A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 1998

Down-ballot races have been relatively untouched by the pressure to begin expensive television campaigns early in the campaign season. But in Illinois, Republican state comptroller candidate Harry Seigle has vowed to spend an unprecedented $250,000 on TV ads in March.

Seigle's plans are surprising, especially in a primary election in which there are no raging issues. The primary is set for March 17.

"You can't run to the left and the right." – Moderate GOP state Sen. Roy Terwilliger, who dropped out of the Iowa governors race on Tuesday. (The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Feb. 24)

Candidate's TV Ads Defy State Routine (The Chicago Tribune, Feb. 25)

Colorado Senate Approves Broncos' Stadium
After two Democrats changed their position on a bill to raise revenue for a new football stadium for the Denver Broncos, the Colorado state Senate narrowly passed the measure Tuesday. The House must still approve the plan to increase the statewide taxpayer burden from $180 million to $266 million. Colorado residents would then vote on the issue in November.
Senate Backs $266 Million Subsidy (Rocky Mountain News, Feb. 25)
Stadium Bill Revives, Passes (The Denver Post, Feb. 25)

Arizona's McCain Opposes Affirmative Action – Sort Of
Speaking to Hispanic leaders Tuesday, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said that while he does not favor race-based hiring quotas, he opposes measures to repeal them.
McCain Blasts Affirmative-Action Ban (The Arizona Republic, Feb. 25)

Detroit Lawmaker May Be First Expelled From State Senate
Michigan state Sen. Henry Stallings (D) faces almost certain expulsion from the state legislature after pleading guilty last month to funnelling state tax money to his private art gallery. Stallings would become the first Michigan state senator to be kicked out.
Senator Stallings Faces Ouster (Detroit News, Feb. 25)

Minn., Iowa: Candidates Drop Out of Governors Races
Republican state Sen. Roy Terwilliger dropped out of the Minnesota governor's race Tuesday, after polls showed him with the support of 4 percent of likely voters. Lt. Gov. Joanne Benson, St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman and 1994 GOP gubernatorial candidate Allen Quist remain in the race for the Republican nomination.

In Iowa, Lt. Gov. Joy Corning decided Monday not to seek the Republican nomination for governor. The three remaining GOP candidates are former U.S. Rep. Jim Ross Lightfoot, businessman David Oman, and Secretary of State Paul Pate.
Republican Terwilliger Drops Out of Governor's Race (Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn., Feb. 25)
Corning Won't Seek GOP Gubernatorial Nomination (The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Feb. 24)