A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1998

Oklahoma voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a measure allowing casino gambling in the state. The measure, which had no strong proponents after the DeBartolo Corp. withdrew its support in 1996, failed by a 2-to-1 margin.

Gambling also took a hit in South Carolina, where a key Senate committee recommended a bill banning video poker, a $2 billion state industry. The measure, supported by Gov. David Beasley (R), is expected to prompt a close battle in the full state legislature.

"It's worse than a Bulls' schedule." – unnamed scheduler for an Illinois gubernatorial candidate who faces nine debates before the March 17 primary. (The Chicago Tribune, Feb. 11)

Casinos Beaten by More Than 2-to-1 Margin (The Oklahoman, Feb. 11)
Ban Video Poker, Senate Panel Says (The State, Columbia, S.C., Feb. 11)

Maine Repeals Gay Rights Laws, Fight Expected in Colorado
As activists on both sides of the issue await the Hawaii Supreme Court's ruling on the legality of same-sex marriages, homosexual rights laws are becoming hot issues in several states. Maine voters on Tuesday repealed a law passed by the legislature last year that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation in credit, housing, employment and public accommodations.

In Colorado, lawmakers have introduced a bill that would prohibit the state from recognizing same-sex marriages sanctioned by other states. Democratic Gov. Roy Romer has vetoed two similar bills.

And in Hawaii, where much of the controversy over same-sex marriages has focused, voters will cast ballots this year on a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would allow legislators to prevent same-sex couples from marrying.
Repeal Prevails (Portland Press Herald, Feb. 11)
Gay Marriage Suit in Hawaii Prompts Colorado Legislation (Rocky Mountain News, Feb. 11)
Same Sex Marriages Report (Honolulu Star Bulletin)

Democracy: Everybody Plays, Everybody Wins?
A West Virginia trailer salesman denies allegations that he told potential customers they would be eligible to win a mobile home if they registered to vote. "I work on commission. I'd welcome a Socialist, a Nazi, anyone," the salesman said.
Sign-Up No Trick, Man Says (Charleston (W.Va.) Daily Mail, Feb. 10)

What's Next in Kentucky? Festivus a State Holiday?
In a Kentucky House commission Tuesday, debate raged over whether opportunists would flock to the state if it adopted a higher deposit on recyclables than surrounding states. Cited as evidence: a "Seinfeld" episode in which Kramer and Newman drive to Michigan to strike it rich on bottle deposits.
Assembly Mulls Whether Life Imitates 'Seinfeld' (Lexington Herald-Leader, Feb. 11)