A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Thursday, February 25, 1999

It's a good thing Austin is getting a new airport. Fans of Gov. George W. Bush (R) are wearing out the runway with their frequent visits to meet the unannounced Republican presidential candidate. A Colorado delegation met with Bush on Wednesday, with North Carolina Republicans scheduled to fly in on Monday.

"They’re not going to have much of a defense on what little bit I sent them." – Louisiana State University anthropology professor Miles Richardson, on his $50 donation to President Clinton's legal defense fund. (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, Feb. 25) .

• Cheering Bush On (The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 25)
• Looking to Texas for Candidate (The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C., Feb. 25)
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (opening May 1999)

Bush had to leave Texas to meet with Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and ask for his support. Grassley said he wouldn't endorse any candidate until October at the earliest.
• Bush Seeks an Ally in Iowa (The Des Moines Register, Feb. 25)

Western States Ready for Clinton Tour
President Clinton will begin his work-and-play tour of Western states today with stops in Tucson, Ariz., and San Francisco. His visit to California is his 44th during his tenure in office and first since his acquittal.
• Clinton to Speak to Tucson Crowd Today (The Arizona Republic, Feb. 25)
• Clinton Coming to Raise Cash for Democrats (San Francisco Chronicle, Feb. 25)

While Clinton continues to raise money for Democratic candidates, his own legal defense fund is doing well. Of the $4.5 million he has raised, $13,418 came from Louisiana. New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Willie Roaf donated $5,000.
• 143 La. Residents Contributed $13,418 to Clinton Legal Defense Fund (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, Feb. 25)

Congress 2000: Candidates Undecided About Key Senate Races
While New Jersey Gov. Christie Todd Whitman (R) and Michigan former governor Jim Blanchard (D) appear to be headed for Senate campaigns, incumbent Connie Mack (R-Fla.) may not.
• Sights Set on Senate (The Times, Trenton, N.J., Feb. 19)
• Blanchard May Lead Assault Against Vulnerable Abraham (The Detroit News, Feb. 21)
• Sen. Mack Undecided on 3rd Term (The Miami Herald, Feb. 24)

Congress 2000: Carolinas Get Congressional Candidates
Jess Ward, a town council member in Cary, N.C., said he would seek the Republican nomination for the 4th District seat now held by Democrat David Price.
• Novice Cary Councilman Jess Ward Says He'll Run for Congress in 2000 (The News & Observer, Feb. 24)

In South Carolina's 1st District, Democratic activist Andy Brack said he will run for the seat being vacated by Republican Mark Sanford, who is retiring at the end of this term.
• Charleston Democrat "Pondering" (The Daily News, Charleston, S.C., Feb. 24)

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