could opt out under the latest proposal being promoted by Democrats on Capitol Hill. Read More
Weekly wrap: Frustration mounts
In some of the states hit hardest by the recession, frustration among voters and in the media over the way state government works — or doesn't work — seems to be boiling over. Read More
Behind open doors, states track stimulus
 What do an FBI fraud team, a showdown between a governor and the legislature, and a sophisticated online system called geographic information systems have in common? All are part of states’ efforts to ensure that billions in federal stimulus money are spent wisely within their borders.
Read More
Weekly wrap: Early stimulus reports show gain in teaching, construction jobs
States and contractors begin releasing stimulus jobs data; a costly computer contract haunts Virginia, and New Mexico is facing a fiscal crisis. Read More
Weekly wrap: Calls increase to extend economic stimulus to help states
Officials say states may need federal aid again next year; Louisiana's GOP governor offers health care proposal; Key stimulus deadline is approaching. Read More |
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