Washingtonpost.com: State of Play



	State of Play Archive Early Returns Campaigns Section

Connecticut: Has Governor Offered Challenger a Job?

State Capital Strategies
Friday, Oct. 23, 1998

Gov. John Rowland (R) reportedly has offered Rep. Barbara Kennelly, his Democratic challenger, a position in his administration. Rowland suggested Kennelly's interest in child safety would make her a top candidate to head Connecticut's Department of Children and Families. While Kennelly is languishing far behind Rowland in the polls, she has declined to comment on the offer. In other Connecticut races, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D), Comptroller Nancy Wyman (D) and Secretary of State candidate Susan Bysiewicz (D) are leading their GOP challengers. Republicans continue to target state Senate races in their bid to take control of the chamber.
• Key Race: Connecticut Governor

More State Political News From:
Alabama | Kansas | New York

Alabama: Governor In Trouble as Challenger Builds Lead

The campaign of Gov. Fob James (R-Ala.) is showing signs of wear and worry as Democratic challenger Don Siegelman builds a substantial lead. While the race remains competitive, Siegelman, the lieutenant governor, is dominating the policy debate. James, for example, ended up supporting a Siegelman proposal, announcing he would establish state scholarships for students in the Alabama Scholars program.

James announced his plan as Siegelman continues to push a state lottery to fund state-paid tuition for both college students and students wanting to attend junior college and trade schools. James said a lottery would bring casino gambling to the state.
• Key Race: Alabama Governor

Kansas: Speaker's Battle is Season's Best Political Offering

The GOP may pick up several seats in the Kansas House, but sources say the speaker's job is the best battle. Candidates include Rep. Susan Wagle (R), the speaker pro tem, and Rep. Robin Jennison. (R), the majority leader. Wagle, the more socially conservative of the two, wants to be the first woman speaker. Jennison, a self-proclaimed fiscal conservative, took a visible antiabortion position but avoided building a career on just one issue. The Kansas House speaker chooses the members of committees, including chairs.

New York: Parole Board Official Facing Perjury Charges

A veteran member of the New York State Parole Board has been indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, accused of repeatedly lying to a grand jury. Sean McSherry faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the obstruction charge and up to five years on each of six perjury charges and one charge of making a false statement. Police are also investigating the parole commission's release of armed robber John Kim. According to officials conducting a federal grand jury probe into governor's fund-raising operations, Kim was released following an April 1995 contribution of $1,000 to Gov. Pataki's campaign that his father arranged.
• Elections Guide: New York Governor

Back to the top