A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

With New Jersey's economy booming along with the rest of country, Democratic Senate candidate Jim Florio is running against wealthy former Wall Street honcho Jon Corzine on a surprising campaign platform. Florio, the former governor of a state that currently boasts the second-highest per capita income in the nation, is running against the longtime economic boom with a class-based campaign more associated with a Democrat-versus-Republican race than a Democratic primary.

"I do think that's what Florida is all about – being friendly. And we need a friendly bird." Florida state Rep. Howard Futch, on his unsuccessful, two-year effort to change Florida's state bird from the mockingbird to the scrub jay. (St. Petersburg Times, Mar. 31)

• Senate Hopeful Runs Against the Boom
(The New York Times, Mar. 28)
• Corzine Makes Gain on Florio's Wide Lead
(The Star-Ledger, Newark, N.J., Mar. 30)

The Senate race delved into the realm of "ethnic slurs" this week, as Florio hammered Corzine on unfavorable remarks Corzine allegedly made regarding Italian-Americans.
• Corzine Says He's Sorry
(The Trenton Times, Mar. 31)

S. Dakota Scores Low Marks On Civil Rights
According to a study released by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, racial tensions throughout South Dakota are actually higher than in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. A committee submitted a 15-point improvement plan, but skepticism remains high among minorities hoping for change.
• Panel Wants U.S. Probe, State Summit, Hate-Crime Law
(Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, S.D., Mar. 29)

You Say Gephardt, I Say Gebhardt
Coincidence, or a good ol' political dirty trick? U.S. House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) picked up a last-minute primary challenger in Missouri's 3rd District – a long-time independent but sudden Democratic convert named Richard Gebhardt. But Gebhardt seems more well-known in Republican circles than among Democrats.
• Gephardt Changes Ballot Name to Counter Sound-Alike's Filing
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mar. 29)

The Reform Party's Grand Old Soap Opry
Leadership dysfunction aside, still more problems face the Reform Party – such as, where to hold this summer's national convention. Due to scheduling logistics and a lack of hotel rooms, the party may abandon its Long Beach, Calif., location in favor of the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.
• Reform Party Looking at Nashville for Convention
(The Tennessean, Nashville, Tenn., Mar. 30)

Could 1,600 Wisconsin Residents Be Wrong?
Saying he identifies with Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura as a political outsider, an Elvis impersonator who legally changed his name to Elvis Aron Presley wants to take care of business as mayor of the small town of Phillips, Wisc. Voters will decide on Tuesday.
• His Name is Elvis Aron Presley ... and He Wants to Be Mayor
(Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn., Mar. 28)