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Nov 5 Elections Could Shadow 2004
No one will watch the Nov. 5 mid-term elections more closely than President Bush, whose own re-election bid in 2004 may hinge in part on how well his Republican colleagues do in this year’s gubernatorial races. The top government job is up for grabs in 36 states, eight of which hold 228 of the 270 […]
Primary Turnout May Prolong Downtrend
This election year may go down in the record books alongside 1998 when states posted an average voter turnout in the primaries of only 17 percent, the worst in U.S. history. Blame it on erosion of trust in political leaders, a decline in civic education and political discourse, busy lives, or whatever you want. Pick […]
McBride Claims Victory in Florida Democratic Primary
Florida election officials have certified Bill McBride as the winner over Janet Reno in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. But Reno is refusing to concede amid continued reports of voting problems and uncounted ballots in Miami-Dade County precincts. McBride, a Tampa lawyer, claimed victory after state election officials informed him late Thursday that he had won […]
Public Health Officials Prep for Bioterror With New Hires
Unemployment is up across the country. Some companies receive up to 400 resumes for each open position. But if you can fight, detect or help plan a response to a bioterrorism attack, you can find work in almost any state. Maryland is looking for microbiologists, lab technicians and a public health preparedness director. Washington State […]
Primaries Set For 11 States
Political candidates across the country are casting an anxious eye toward primary elections today (9/10), as voters in 11 states go to the polls to begin choosing their next slate of state officeholders. Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin all hold primaries in what is […]
Maine Computer Project Engages Students
When they arrive for the first day of school this week, 18,000 Maine seventh graders will find a new laptop computer on their desk, thanks to a state program designed to arm them with the best technological skills in the world. The Maine Learning and Technology Initiative aims at giving young public school students the […]
Driver’s License Changes Test Limits of Civil Liberties
In the nation’s war on terrorism, some drivers license agencies have taken on responsibilities never envisioned. Many public officials now view them as one of the nation’s primary tools for weeding out potential terrorists and identity thieves. It used to be that if you wanted to renew your driver’s license you just showed up at […]
Lt. Governors: Running In the Shadows
You may not know them, but theyre running for governor this year, trying to break out of the shadows cast by long-serving chief executives who, because of term limits or other reasons, arent running for re-election. They are lieutenant governors who have served without much recognition. Seven of them hope to change that on Nov. […]
CORRECTION
In our story on Tuesday’s primaries, we erroneously reported initially that Democratic candidate Kathleen Sebelius would be Kansas’ first woman governor if elected in November. She would be the second. The late Joan Finney, who served from 1991 to 1995, was the first. State primary elections Tuesday gave a big boost to women candidates, raising […]
State Elections Boost Women Candidates
State primary elections Tuesday gave a big boost to women candidates, raising the possibility Michigan could get its first female governor come November. But voters in at least two states rejected new tax initiatives and the candidates pushing them. But voters in at least two states rejected new tax initiatives and the candidates pushing them. […]
State Pension Funds Defy Scandal, Stock Crashes
Has the stock market crisis made you dizzy, like you’ve just stepped off the wildest roller coaster ride of your life? Well, if you’re a retired state worker with a lifestyle tied to the ups and downs of your pension fund, take a deep breath; chances are you’re going to be okay. At least that’s […]
Kansas, Michigan Primaries Define GOP Battle Ground
When voters cast their ballots Tuesday in the Kansas and Michigan primaries, it could be a defining moment for Republicans fighting to maintain their fragile hold on the governors’ offices in those two states. The outcome in the Republican and Democratic primary contests won’t decide the next governor; that won’t happen until the November general […]