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Archive of Politics on Thursday November 05, 2009
Tuesday's winners now must govern
TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans who won gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia on Tuesday (Nov. 3) already are turning their attention to the very different challenge of governing during the Great Recession. Read More
US: Republican victories in Va., N.J. hinged on economic worries
Voters worried about jobs and the shaky economy helped drive Republican gubernatorial victories in Virginia and New Jersey, according to exit polls, adding political urgency to Democratic efforts to combat the nation's surging unemployment rate. Read More
AK: Palin book tour to avoid 'Democratic' strongholds
NEW YORK -- Sarah Palin's book tour is a gift for her base. Read More
AL: PACT board turns to non-politicians for help
The board that oversees Alabama's Prepaid Afford?able College Tuition plan is switching from politicians to non-politicians to try to ne?gotiate a solution to the pro?gram's $346 million deficit. Read More
AL: Birmingham's Larry Langford seeks new trial
Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford today asked a judge to grant him a new trial saying that the speed with which a jury convicted him, the venue and the fact that gambling magnate Milton McGregor's name came up all denied him a fair trial. Read More
AR: Federal aid available to farmers in 60 counties
Farmers in 60 Arkansas counties are eligible to apply for emergency low-interest federal loans under a U.S. Agriculture Department declaration related to October flooding, Gov. Mike Beebe's office said today. Read More
AR: Beebe's poll numbers strong
A new poll shows Gov. Mike Beebe's approval rating remains high, though not quite as high as it was a few months ago. Read More
AZ: Brewer -- Long-term solution to Arizona's economic woes depends on jobs
While a temporary sales tax increase would help address Arizona's budget crisis, a long-term solution will depend on attracting firms that offer high-paying jobs, Gov. Jan Brewer told business leaders Nov. 4. Read More
CA: California Senate OKs school changes to seek federal funds
Senate Bill X5 1, approved by the Senate Tuesday, would make the state more likely to get a piece of the $4.35 billion in Race to the Top federal stimulus funds offered to the nation's schools. Read More
CA: Schwarzenegger has plum position to fill
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will have a plum political post to dole out after Lt. Gov. John Garamendi is sworn into Congress today, vacating the No. 2 slot in California government. Read More
CA: Who replaces Garamendi?
Now that Lt. Gov. John Garamendi has won the 10th congressional district race, here's what happens next: Read More
CA: Gavin Newsom laying low - reportedly in Hawaii
After months in the public spotlight, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has vanished since he dropped out of the gubernatorial race Friday and is reportedly spending the week in Hawaii with his wife and baby daughter. Read More
CA: Schwarzenegger taps Sen. John Benoit for supervisor seat
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced this afternoon the appointment of Republican Sen. John Benoit to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Read More
CO: Panel proposes letting voters amend Colorado constitution to ease budget woes
A panel looking at the state's long-term budget problems recommended legislation on Wednesday to give voters the chance to overhaul the state constitution in 2012. Read More
CO: Colorado cops feel handcuffed by medical-pot changes
Local law enforcement officers said they are flummoxed by "murky, confusing and vague" rules governing medical-marijuana production and are looking to the state legislature for clarification this January. Read More
CO: Health insurers blame rate increases on 2-year-old Colo. law
Health-insurance companies are blaming significant rate increases this fall on a 2-year-old state law that prohibits them from charging small businesses more for having unhealthy workers. Read More
CO: Big ballot plans may be a "no" go in Colorado
The Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts will continue to operate in aging, asbestos-filled buildings. Aurora will close four of its seven libraries. Read More
CO: Sticky bud, green energy get nod from Colorado ski-country voters
Things just got a whole lot greener in Colorado's high country. Read More
CT: Rell to call lawmakers back before February
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Wednesday she'll likely call state legislators back to the Capitol to make further cuts to the state budget before the regular legislative session begins in February. Read More
CT: Strong showing in municipal elections has state GOP looking ahead
The morning after Republican candidates rumbled to victory in municipal elections around the state, the party's chairman was engaging in some end-zone celebration. Read More
CT: Ned Lamont exploring run for governor
In a move that sharply changed the dynamics of the governor's race, Greenwich multimillionaire Ned Lamont announced Wednesday that he has formed a committee to explore a possible run for governor. Read More
DE: Bluewater's foes now on its side
It wasn't that long ago that Bluewater Wind's main opponents were Delmarva Power and NRG Energy. But if Bluewater's offshore wind farm gets built, it may have both to thank for keeping the project afloat. Read More
DE: DNREC to acquire Yorklyn plant site
Delaware has struck a deal with the owners of the bankrupt NVF Yorklyn property to create new parkland around the abandoned factory site, linking two nearby preserves and hastening a cleanup of polluted areas. Read More
DE: Del. wetlands at brunt of warming
In Bowers Beach and historic New Castle, state and local officials are planning for what many believe is inevitable: more flooding from rising sea level. Read More
FL: More friction likely in state GOP
Florida voters can expect to see more anti-President Obama "tea parties" as conservatives nationwide turn their attention to the U.S. Senate race. Read More
FL: NRA wants to ban adoption agencies from asking about gun ownership
MIAMI -- The NRA wants to stop adoption agencies from asking prospective parents about whether they own guns, saying the question is a violation of gun-owners' rights. Read More
FL: Fla. GOP -- Steele a victim of bogus 'tweets'
Brevard Republican Party Chairman Jason Steele was targeted by a fictitious Twitter account set up by a fellow party official, the Republican Party of Florida announced. Read More
FL: Florida Sen. Dan Gelber pushing for tougher public corruption laws
Citing a rash of corruption cases, a state senator is pushing for laws to combat bribery and restrict contact between the Public Service Commission and the utilities it regulates. Read More
FL: Fate of Sansom probe on agenda
A special House committee will decide whether to continue its investigation into former Speaker Ray Sansom. Read More
FL: Push begins for tougher PSC rules
Proposals emerge to force the state utility board to operate by the same ethics rules as judges. Read More
HI: Hawaii GOP sees good omen in mainland victories
Hawaii Republicans hope the GOP victories this week in New Jersey and Virginia will buoy their own campaigns next year. Read More
HI: Judge finds state breached home lands obligations to Hawaiians
A Circuit Court judge has ruled that the state breached its fiduciary obligation to administer the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for the benefit of native Hawaiians between 1959 and 1988. Read More
IA: AG -- School board complying with open meetings laws
The state attorney general's office says the Iowa City School Board is taking the right steps to comply with open meetings laws by putting its redistricting priorities to vote Tuesday. Read More
IA: Lawmaker targets Iowa justices who backed same-sex marriage
Rod Roberts, a five-term state representative, said Wednesday he will oppose three members of the Iowa Supreme Court who ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in Iowa when they come up for a retention vote on next year's general election ballot. Read More
IA: Governor race profile -- Struggles of son give Vander Plaats focus
MOUNT VERNON, Iowa -- Perhaps it's not surprising that Vander Plaats can tap a ready reservoir of perseverance as he pursues his third campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. Read More
IA: Roberts -- Reject Supreme Court justices
An Iowa Supreme Court decision that granted marriage equality for same-sex couples is a key reason why residents should reject the state's Supreme Court retention bids, Rod Roberts said in a press release this week. Read More
IA: Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty in Dsm Saturday
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will be in Iowa Saturday to speak at a Republican fundraiser and took a few minutes to speak with reporters via phone. Read More
IL: Macoupin Co. considers giving state's attorney raise before retirement
CARLINVILLE, Ill. -- The Macoupin County Board is poised to decide Friday whether State's Attorney Vince Moreth should be given a raise as part of an agreement under which he would retire soon and save the county more than $100,000. Read More
IL: GOP gubernatorial candidates to debate
The seven Republicans running for Illinois governor are squaring off in a debate. Read More
IL: Quinn meets the Illinois delegation in Washington
WASHINGTON -- Gov. Pat Quinn discussed Illinois issues over lunch with state lawmakers in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Read More
IL: Madigan embraces new era of government transparency
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan Wednesday championed the new Freedom of Information Act set to take effect Jan. 1 as "the most significant reform measure passed by the legislature and signed by the governor this year" in an address at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Read More
IL: Tollway gets an earful on oasis contracts at hearing
llinois senators pressured tollway officials Wednesday to explain details of contracts with the firms that operate and sell products at its oases as well as provide justifications for the system of collecting fines for missed tolls. Read More
IL: Illinois lawmaker sees conflict in tollway oases deal
A major Chicago-based commercial real estate company should be removed as interim operator of the Illinois tollway's oases due to a possible conflict of interest and because of campaign contributions made to ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a state legislator said Wednesday. Read More
IL: New Illinois Republican chairman wants to lay down law on attack ads
Illinois Republican Chairman Pat Brady said today that he and top party officials will call out the party's primary candidates if they believe negative advertising has "crossed the line." Read More
IL: During GOP debate, keep Cellini, Kjellander in mind
Illinois Republicans running for governor are breaking a sweat these days, thwacking former Democratic Gov. Rod "Dead Meat" Blagojevich for corruption and ridiculous hair. Read More
IL: Building on Burnham's dream
Seizing upon this year's 100th anniversary of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago, state legislators and open space advocates on Thursday will make public a series of steps designed to create a new legacy of parks and trails throughout the Chicago area, including new lakefront parkland. Read More
IL: Abortion law -- Court blocks Illinois' parental notification law
In a dramatic turn of events, a Cook County Circuit Court judge halted Illinois' parental notification law on abortion just hours after a state agency gave it the all-clear. Read More
IN: State lawmakers unlikely to rescue mass transit
A day after voters trashed a proposal to create a Regional Transportation District, local train and bus boosters said they will continue to push for mass transit funding -- but probably not for an RTD. Read More
IN: But for luck, lawmaker says, attacker would have killed him
State Rep. Ed DeLaney may owe his life to a friend and a jammed gun. Read More
KS: Kansas GOP weighs in on Tuesday's national election results
The Kansas Republican Party says last night's big wins for the GOP show Americans are unconvinced by Democratic health care proposals and the economic stimulus package. Read More
KS: Lawmakers plan to discuss death penalty
A proposal to abolish the Kansas death penalty will be considered by lawmakers during the second week of the 2010 legislative session, a legislator said Wednesday. Read More
KS: Kansas leaders step back from talk of tax hike to make up budget gap
State leaders Wednesday appeared to shut the door to a tax increase to contend with the continuing budget crisis. Read More
KS: Statehouse Live: Death penalty repeal set for debate next session; Parkinson moves away from tax increase; State GOP comments on elections
A proposal to abolish the Kansas death penalty will be considered by lawmakers during the second week of the 2010 legislative session, the committee chair said Wednesday. Read More
KS: State library moves outside
Visitors to the Statehouse will soon have to walk outside to check out a book at the Kansas State Library. Read More
KY: Beshear wants slots bill by winter
Gov. Steve Beshear and some of the state's leading Democrats say Kentucky needs to pass legislation this winter to expand gambling or risk losing millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to Ohio. Read More
KY: Paul chides rivals for skipping forum
Republican Rand Paul criticized his three chief rivals in the race for U.S. Senate for not attending a public forum for the candidates Wednesday at the University of Kentucky. Read More
KY: Ohio casino vote stirs sense of urgency in Kentucky, Indiana
Top officials in Kentucky and Indiana urged quick action Wednesday to protect their states' interests in response to Tuesday's decision by Ohio voters to authorize casino gambling. Read More
LA: Civil Service panel delays vote on pay plan, seeks comments
The state Civil Service Commission postponed action Wednesday on a plan that would end 4 percent annual pay raises granted to most of the state's 60,000-plus classified employees. Read More
LA: Agencies -- No funds for lakes projects
A $21 million plan to restore six lakes near LSU and City Park has been developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is ready to go forward, the corps project manager said. Read More
LA: Coastal restoration projects demand unified effort, Louisiana leaders say
The Obama administration should quickly establish a system to coordinate hundreds of millions of dollars in anticipated federal financing for coastal restoration, Louisiana political and business leaders said Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Read More
MA: Dismissed agency chief continues to draw pay
The former head of the state Division of Administrative Law Appeals, forced to resign in August amid allegations of mismanagement, continues to draw $6,300 a month in consultant pay for work she failed to complete during her two-year tenure. Read More
MA: Historic wins for black, Latino and female mayors
Minority candidates made history in Massachusetts mayoral elections Tuesday, while it was a mixed result for many long-term incumbents. Read More
MD: Ehrlich eyes wins by GOP for 2010 run
Former Maryland governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) said that Tuesday's Republican victories in Virginia and New Jersey would figure prominently in his thinking about a possible comeback next year, and Democrats downplayed the meaning of the results for Maryland, where their party is more dominant. Read More
MD: Republican Pappas bows out of governor's race
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Mike Pappas, the first Republican to wade into the 2010 gubernatorial contest in Maryland, is dropping out and throwing his support behind another GOP candidate, Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. Read More
MD: Republicans say 'change' issue favors them
WASHINGTON — The second "change" election in a row could add fresh momentum to a heavyweight rematch in Maryland next year between Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley and his Republican predecessor, Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. Read More
ME: Gay rights rebuke may change approach
They had far more money and volunteers, and geography was on their side, given that New England has been more accepting of same-sex marriage than any other region of the country. Read More
ME: High emotion, beliefs drove gay-vows vote Churches crucial in victory of Yes on 1, organizer says
Craig Kramer, of South China, made phone calls and contacted friends to make sure they voted Tuesday, one of hundreds of volunteers who helped defeat gay marriage at the polls. Read More
ME: Marriage form updated for gender neutrality
State officials on Wednesday lamented the unfortunate timing of an updated marriage license form sent recently to Maine municipalities that seemed to be preparing for the same-sex marriage law to be upheld. Read More
ME: What's next with reorganization of schools?
With the prospect of a repeal of the school district consolidation law now behind them, the state Department of Education and the Legislature will be faced with deciding what to do next with the controversial law. Read More
ME: Maine fifth state to allow pot dispensaries
PORTLAND, Maine — Voters approved a referendum making Maine the fifth state to allow retail pot dispensaries, but medical marijuana advocates say it won't become like California, where hundreds of marijuana shops have popped up and come under critical scrutiny. Read More
ME: Urban, rural divide defines differing views on marriage
One day after failing at the polls as the nation watched, supporters of same-sex marriage in Maine said Wednesday they were dispirited but not defeated as they vowed to continue what they regard as a civil rights fight. Read More
MI: Andy Levin named to expanded role as Michigan chief workforce officer
Gov. Jennifer Granholm has given state workforce point person Andy Levin a broader and more prominent role as the state's chief workforce officer. Read More
MI: Funding question keeps 55 state troopers idled
The 55 laid-off State Police troopers who were to return to work next week under terms of the recently passed budget have been told not to report until state officials get a better handle on tax collections, aides to Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Wednesday. Read More
MI: Democrats, GOP spin Mike Nofs' win in 19th District
Republican and Democratic party leaders had vastly different takes on the significance of Tuesday's lopsided victory for the GOP in the state Senate race in the 19th District, which includes all of Calhoun County and most of Jackson County. Read More
MN: Election judges take matters in hand to determine close races
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Though sometimes called instant-runoff voting, it's anything but. Votes are being counted by hand in cases where no one won 50 percent plus one vote. Read More
MN: Ranked-choice voting opponents have day in court
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- A group opposing ranked-choice voting has alleged that the group that pushed for the new voting system in St. Paul used deceptive campaign practices. Read More
MN: Somewhere, the next Jesse Ventura might be waiting
While a large pack of Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates has roamed across Minnesota for months clamoring for attention, the state's third and smallest "major party," the Independence Party, has yet to field a single credible contender. Read More
NC: Senate majority leader to quit
Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, one of North Carolina's most powerful and colorful lawmakers, announced Wednesday that he is resigning from the legislature. Read More
NC: Former legislator's conviction upheld
North Carolina appellate judges have upheld the conviction of former state Rep. Thomas Wright on three counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. Read More
NC: Sen. Hagan drops backing for judge
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A state judge ruled in favor of a company that includes U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan's husband a week after she recommended that judge for a possible lifetime federal appointment. Read More
NC: N.C. has 2 up for Court of Appeals
WASHINGTON -- The nomination of two North Carolina judges to the nation's second-highest court could further a leftward push by President Barack Obama in shaping the federal judicial system. The confirmations also would give North Carolina the sort of heft on the court sought for years by the state's legal community and its senators in Washington. Read More
NE: Nebraskans eager to trim budget
Any Nebraskans worth their corn husks will tell you who needs to start at quarterback for the Husker football team. And they're full of ideas on how to wrest the state out of its sticky, $334 million budget problem, judging from e-mails sent to reporters and to a state senator's Web site. Read More
NE: Special session to cut Nebraska budget begins
The Legislature started its budget-cutting special session Wednesday with one new senator and seven bills designed to deal with a $334 million shortfall in the $6.9 billion, two-year state budget. Read More
NH: Legislature won't furlough workers
House Speaker Terie Norelli says the legislative branch won't need to lay off or furlough any workers to comply with a mandate to save money. Read More
NJ: Christie pledges fight on taxes and business rules
Governor-elect Christopher J. Christie of New Jersey, basking in praise from Republicans who hailed him as the party's new star, said Wednesday that he would move quickly to suspend new regulations on business and find ways to lower crushing property taxes, the nation's highest. Read More
NJ: How Corzine failed to connect
In many ways, it seemed like a perfect fit. Jon S. Corzine, one of the most liberal members of the U.S. Senate, came to Trenton in 2006 to lead one of the most liberal states in the nation. Read More
NJ: Inability to lower taxes helped cost Gov. Corzine his job
TOMS RIVER, N.J. -- In the end, Republican Chris Christie was propelled into the New Jersey governorship by the same force that pushed him so far ahead in early polls in the year-long campaign: angry, widespread resentment over the state's finances, especially the property taxes that incumbent Jon S. Corzine was elected promising to cut. Read More
NJ: Corzine's reelection bid nearly abandoned as White House concerns grew
It was the great urban legend of the campaign: With the White House worried, a frustrated Governor Corzine was having second thoughts and came close to aborting his re-election bid. Read More
NJ: Daggett loss accents two-party dominance
As Chris Daggett supporters washed away defeat with drinks and good cheer in the post-concession hours Tuesday night, two Rutgers student volunteers sat at a table inside the campaign's Dolce Hotel headquarters in Basking Ridge, N.J., pondering the big picture. Read More
NJ: GOP -- Christie election a sign to drop health care, climate initiatives
Chris Christie's defeat of Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine in New Jersey was a sign voters want Congress to drop controversial health care and climate change bills and focus instead on the economy, Republicans in Washington argued Wednesday. Read More
NJ: Christie urges bipartisanship
A day after becoming the first Republican in a dozen years to capture the Statehouse, Governor-elect Chris Christie on Wednesday went to the Democratic bastion of Newark and urged bipartisanship after a divisive campaign. Read More
NJ: Christie sets sights on property taxes
Chris Christie said he will lower New Jersey's notoriously high property taxes, not with a "silver bullet," but by following the deliberate approach voters approved — a mix of spending checks and more shared services. Read More
NJ: Election upsets alter political landscape
It was politics as usual in many local and legislative races as incumbents prevailed, but challengers' victories in Hopewell Township, Trenton, Lawrence and Hopewell Borough could lead to some serious shake-ups. Read More
NJ: A capital idea for a party
It may seem like arcane trivia to some, but this year, it's reason to party. Read More
NM: GOP targets Denish on stimulus funds
State Republicans on Wednesday attacked Lt. Gov. Diane Denish for using thousands of dollars in federal funds to hire public information officers who were paid not only for organizing news conferences and writing news releases and speeches, but for working on Christmas cards, driving Denish to meetings and picking her up at the airport. Read More
NM: PRC polls workers on ethics issues
One of state government's most scandal-ridden agencies recently asked employees to fill out an ethics survey as part of an "ongoing self examination as an agency." Read More
NM: Denish, running for governor, steps into budgetary fray
Anyone interpreting Republican victories in New Jersey and Virginia's governor's races Tuesday as a harbinger of a GOP upset next year in New Mexico, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has a ready reply. Read More
NV: Plates honor fallen soldiers
Gov. Jim Gibbons on Monday will present the state's first Gold Star license plates to the parents of two soldiers killed in action in Iraq. Read More
NY: Cuomo targets Intel for global 'campaign of illegal conduct'
The Attorney General charges the world's largest chip-fab with engaging in broad-based bribery and coercion to maintain its market position in a new antitrust lawsuit. Read More
NY: Some N.Y. voters uncomfortable with new system
Change isn't always easy, and that came through this week in the comments of voters who marked paper ballots and scanned them into machines, rather than the old-fashioned way of pulling mechanical levers, election officials said. Read More
NY: Election results a warning for incumbents heading into 2010
Voters on Tuesday elected Republican challengers in many county races across the state, a sign of widespread displeasure with high taxes in the suburbs and an anti-incumbent backlash, political leaders and experts said. Read More
OH: Analysis -- Casinos finally hit payoff
By spending $50 million -- or about $30 per "yes" vote -- backers of Issue 3 financed a top-shelf campaign to persuade Ohio voters by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent to amend the state constitution and permit four casinos to operate in the state. Read More
OH: Ohio's voter turnout rebounds
With a hotly contested casino issue and two other statewide issues on Tuesday's ballot, more than 40 percent of registered Ohio voters cast ballots, unofficial results show. Read More
OH: Ohio voters approve 81% of library levies
In Tuesday's election, Ohioans in most cases did what Gov. Ted Strickland and state lawmakers would not do -- support local libraries, mental health-related services and public children's agencies. Read More
PA: Republicans have reason to crow about Tuesday
Was it only a year ago that, on the day after an election, Republican State Chairman Robert A. Gleason Jr. said he had never felt so glum about GOP prospects in Pennsylvania? Read More
PA: GOP had a good day in Pennsylvania
Republican candidates' robust showings across Pennsylvania Tuesday raised GOP hopes for the next year's state and congressional elections. Read More
PA: Election trends seem to favor Republicans, but sample very small
While Democrats and Republicans sought to spin the results of Tuesday's elections in their favor, political observers say the results of races across Pennsylvania and the country show an electorate fed up with the status quo. Read More
PA: Women begin to dominate state appellate courts
She faced a 1.2 million voter registration deficit and snared significantly less in campaign contributions than her opponent. Read More
SC: Ethics Commission awaits response from Gov. Mark Sanford
State Ethics Commission officials are waiting on a response from Gov. Mark Sanford before wrapping up their investigation of the governor, an official said Wednesday. Read More
SC: Barrett presses rivals on detainee issue
U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett found out Wednesday his Republican rivals for governor are willing to disagree even when they agree on an issue - housing terrorism suspects in Charleston. Read More
TN: TN legislators may scrap $70M biofuels project
State lawmakers say they might pull the plug on a University of Tennessee effort to produce ethanol from switchgrass, after school officials said it has changed business partners, scaled down production and now plans to start out using corncobs, not switchgrass. Read More
TX: Senator -- No fed money for US-China wind project
WASHINGTON — A Democratic senator is calling on the Obama administration to reject an expected request for federal economic stimulus money as part of a $1.5 billion West Texas wind energy project because he says it will generate Chinese, not American, jobs. Read More
TX: Texans tweak their constitution, yet again
For the 467th time, Texans voted on Tuesday to modify the state's constitution, approving 11 changes on issues including beach access, property rights and university finances. But that doesn't mean all the voters were quite sure what they were approving. Read More
US: As GOP celebrates wins, internal ideological battles remain
A rebounding Republican Party is savoring victories in two states that President Obama won last year, but as it tries to build momentum toward what GOP Chairman Michael S. Steele called a "Republican renaissance," it faces troubling ideological fissures within its ranks over how best to reclaim power. Read More
US: Energized G.O.P. looking to avoid an intraparty feud
WASHINGTON — Republicans emerged from Tuesday's elections energized by victories in Virginia and New Jersey, but their leaders immediately began maneuvering to avoid a prolonged battle with conservative activists over what the party stands for and how to regain power. Read More
US: Democrats to use election to push agenda in Congress
WASHINGTON — Blaming election setbacks on a drop in voter enthusiasm, Congressional Democrats said Wednesday that losses in governors' races in Virginia and New Jersey — and a striking House win in New York — should give new urgency to their legislative agenda, including a sweeping health care overhaul. Read More
UT: Shurtleff drops out of U.S. Senate race
Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff stunned Utah politicians Wednesday by abruptly dropping out of the U.S. Senate race, saying he needs time to work with his daughter who is struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Read More
UT: State agencies warned to pinch pennies
Legislative budget leaders issued a broad warning to state agencies to pinch pennies in light of the larger-than-forecast revenue shortfall that seems to be emerging from the latest tax collection data. Read More
UT: Herbert names influential Dem as senior adviser
Gov. Gary Herbert says he's had enough with the bickering and incivility and relentless contentiousness suffocating debate over Utah's land and energy resource use. Read More
VA: GOP comes back in North Virginia
FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- When Charlie Ambrus was asked why he, as a lifelong Democrat and enthusiastic Obama voter, stumped for a Republican candidate for the state legislature this fall, he answered simply: "She came to my door." Read More
VA: McDonnell team rose to challenge in darkest hour
In a 15-hour RV swing through Northern Virginia in late August, there wasn't really time for Robert F. McDonnell, the Republican candidate for governor, to stop along a residential street in West Springfield. Read More
VA: McDonnell announces transition committee
In his first day as governor-elect, Bob McDonnell yesterday announced his transition committee leaders, including Tom Farrell, chairman and CEO of the state's largest utility, Dominion Resources. Read More
VA: McDonnell plans transition, says Obama called him
Hours after his landslide election victory, sleep-deprived Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell on Wednesday fielded congratulatory phone calls from well-wishers including President Barack Obama before meeting with a horde of reporters wanting to know his transition plans and what the Republican dominance on election night portends. Read More
VA: Va. Republicans pledge to steer toward center
RICHMOND, Va. -- Despite winning the governor's race by a 17-percentage point blowout, Virginia Republicans insisted Wednesday that they had gained no broad mandate and would make their top priority the pragmatic platform that drove voters to the polls. Read More
WA: Referendum 71 margin of approval increases slightly
The narrow lead in votes to approve Referendum 71 widened slightly with the latest tally released by the Secretary of State's Office. Read More
WA: Gay-rights support stops at Cascades
Every county east of the Cascades rejected Referendum 71 — some by resounding margins. Read More
WA: Like a natural disaster, without the upside
When an economic engine like Boeing snubs your state on your watch, there's not much for a governor like Chris Gregoire to do. Read More
WI: Thomas gets new term on Wis. outdoors board
STEVENS POINT, Wis. -- Christine Thomas, the dean of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's College of Natural Resources, has been given another six-term on the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. Read More
WI: Obama -- Use stimulus dollars to make education America's 'national mission'
On the anniversary of last year's historic election, President Barack Obama on Wednesday told an audience of more than 600 at Madison's Wright Middle School that he wanted to use more than $4 billion in federal incentives to "make education America's national mission." Read More
WI: Wis. committee meets on lawmaker's expulsion
The Assembly Special Committee on Ethics and Standards of Conduct must recommend whether the full body should kick Rep. Jeff Wood out. Read More
WI: Obama focuses on education in Madison
After a year in office primarily spent trying to rescue the economy, President Barack Obama went back to school on the anniversary of his election Wednesday, telling America that states must now focus on reforming education to ensure a strong economic future. Read More
WI: No talk of governorship with Obama, Barrett says
The Democrats are still looking for a single major candidate to enter the 2010 governor's race. Read More
WV: W.Va. officials: Too soon to tell impact of Ohio casino vote
West Virginia officials know Ohio casinos won't be good for the Mountain State's budget, but they say it's too soon to put a dollar amount on the damage. Read More
WV: West Virginia Casinos Aren't Worried — Yet
WHEELING, W.V. -- Officials at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort and at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack said they don't expect any roulette wheels to spin at proposed Ohio casinos for at least two years. Read More
WV: State-run hospital named for ex-W.Va. lawmaker
BECKLEY, W.Va. -- A state-run hospital in Beckley has been renamed in honor of a former Raleigh County lawmaker. Read More
WY: Tea Party brigade holds rally in Cheyenne
Hundreds gathered in front of the State Capitol on Tuesday as the Tea Party Express II held a rally to inspire local conservative voters to action. Read More |
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