A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Tuesday, March 30, 1999

Today's special state Senate election in Minnesota farm country may be an early indication on whether Gov. Jesse Ventura can tap his cult of personality to help elect fellow Reform Party candidates. Setting the goal of having 10 to 12 Reform Party members in the state legislature after the 2000 elections, Ventura campaigned with Reform Party candidate Terry Anderson.

"McConnell's threats and innuendoes only inspire me." – Former U.S. Rep. Scotty Baesler, on word that Sen. Mitch McConnell will personally fight Baesler's run to regain his seat. (Lexington Herald-Leader, March 30)

• Senate Race Seen as Test of Reform Party Popularity (The Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn., March 28)

Amid Power Fight, Alabama Lt. Gov. Urinates at Desk
Southern politicians just ain't what they used to be. Alabama Lt. Gov. Steve Windom (R) is embroiled in a parliamentary rules battle in which he was afraid to leave his seat as leader of the Democratic state Senate. After many hours, that fear translated into Windom giving into his need to relieve: He urinated in a jug hidden underneath the presiding officer's podium. Such an unseemly act was not needed in 1957 when Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) – the dean of Southern politicos – contained himself during his 1957 record-setting filibuster of 24 hours and 18 minutes.
• Leader Urinates at Desk to Retain Power (USA Today, March 29)
• Dems May Try to Oust Windom (Mobile Register, March 29)

Baesler May Run for His Former House Seat
Kentucky Democrat Scotty Baesler, who gave up his House seat to pursue a losing Senate bid against former Republican congressman Jim Bunning, said he will likely run for his old seat against incumbent Republican Rep. Ernie Fletcher. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell said he'll be waiting to help defeat Baesler.
• Baesler, Mulling Run in 6th, Says He Relishes Bout With McConnell (The Lexington Herald-Leader, March 30)

Gingrich Outlines Return to Political Arena
During his first home-district political appearance since resigning from Congress, Newt Gingrich said he will begin making national speaking engagements this fall to promote his vision for the Republican Party. Gingrich also has a book due out early next year.
• Gingrich Wants to Move GOP With His Priorities (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 30)

In Election Year, Louisiana's Foster Lays Lengthy Plans
Known for his short speeches, Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster took 45 minutes to outline his election-year agenda to the state legislature on Tuesday. Foster, one of the most popular governors in the country, is running for reelection.
• Foster Touts Package of Legislative Items to Start New Session (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., March 30)
• Jim Hunt Runs With Big Dogs (The News & Observer, March 30)

Calif. Democrats Urge Davis to End Fight for Immigrant Law
At the end of their annual convention, some California Democrats were urging Gray Davis, the first Democratic governor since 1983, to abandon what was a Republican-lead state legal battle in favor of a successful 1994 initiative that prohibits giving state services to illegal immigrants.
• Democrats Urge Davis to Drop Prop. 187 Cause (Los Angeles Times, March 29)
• Bradley Skips State Gathering (Los Angeles Times, March 29)

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