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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Thursday, February 4, 1999

Former agriculture secretary Mike Espy said Wednesday he would announce his future political plans by the end of the week. He has expressed interest in running for lieutenant governor of Mississippi, and Rev. Jesse Jackson has touted Espy as a possible challenger to Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) in 2000.

"Jeez, look at them kids. I love it." – Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, after being shown a new poll which indicates that 85 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds approve of the job he is doing. (The Star-News,, Minneapolis, Feb. 4)

• Espy to Announce His Plans for Future This Week (The Sun-Herald, Biloxi, Miss., Feb. 4)

First Lady Closer to Senate Bid
The chair of the New York Democratic Party said the odds have increased that Hillary Clinton will run for the seat of retiring Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D) in 2000. She said there now is a 50-50 chance that the first lady will run.
• Democratic Leader Says Hillary Clinton Mulling Senate Run (The Times Union, Albany, Feb. 4)

Gambling Efforts Move Forward in Three States
Efforts by Democrats have advanced the cause of gambling in Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina this week. The South Carolina Senate passed a measure allowing residents to vote on whether to adopt a lottery to help fund education. A North Carolina Democrat introduced a similar bill, which was killed in the state Senate last year. Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas Finneran appeared to soften his opposition to casinos in remarks he made this week.
• 'Historic' Lottery Plan Clears Senate Hurdle (The State, Columbia, S.C., Feb. 3)
• Optimistic Rand Introduces Lottery Bill (The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C., Feb. 3)
• Casinos Hope Finneran Showing His Hand (The Boston Globe, Feb. 3)

Ryan Thornburg can be reached at ryan.thornburg@washingtonpost.com