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Archive of Politics on Wednesday October 28, 2009
SC: Impeachment move against S.C. governor is blocked
ATLANTA -- The saga of philandering South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford took another odd turn Tuesday when a fellow Republican's attempt to launch impeachment proceedings was scuttled by a Democrat awaiting the results of an ethics investigation. Read More
PA: Supreme Court election crucial to redistricting, leaders say
Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati's letter to fellow Republicans on behalf of state Supreme Court candidate Joan Orie Melvin was unusually blunt. Read More
AK: Palin got $1.25 million retainer for book while in office
Sarah Palin was paid $1.25 million while governor in advance of her upcoming memoir. Read More
AK: Anchorage legislative building reconsidered
ANCHORAGE, Alaksa – Alaska lawmakers are talking again about building a new legislative office building in Anchorage. Read More
AL: Closing to begin in Langford case
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Testimony in Larry Langford's federal bribery trial ended Tuesday without the Birmingham mayor taking the stand to deny claims he pocketed about $236,000 in exchange for giving lucrative bond business to an investment banker. Read More
AL: Governor roasts officials over 'pork' transfers
Gov. Bob Riley asked four-year college and university presidents Tuesday to notify him if legislators or other elected officials attempt to hide spending in their districts by transferring money through their schools. Read More
AL: Riley asks Silver-Haired Legislature to help younger generations
Alabama's top senior citizen, Gov. Bob Riley, issued a challenge to the members of the Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature: build something that allows your kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities you had. Read More
AL: Attorneys -- Mayor Larry Langford made the decision not to testify
Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford's lawyers talked to him as early as February about whether he should testify, but when the moment arrived, his attorneys said, Langford ultimately decided not to take the witness stand. Read More
AR: Poll shows lottery backlash
Fewer than half of Arkansans have a favorable opinion of the state's new lottery, and more than half say they are unlikely to buy a lottery ticket in the next 12 months. Read More
AZ: State Supreme Court upholds corporations' diverting income taxes for private schools
The state's high court on Tuesday upheld a 3-year-old law that lets corporations divert some of their state income taxes to help students attend private and parochial schools. Read More
AZ: 300 protest child-care fee hike
Hundreds of people appealed to Gov. Jan Brewer on Tuesday in an effort to prevent steep increases to child-care licensing fees that could raise the cost of care. Read More
AZ: Education forum debates merits of all-day kindergarten
State Sen. John Huppenthal told a room of Valley citizens that the state needs to take a second look at the value of all-day kindergarten . Read More
AZ: ADOT: 15% cut would decimate services, staff
The Arizona Department of Transportation has told the Governor's Office that it would have to close all highway rest stops, shutter most MVD offices and suspend all highway maintenance except for emergency repairs, if the state closes its budget gap through spending cuts alone. Read More
AZ: Rotellini makes it official
Felecia Rotellini, the former state prosecutor known for her investigations of white-collar crimes, officially entered the race to replace Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard in 2010. Read More
AZ: State's trial balloon about as believable as Colorado balloon boy
I know that the state of Arizona is in a bad way, that the Republican governor wants to raise taxes and the Republican Legislature doesn't and that the $1.5 billion hole in the state budget is only going to get deeper and deeper the longer our leaders do, well, nothing. Read More
AZ: Plan on midyear cuts, school districts told
Education proponents painted a grim picture Monday evening for school board members trying to grapple with the state of their district budgets. Read More
CA: Top manager resigns amid probe of idle state vehicles
A top Department of General Services manager resigned and a Department of Transportation employee was reassigned Tuesday as the Schwarzenegger administration reacted to an investigation by The Bee that found officials spent $5.5 million on new vehicles this year but left many idle and gathering dust for months. Read More
CA: Senior Legislature convenes at Capitol
The four-day session examines issues of the aging and helps to shape potential legislation helping older citizens. Read More
CA: Schwarzenegger's veto message delivers another message
Despite all of the Golden State's woes, Arnold Schwarzenegger likes to have fun in his job as California governor. The star of comedic masterpieces such as "Jingle All the Way" and "Kindergarten Cop" enjoys flaunting his funny on Twitter. Read More
CA: Schwarzenegger airs Medicaid cost concerns, but still backs action
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday reiterated his call for Congress to pass a bill this year to overhaul the U.S. health-care system, while also expressing concerns about the legislation's potential impact on state budgets. Read More
CA: Maria Shriver says mother's death 'has brought me to my knees'
At a session on grief at the Women's Conference in Long Beach, California's First Lady says she's 'not fine' after losing her mother and role model, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, two months ago. Read More
CA: Another member of L.A. pension board resigns
Another pension appointee of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa resigned Tuesday, the seventh to depart in the last six months amid increased scrutiny of the state's public employee retirement systems. Read More
CA: Ex-Assembly Speaker Nuñez did not misuse campaign funds, board rules
Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez broke no state laws when he spent tens of thousands of dollars in campaign funds on luxury travel around the world, gifts at high-end boutiques and meals at exclusive restaurants, the state's ethics watchdog has ruled. Read More
CA: Push to legalize marijuana gains ground in California
SAN FRANCISCO — These are heady times for advocates of legalized marijuana in California — and only in small part because of the newly relaxed approach of the federal government toward medical marijuana. Read More
CO: Gov. Ritter adds four state furlough days in 2010
State employees, many of whom are set to take four furlough days this year, will see four more unpaid days in the first six months of 2010, Gov. Bill Ritter said Tuesday. Read More
CO: Personhood initiative lining up friends and foes
A version of the anti-abortion initiative soundly defeated by Colorado voters in 2008 is making its way to the 2010 ballot, this time reworked as an "egg-as-a-person" initiative. Read More
CT: Dodd -- Public option opt-out 'reasonable'
U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., Tuesday called the latest proposal to allow states to opt out of a public option feature of health care reform "very reasonable." Read More
CT: E-mails cast doubt on Rell in flap over budget poll
University of Connecticut professor Kenneth Dautrich conducted a $6,000 poll this spring on the orders of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's chief of staff aimed at weighing voters' attitudes toward tax increases, borrowing and service cuts as Rell struggled to gain an upper hand over legislative Democrats in a brewing standoff over the state budget. Read More
CT: Documents indicate Rell used polling extensively
Gov. M. Jodi Rell's administration has used polling to guide its decisions far more extensively - and far more recently - than the governor has publicly acknowledged, newly obtained correspondence between a pollster and Rell's chief of staff shows. Read More
DE: Markell fills coffers with political capital
For Gov. Jack Markell, news that the Boxwood auto assembly line would roll again is more than a boon to the economy, it has the makings of a political victory of major proportions. Read More
DE: Treasurer wants to remain in state job
The race for state treasurer got a little more crowded Tuesday when a third candidate tossed her hat into the ring. Read More
FL: `Smart' power gets a jolt with U.S. funds
ARCADIA, Fla. -- The Obama administration has awarded Florida Power & Light a $200 million grant to put smart meters in customers' homes and improve the reliability of the grid. Read More
FL: In Florida, Obama trip trips up governor
MIAMI — Quite a few Floridians knew that President Obama would be visiting a Navy base in Jacksonville on Monday. Gov. Charlie Crist was apparently not one of them. Read More
FL: Fla. offshore drilling being debated on Internet
Computer users will be able to participate in an interactive debate over opening Florida waters to offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. Read More
FL: Utility regulators delay vote on rate increase
Handing Gov. Charlie Crist a win, state utility regulators voted Tuesday to delay a decision on large rate increases sought by Progress Energy and Florida Power & Light. Read More
FL: Cuba travel clears one hurdle
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Broward County Commission took the first steps to becoming a gateway to Cuba. Read More
GA: Papers of former Ga. governor go on display at UGA
ATHENS, Ga. — The personal papers of former Gov. Melvin E. Thompson will go on display at the University of Georgia starting next week. Read More
HI: Lingle nominates Nacino to be Oahu Circuit Court judge
Gov. Linda Lingle today nominated District Court Judge Edwin Nacino as a Circuit Court judge on Oahu. Read More
IA: Decision day arrives for Culver on budget cuts
Gov. Chet Culver will release at 3 p.m. today his plan for slicing $565 million from the budgets of 39 state departments and agencies. Read More
IA: Fiery GOP lawmaker Rants rises above adversity
PELLA -- Initial response to an event here last month represents one of Christopher Rants' biggest hurdles in his attempt to win the Republican nomination for governor: name recognition. Read More
IA: State officials ask to reopen UNI faculty union's contract
Unionized faculty members at the University of Northern Iowa say state officials have asked them to reopen their contract for the first time in seven years, as talks of budget cuts intensify at the three state-run universities. Read More
IA: Iowa panel to weigh in on Missouri River's future
A state commission charged with developing policies for the Missouri River is working to develop a strategic plan for the waterway that makes up a large share of Iowa's western border. Read More
IL: Quinn Won't Say If He Supports Party Money Limits
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn still isn't saying if he supports limiting campaign contributions from political parties and legislative leaders. Read More
IL: What the taxpayers' poll really says
Don't raise taxes and cut the state's budget dramatically in areas we can't identify. Read More
IL: State Capitol Q&A -- Now or never for 2009
It's now or never for issues facing state lawmakers, at least as far as 2009 is concerned. Read More
IL: McKenna/Murphy GOP ticket campaigns in Springfield
Andy McKenna, who led the state Republican Party for four years until stepping down this summer, came to Knight's Action Park in Springfield Tuesday to formally enter the race for the GOP nomination for governor. Read More
IL: Former University of Illinois chancellor Richard Herman is a finalist for the presidency of New Mexico State University
Former University of Illinois chancellor Richard Herman, who resigned last week in the wake of an admissions scandal, is a finalist for the presidency of New Mexico State University. Read More
IL: Former Illinois GOP chairman says he is running for governor, opposes tax increase to pay down debts
Wealthy businessman and former Illinois Republican Chairman Andy McKenna formally launched his bid for governor Tuesday, billing his low-key style as "the quiet cure" for a state wallowing in corruption. Read More
IL: Quinn wants to borrow $900 million to pay for college scholarships, health care
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to take out a $900 million short-term loan to help free up money for college scholarships and get Illinois' rickety finances through traditionally lean months. Read More
IN: House speaker pushes state lobbying reform
Legislative ethics reform won some important but unexpected backers Tuesday: leaders of the Indiana House and Senate. Read More
IN: Delay sought in Indiana business tax increase
State Republican leaders on Tuesday proposed a one-year delay in tax increases on businesses aimed at putting Indiana's unemployment insurance fund back in the black. Read More
IN: State official lauds after-school effort
SOUTH BEND — A state education official praised an after-school program for low-income students during a visit to South Bend on Tuesday. Read More
KS: Group seeks state amendment on health care
In a pre-emptive strike on national health care, conservative state lawmakers and representatives of the "tea party" movement on Tuesday proposed changing the state Constitution to exempt Kansas from federal health insurance mandates. (Also see: CA: Schwarzenegger airs Medicaid cost concerns, but still backs action ) Read More
KS: State Republican lawmakers propose 'Healthcare Freedom Amendment'
Several Republican state lawmakers toured Kansas on Tuesday pushing for a proposed state constitutional amendment that would prohibit requiring Kansans to buy health insurance under a government plan. Read More
KS: Press group seeks review of an open meetings opinion
The Kansas Press Association on Tuesday asked Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe to review an opinion he issued this summer on a potential violation of the state's open meetings law. Read More
KS: Kansas lawmaker posts 'RedNeck Rap' sequel online
A Kansas legislator has posted a YouTube sequel to his "RedNeck Rap" video criticizing President Barack Obama. Read More
KY: Farmer mulls run for governor
University of Kentucky basketball icon Richie Farmer said Tuesday he is considering a run for governor on the Republican ticket. Read More
KY: Higdon gets GOP nod for Senate race
Republican leaders nominated Rep. Jimmy Higdon on Tuesday to run for the open 14th Senate District seat, which was vacated Monday by Dan Kelly. Read More
KY: New highway stretch nearly done
MAYFIELD, Ky. -- The final section of a four-lane highway between Aurora and Mayfield will be opening soon. Read More
LA: Panel offers cost cuts
A state commission decided Tuesday that cutting costs in state government should include privatizing more services and getting rid of vehicles. Read More
LA: Louisiana blasts FDA plan to limit oyster production
In an effort to reduce cases of a rare, but potentially fatal, bacterial illness contracted from raw oysters, the FDA announced new rules this month that will require any oyster served from April through October to undergo a sterilization process before it can be sold in restaurants or on the market. Read More
MA: Mentally ill rally against service cuts
Disabled Bay State residents may now face even more cuts to the services they urgently need, advocates said. Read More
MA: College leaders warn against aid cuts
Leaders of Maine's public higher education institutions are warning that the proposed cuts in state aid as the result of lower state revenues will result in layoffs and fewer students over the next two years. Read More
MA: Therese Murray seeks to combine economic agencies
Senate President Therese Murray wants to slash and consolidate nearly 31 economic-development agencies she says are wasting money and often performing redundant work. Read More
MA: Deval Patrick looks at making micro-loans to boost small cos.
The state may create a "growth capital fund" that would make micro-loans to small businesses desperate for cash during the downturn, Gov. Deval Patrick announced yesterday after his economic summit in downtown Boston. Read More
MA: Experts say govt. officials must limit cyber-slacking
While many private-sector businesses block Facebook and other online time-wasters, experts say government officials also need to crack down on public employees bumming around on social networking sites. Read More
MD: Lawmakers want to change oversight panel
Several Maryland senators said Tuesday that they believe the public defender oversight board overstepped its authority by firing the agency's director in August and promised legislation next year to change the board's makeup. Read More
MD: Entire delegation pledges to give back some pay
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. — State lawmakers representing Washington County are taking different approaches to a legislative furlough program. Most are returning pay in the same way state employees are being forced to lose part of their salaries. Read More
MD: Developmental disabilities community decries budget cuts to state services
Advocates for people with developmental disabilities are mobilizing to try to preserve their services in the midst of Maryland's budget crisis. Read More
ME: Further school cuts carry federal risk
If the state cuts too deeply, it could jeopardize federal money for such programs as special education and school lunches. Read More
ME: Offshore wind list narrowed to four sites
Having considered seven sites along Maine's coast for offshore wind demonstration projects, state officials on Tuesday narrowed the list to four possible locations where researchers might explore the potential for wind power facilities. Read More
ME: Focus of gay-marriage fight is Maine
Less than a week before Maine voters decide whether to repeal the state's new same-sex marriage law, donations and volunteers are pouring in to sway what both sides call a nationally significant fight. Read More
ME: Schools cut spending as state aid loss looms
PORTLAND, Maine -- Southern Maine districts freeze spending, eliminate positions and prepare for painful layoffs. Read More
ME: Maine police chiefs oppose marijuana dispensaries
The Maine Chiefs of Police Association has come out against a referendum that would legalize dispensaries for distributing marijuana to people who have a prescription. Read More
ME: Tabor backers slam Dunlap
Maine Republicans said Tuesday they are confused and frustrated that Secretary of State Matt Dunlap has missed a deadline to certify signatures calling for a people's veto in June. Read More
ME: Yes on 1 campaign rallies supporters in Brewer
BREWER, Maine — With just a week to go before Election Day, supporters of the effort to reverse Maine's same-sex marriage law gathered Tuesday to discuss what they could do to help ensure the law's repeal. Read More
MI: Michigan panel OKs tax credits for job-creation, redevelopment projects in Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw, West Michigan
Seven companies plan to expand operations and three brownfield redevelopment projects plan to move forward after the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board OK'd another round of monthly state tax incentive packages. Read More
MI: Michigan Reps. Mayes and Moore introduce bill to help local governments with debt
State Reps. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, and Tim Moore, R-Farwell, have proposed a bipartisan plan they say would give municipalities more flexibility in restructuring debt. Read More
MI: State Board of Education passes Resolution to spark school districts to consolidate, revamp
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan says our education system needs to look at the new three R's. Read More
MI: Granholm, Bishop battle over tax hike
Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop continued to trade barbs today over whether to raise revenues to save state programs from the budget ax. Read More
MI: MSU's research station faces ax
Gov. Jennifer Granholm might begin issuing her final line-item budget vetoes as soon as today, possibly eliminating state funding for the agricultural extension service run through Michigan State University. Read More
MI: Lone Senate seat up for vote
Republican Mike Nofs, a former state representative from Battle Creek, and Democratic Rep. Martin Griffin of Jackson are vying for the 19th state Senate District that covers Calhoun and Jackson counties. Read More
MI: 10 projects granted state tax credits to create jobs
A Toledo-based company that plans to build a $12.4-million plant in Detroit to build parts for Chrysler Group LLC is among 10 projects granted state tax credits with promises they'll produce 1,507 new direct jobs, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Tuesday. Read More
MS: Ex-Miss. USDA director pleads guilty
Nick Walters, the former Mississippi director of USDA Rural Development, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge for work he performed for Natchez Regional Medical Center after he left the government agency. Read More
MS: Miss. joins in fight against heart disease
Mississippi will become the 15th state to join an initiative that aims to decrease the risk of heart disease, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant said. Read More
MS: Vet posts dwindling
Across the state, membership in VFW and American Legion posts is growing older as the organizations are unable to attract veterans from the Persian Gulf War and current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read More
NC: BCBS mails ill-timed plea
Maybe it was just lousy timing, but many customers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina are ticked off at the mail they've received recently from the state's largest insurer. Read More
NC: The collector can't recollect
They asked; they prodded. Dave Horne just couldn't remember. Horne, who was treasurer for former Gov. Mike Easley's gubernatorial campaigns, struggled to understand or recall the answer to many questions during his testimony Tuesday morning to the State Board of Elections. Read More
NC: Poole was often Easley's shadow
Ruffin Poole was a newly minted lawyer in the late 1990s when he started working in an obscure section of the state Attorney General's Office for Mike Easley. Read More
NC: Easley camp pushed donation law's limits
Internal documents from former Gov. Mike Easley's campaign committee suggest a concerted effort to run donations illegally through the N.C. Democratic Party to circumvent contribution limits. Read More
ND: Sen. Conrad takes cautious approach to public option health care plan
Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., architect of the cooperatives alternative to the controversial public option plan to reform the nation's health insurance system, said Tuesday that he will "reserve judgment" on the apparent revival of a government-run insurance provision in the Senate. Read More
ND: Legislator wants changes in N.D. pay system
The chairman of a legislative interim committee wants to change the way North Dakota employees get raises. Read More
NE: Terry offers health bill
WASHINGTON - Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., introduced his version of health care legislation on Tuesday. Terry's bill would create a health insurance system similar to the health benefits program that covers members of Congress and federal workers, but the new system would be open for anyone to purchase insurance through it. Read More
NE: Patching the state's budget hole
Gov. Dave Heineman said Tuesday that closing Nebraska's $335.5 million budget hole will require shared sacrifice and belt-tightening. Read More
NE: Terry offers health bill
Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., introduced his version of health care legislation on Tuesday. Read More
NH: GOP puts focus on spending cuts
Cutting state spending will not be quick or easy, two budget experts said yesterday. Read More
NH: Lawmakers to mull override of medicinal marijuana veto
Legislators return to Concord today to take up four vetoed bills, including one that would legalize the medicinal use of marijuana. Read More
NH: Summit aims at spending
Keep the governor's hiring and purchasing freeze in place. Cut the little things. Read More
NJ: Four candidates vying for two Assembly seats
The Camden City Council president, a labor-union leader, and a sex-toy entrepreneur are among candidates vying for two open seats in the New Jersey Assembly's Fifth District next week. Read More
NJ: Corzine spends more than 2 foes combined
Gov. Corzine has spent about $23 million -- most of it his own money -- in his fight for reelection, more than the combined total of his two main competitors, according to campaign finance documents released yesterday. Read More
NJ: Former President Clinton campaigns for Corzine in Essex County
WEST ORANGE, N.J. -- Former President Bill Clinton came to Essex County Wednesday night to call on the Democratic faithful to work hard and rally the support necessary to deliver a re-election victory to Governor Corzine next week. Read More
NJ: Candidates zero in on Bergen County
The campaigns for Governor Corzine, Republican Chris Christie and independent Chris Daggett are all focusing on Bergen County — and its more than 500,000 voters — to try to swing a vote that is tied in most polls. Read More
NJ: Christie getting on bus for end of Gov's race
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie is hitting the road. Read More
NJ: Gov. Jon Corzine takes lead from Chris Christie in N.J. Gov race, poll says
Gov. Jon Corzine is slightly ahead for the first time in the New Jersey governor's race, according to a poll released today. Read More
NJ: Corzine's money fuels his comeback
Gov. Jon Corzine continues to tap into his personal fortune to dramatically outspend his opponents in a comeback bid for a second term, reports released yesterday show. Read More
NM: State budget sniping outlasts special session
Judging from the ongoing debate between Gov. Bill Richardson's office and some state lawmakers about new budget cuts, it seems the Legislature's special session kept going even after it adjourned last Friday. Read More
NY: N.Y. faces problems meeting Dec. bills
Not only does the state have a $3 billion midyear budget deficit, it also faces a $2 billion to $3 billion shortfall just to pay bills in December, Gov. David Paterson warned Tuesday. Read More
NY: Is $5,000 stipend boost a back-door pay hike?
As the Legislature and governor tackle New York's $3 billion budget deficit, the state's third branch of government has doubled judges' stipends, which will cost an additional $6 million per year. Read More
NY: No ethics inquiry into Kennedy leaks
The state's embattled ethics commission has decided not to pursue a formal investigation of the Paterson administration's leaks of Caroline Kennedy's confidential records, a decision that was immediately assailed by the government watchdog groups that had called for the inquiry. Read More
NY: Putting brakes on new plates
Capital Region county clerks join petition drive urging an end to higher fees, replacement tags. Read More
OH: Idea of state consolidation study praised
As the largest state employee union blasted his plan to consolidate state government from 24 agencies to 11, Sen. Timothy J. Grendell even drew praise from some Democrats for saying yesterday that he is willing to move forward with a study commission instead. Read More
OH: Debate on casinos
A debate over the fate of casino gambling in Ohio attracted about 100 people to a forum on Issue 3 at Kent State University's Student Center Monday evening. Read More
OH: Atmosphere in AG's anti-crime unit better, union says
The Ohio attorney general's anti-crime unit, which was a hotbed of employee complaints in Marc Dann's scandal-shortened term as the state's top lawman, was at the receiving end of another employee grievance this summer. Read More
OH: New state Medicaid director familiar with the role
Tracy J. Plouck knows a thing or two about her new job as state Medicaid director. Read More
OH: Issue 2 foes speaking up
Opponents of state Issue 2 painted the constitutional debate yesterday as a battle of big guys and little guys: factory megafarms versus small family farms and consumers. Read More
OH: Ohio is unlikely to opt out of new government-run health insurance plan, Gov. Ted Strickland and Sen. Sherrod Brown say
WASHINGTON -- Gov. Ted Strickland says he'd rather let Ohioans participate in the government-run health insurance program being planned by congressional Democrats, despite the option to let the state say no. Read More
OH: A bundle of ill effects from Ohio's change in Medicare reimbursement is hurting specialty nursing home patients
Just as the Ohio General Assembly is about to give the state budget its blessing and send it to the governor for signature, someone tosses in a seemingly minor change that turns out to be major for someone. Read More
OH: Unions object to Ohio government overhaul plan as sponsor heads a new direction
Union officials were critical of a state government restructuring plan discussed in a Senate committee Tuesday morning, but the Republican state senator pushing the radical streamlining of government said he is open to a different approach. Read More
OH: Issue 3 backers -- Ohioans will fill 90% of jobs created by casinos
The backers of proposed casinos in Toledo and three other cities pledged yesterday that 90 percent of all hires at their sites would be from the host cities and their surrounding communities. Read More
OK: Okahoma may have to tap savings fund to balance budget
Gov. Brad Henry, who has resisted using the state's savings account since it last was used six years ago, said Tuesday that legislators may have no other option to balance this fiscal year's budget. Read More
OK: Oklahoma Democrats working to keep seats
Democrats in the Oklahoma Senate are recruiting a slate of energetic and motivated candidates for next year's legislative elections in hopes of hanging onto the seats of four term-limited Democratic senators, the Senate's incoming Democratic leader said Tuesday. Read More
OK: Oklahoma state agencies told cuts will continue
State leaders said Oklahoma's economy will continue to slump for at least the next several months. Gov. Brad Henry and legislative leaders warned state agency heads that their monthly revenue allocations will continue to be cut by 5 percent for the remainder of this fiscal year, or through June 30. Read More
OK: Oklahoma's private detention contracts to be cut
With the state Corrections Department's funding cut 5 percent for the remainder of this fiscal year, contracts with private prisons will be cut by the same rate, a legislative leader said Tuesday. Read More
OK: Rally planned to protest $7.4M senior nutrition cuts in Oklahoma
Older Oklahomans plan to rally next week at the state Capitol to get money restored to Oklahoma's senior nutrition programs. Read More
OK: Oklahoma governor makes Tulsa court appointments
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry made two appointments Tuesday to the 14th Judicial District in Tulsa County. Read More
OR: Tax-credit plan would reward job creation
With unemployment rising, Senate President Peter Courtney is making a late-in-the-session attempt to put Oregonians to work by paying small businesses to hire them. Read More
OR: As sales tank, lottery and bars in Oregon locked in mutual dependence
The lottery's proposal to protect the cut of gambling profits paid to bars and taverns confirms a long-held suspicion about video gambling in Oregon: Many business need the lottery to prop them up, and state officials say they have no choice but to do so. Read More
OR: Oregon among 13 states increasing preschool spending
Oregon won kudos from Pre-K Now, an early education campaign of the Pew Center on the States, for increasing its investments in preschool education despite the tough economy. Read More
PA: Auditor General Jack Wagner pushes for competition for state contracts
State Auditor General Jack Wagner said he is growing frustrated with Gov. Ed Rendell's administration's failure to accept auditors' recommendations to instill more competition, transparency and accountability in the state's buying and selling procedures. Read More
PA: Wagner -- State contracting process wastes taxpayer money
A lack of competition in bidding for many state contracts is wasting taxpayer money, said Auditor General Jack Wagner, who called on the governor and Legislature to change that. Read More
PA: Rendell ripped over delay in education funding
The issue of how much to tax table games proposed for Pennsylvania casinos remains unresolved, prompting one Bucks County lawmaker to accuse Gov. Rendell of holding money for state-related universities "hostage" to it. Read More
PA: Undecideds abound in top court, Senate, gubernatorial races
Superior Court Judges Joan Orie Melvin and Jack Panella are locked in a dead-heat in the race for state Supreme Court, based on a statewide poll released Tuesday that shows the lowest voter confidence in Pennsylvania's direction in 14 years. Read More
PA: Ads call for Metcalfe's resignation
There's never a dull moment with state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, the outspoken conservative from Cranberry. Read More
PA: Panella supporters attack ads
With the state Supreme Court election less than a week away, rancor is rising rapidly between Democrat Jack Panella and Republican Joan Orie Melvin, with his camp accusing her of making false charges in a television ad that he "turned his back on children" in Luzerne County. Read More
RI: Bill to close loophole in prostitution law clears hurdle
A bill to close a nearly 30-year-old loophole in the state's prostitution law that has allowed brothels to operate legally in Rhode Island cleared its first hurdle Tuesday night. Read More
RI: House tackles state name
A key legislative committee Tuesday night endorsed plans to allow voters to strip the word "Plantations" from the official state name, give police authority to take blood or urine from drunken-driving suspects after serious accidents, and eliminate the governor's power to replace U.S. senators should unexpected vacancies occur. Read More
SC: State official Roland Corning out of a job after incident
An assistant state attorney general was stopped in his car by a Columbia police officer Monday on suspicion of illegal activity, identified himself as an employee of the attorney general's office, and was not charged with a crime. Read More
SC: Rex's poll shows he's ahead
A new poll conducted for gubernatorial candidate Jim Rex shows the Fairfield County resident leading his Democratic rivals. Read More
SC: Sanford impeachment bill 'out of order'
House leader rejects attempt to begin proceedings against Sanford this week. Read More
SD: Rounds -- Economic pain will sharpen
Revenue to the state of South Dakota was down by $33 million in the first three months of this fiscal year, Gov. Mike Rounds said Monday, setting the stage for a painful legislative session next year. Read More
SD: Former lawmaker considers run for SD governor
An outspoken former state lawmaker who believes the four Republicans running for governor aren't conservative enough said he will run if supporters can raise $250,000 to launch his campaign. Read More
TN: Legal limbo for former Senator Stanley's office furniture
Furniture that former state Sen. Paul Stanley apparently purchased with campaign funds for his Legislative Plaza office has been placed in storage until he decides to retrieve it, an official said Tuesday. Read More
TX: Houston Chronicle sues Gov. Rick Perry
The Houston Chronicle and Hearst Newspapers today filed suit against Gov. Rick Perry seeking the release of the clemency report that Perry used in 2004 to deny a stay of execution to Cameron Todd Willingham. Read More
TX: Swine flu vaccine is prison-bound
Thousands of prisoners could get vaccinations for swine flu before law-abiding Texans because they fit the criteria for priority inoculations, officials said Tuesday. Read More
US: California would lose seats under census change
A Republican senator's proposal to count only United States citizens when reapportioning Congress would cost California five seats and New York and Illinois one each, according to an independent analysis of census data released Tuesday. Texas, which is projected to gain three seats after the 2010 census, would get only one. Read More
US: States' choice on public option -- More than health care at stake
There are differences between the states. To take the most incendiary, two men can marry in Massachusetts but not Montana. But such differences are far more often the exception rather than the rule. Read More
UT: A.G. names former legislator, payday lender lawyer to head division
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has named former state legislator and close political adviser John Swallow as chief deputy attorney general handling civil cases. Read More
VA: Your voting history could end up in the neighbor's mailbox
Hundreds of thousands of Virginians will discover this week, perhaps to their surprise, that someone is tracking their voting records. Read More
VA: Hate-crimes bill spurs some worry from religious groups
NORFOLK, Va. -- Under a new bill, crimes based on a victim's sexual orientation or sexual identity could be prosecuted as hate crimes. Socially conservative clergy say the bill threatens freedom of religious expression. Read More
VA: Obama urges voters in Norfolk to 'be there' for Deeds
NORFOLK, Va. -- The president encouraged a crowd at Old Dominion University on Tuesday to help Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds come from behind next week to win the Virginia governor's race. Deeds is lagging in the polls. Read More
VA: 16 Va. localities fail to meet absentee-ballot deadline
Despite court prodding and changes in state election laws, 16 Virginia localities have failed to meet a deadline to allow absentee ballots of military personnel serving overseas to be counted on time. Read More
VA: Deeds reaches for 'Obama energy'
NORFOLK, Va. -- One week before Election Day, the first Democratic president to win Virginia in more than four decades told a largely college-age, African American crowd of thousands not to count out R. Creigh Deeds, despite polls that show his Republican opponent has a double-digit lead in the race for governor. Read More
VA: Obama isn't on the ballot in Virginia governor's race, and yet ...
In one week, President Obama faces the first Election Day test since his victory a year ago. His name is not on the ballot, but that offers only a small measure of solace to the White House. Read More
VT: A fierce debate over free drug samples
Medical practitioners on Tuesday presented ardent as well as disparate views to a state panel reviewing the merits of free medicine samples provided at doctors' offices. Read More
VT: Douglas administration pitches unemployment fix
The Douglas administration offered up proposed changes to the state's ailing unemployment insurance trust fund Tuesday that included cuts to weekly benefits for those laid off and gradual increased contributions for employers. Read More
VT: Champlain Bridge users frustrated
ADDISON, Vt. — Frustrated residents of communities near the Lake Champlain Bridge learned during a public hearing Tuesday it would likely take until at least next spring or summer to reopen the fragile span. Read More
WA: Judge declines to suspend rules on R-71 contributions
A federal judge has denied an emergency request that would have allowed opponents of Referendum 71 to accept large donations this late in the campaign — a small setback in a series of bold legal moves that could have ramifications far beyond the Nov. 3 election. Read More
WA: R-71 opponents lose bid to change campaign rules
Opponents of stronger legal partnerships for gay couples must abide by Washington state's campaign finance laws while a lawsuit challenging those laws' constitutional footing moves ahead, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Read More
WA: Gregoire signals new willingness to talk taxes
As the state's projected deficit grows, the governor's new chief of staff says he "would be surprised" if the shortfall can be closed without new revenue. Read More
WA: Poll -- R-71 passing, I-1033 failing
Voters are prepared to uphold a new state law expanding gay rights, a new SurveyUSA/KING5 poll shows. Read More
WA: Local Google offices support R-71
Over on The Microsoft Blog, I reported that Google's Seattle and Kirkland offices have written a joint letter in support of Referendum 71. Read More
WI: Walker says governor's race with Barrett would be 'great opportunity'
Milwaukee County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker said a potential governor's race against Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett would showcase their different approaches to governing in the Milwaukee area. Read More
WI: Wis. justices consider rules on campaign donations
Wisconsin Supreme Court justices are expected to consider adopting rules Wednesday that spell out whether they must step aside from cases involving their campaign contributors. Read More
WI: Ed Thompson announces run for state Senate
TOMAH -- Mayor Ed Thompson announced Tuesday he will run as a Republican for the 31st District state Senate seat now held by Kathleen Vinehout. Read More
WI: Lawton -- Health, pressures weren't factors in bowing out
Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton wouldn't say Tuesday why she dropped out of the race for governor, but said health considerations and pressure from other Democrats were not factors in her decision. Read More
WV: Coalfield lawmakers seek bigger share of funds for counties
West Virginia coalfield counties need a greater share of severance taxes to prepare for the day when the industry's jobs have dwindled, say southern lawmakers. Read More
WV: Greear may run for Berger court seat
Dan Greear, the Republican lawyer who nearly unseated Attorney General Darrell McGraw, is eyeing the seat soon to be vacated by Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Irene Berger. Read More
WY: Little consensus at states energy meeting in Wyo.
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from around the West have wrapped up a three-day symposium on energy issues without reaching consensus on tough questions about how to address carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. 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.
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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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