LEGI-SLATE
Friday, Jan. 29, 1999

The Clintons and the Doles aren't the only power couples in politics. North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer (R) may be in the governor's mansion well into the millennium, but it could be as First Man. Schafer reportedly is considering a reelection bid in 2000, but if he doesn't, his wife, Nancy, is rumored to be mulling over a bid of her own. Neither Schafer has commented publicly on either possible candidacy. The governorship has been a key focus in the Schafers' married life; the couple got engaged 10 days before he was elected in 1992 and were married two days after he took office.

Florida: Let the Sun Shine – From Both Sides of the Aisle

The state's online legislative information system, Online Sunshine, will have a little spice this session: partisan speeches from both sides. House Democratic Leader Les Miller said he discovered GOP speeches on the site's index in addition to the usual bevy of Florida legislative agendas, committee minutes and bill information from several capitol reporters. Upset his party's views weren't included, he went to Speaker John Thrasher (R) to make sure Democratic speeches were added too.

Georgia: Insurance Official Rankled by Governor's Proposal

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine (R) is upset over a plan by Gov. Roy Barnes (D) to cut $330,000 out of his budget to fund a new consumer insurance office. Oxendine's office already has a consumer affairs division, but Barnes evidently has taken heed of press reports about Oxendine's love of industry contributions – and the relationship between those contributions and auto insurance rate hikes. While rates have been falling in many states, Oxendine approved more than 100 separate increases over the past four years. Barnes wants a new office, staffed by lawyers he chooses, to represent consumers when companies seek rate increases.

Pennsylvania: Republicans Look to 2000

Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker (R) is said to be considering a possible gubernatorial bid in 2002 to replace term-limited Gov. Tom Ridge (R). Other potential Republicans include State Treasurer Barbara Hafer and Attorney General Mike Fisher. Democrats will have a harder time fielding a candidate; the 1998 nominee was state Sen. Ivan Itkin (D), and state Auditor General Bob Casey Jr. (D) is also a strong possibility.

Utah: Salt Lake City Mayor Steps Away From Third Term

Salt Lake City Mayor Deedee Corradini (R) announced Jan. 11 that she will not seek a third term. Corradini said she decided not to run for another four-year term because she wanted to return to private life, but observers speculate that the growing Olympic controversy affected her decision. Three Democrats reportedly are eyeing the race, including state House Minority Leader Dave Jones, attorney Rocky Anderson and former county commissioner Jim Bradley. Republican contenders are expected to come forward shortly, given Salt Lake City's majority of Republican voters and the worldwide attention the 2002 Winter Olympics will bring.