A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Friday, Feb. 20, 1998

From his home computer in Falling Waters, W.Va., Web site creator Dwight Weidman is sparking controversy in the state legislature with an online gossip sheet: the "Berkeley County Republican Journal." Some state Democrats say Weidman's Web site pushes racist and white supremacist views. The Journal's support of West Virginia state Del. John Overington (R) was a topic of much discussion in the House Democratic caucus this week. Two of Overington's Democratic colleagues labeled the delegate a liar with "neo-Nazi" agenda because of the Web site's campaign support. Weidman and Overington say the delegate has had nothing to do with the site.

"Most of the good ol' boys of the Democratic Party have become the good ol' boys of the Republican Party." – New South Carolina state Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian, speaking about the widespread shift of conservative white voters in the South. (The State, Columbia, S.C., Feb. 19)

Web Site Creator Sparking Controversy (Charleston Daily Mail, Feb. 19)

Hillary Clinton on Campaign Trail in Texas
First Lady Hillary Clinton appeared in Texas Thursday with Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Gary Mauro. According to the Mauro campaign, Clinton helped raise $600,000 during several events. Mauro is facing Republican Gov. George W. Bush III, the son of former president George Bush.
Hillary Clinton Brings Mauro Support, Cash, Birthday wishes (Austin American-Statesman, Feb. 20)
First Lady Rallies Dems to Back Mauro Campaign (Houston Chronicle, Feb. 20)

Late-Term Abortion Gets Consideration in States
A late-term abortion procedure called "intact dilation and extraction" that has been at the center of a national controversy is getting the attention of state lawmakers in Iowa and Maryland. The Iowa state House on Wednesday overwhelming voted to support a statewide ban on the procedure, and sent the bill to Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, who is expected to sign it into law. In Maryland, a similar measure is likely to be considered by the full Senate after being killed in committee for the last three years. If the Maryland bill is approved, it could prove politically hazardous to Gov. Parris N. Glendening's reelection bid. Democrat Glendening, one of the most vulnerable incumbent governors in the country, has said he would veto such a measure.
Abortion Restriction to Branstad (The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Feb. 19)
Controversial Abortion Bill May Reach Md. Senate Floor (The Washington Post, Feb. 19)

Livingston Goes From Likely Retiree to Possible Speaker Candidate

Correction Thursday's Early Returns misidentified U.S. Rep. Robert Livingston (R-La.).

U.S. Rep. Robert Livingston's surprise decision Thursday to seek another term might also be the start of the Louisiana Republican's surprise campaign to succeed Newt Gingrich as House speaker. The influential House Appropriations chairman is a loyal Gingrich supporter, but Livingston said the only way he would seek reelection again in 2000 is if he had a shot at becoming speaker himself.
Livingston Says He’d Enjoy Speaker’s Post (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. Feb. 20)
Livingston to Seek 11th Term (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. Feb. 20)

Game Over: States Pulling Plug on Video Poker
Connecticut state House committee on Thursday approved a ban on video poker machines. The South Carolina state Senate may soon vote on a similar bill.
Video Poker Ban Wins (The Union-Leader, Hartford, Conn., Feb. 20)
Senators Gathering Votes for Video Poker Ban (The State, Columbia, S.C., Feb. 20)

Florida Proposal Discourages Absentee Voting
After a Florida state grand jury found widespread opportunities for voter fraud during last November's Miami election, state lawmakers are proposing legislation to discourage the use of absentee ballots.
Legislation Targets Use of Absentee Ballots (The Miami Herald, Feb. 20)

Arkansas' Rep. Berry Will Seek Reelection
U.S. Rep. Marion Berry (D-Ark.) officially announced he will seek a second term from the 1st District. He has no announced opponent from either party.
Rep. Berry Will Seek Re-election (The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Feb. 20)