A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Tuesday, April 20, 1999

On Hillary Clinton's latest foray into New York, the potential Empire State Senate candidate finally fielded a few questions from the press corps that pundits say could be the prime reason she won't end up running. Known for its tough treatment of public figures, the Gotham reporters tossed five softballs at the first lady: Two questions on Kosovo and three about the likelihood of her potential candidacy.

"New York is truly a microcosm of America. It's got everything from our biggest, most dynamic city to rural areas that produce some crops you might be surprised are grown right here in New York." – Hillary Clinton, on why she likes New York state. (The Washington Post, April 20)

• Hillary Clinton Begins Noncampaign Swing (The New York Times, April 20, registration required)
• Hil Tells Why She's Eying a Run for Senate (Daily News, April 20)
• Hillary's In NY State Of Mind (Newsday, April 20)
• N.Y. Run May Mean Hillary Heartbreak (The New York Post, April 20)
• Margolick: To Beat Hillary, Draft Bibi (The New York Post, April 20)
• Peyser: She Makes Meryl & Me Nervous at Lunch (The New York Post, April 20)
• Hubbell Touts Hillary Clinton for Senate (Times Union, Albany, April 20)

Arrested Texas Protestors Decry Change in 'Rules' Outside Bush Home
After Texas state troopers arrested four protestors outside the Governor's Mansion on Monday, Gov. George W. Bush said "the rules have changed" for use of sidewalks in front of the mansion where the Republican presidential candidate lives.
• Pickets Arrested at Governor's Mansion (The Dallas Morning News, April 20)

In Denver on Monday, 200 Bush supporters rallied on the steps of the state capitol.
• 200 rally for Bush (The Rocky Mountain News, April 120)

Charlotte Court Battle Could End Busing in City Where It Began
A federal court case examining the future of mandated busing for students in the Charlotte-Mecklenberg school district began Monday in Charlotte, N.C. History is expected to play a role in the case -- legally-mandated desegregation efforts began with a Charlotte court case in 1969.
• Rallies, Prayers Open Historic Case (The Charlotte Observer, April 20)

Washington State Lawmakers Move Primary to Feb. 29
Washington became the most recent state to set an earlier schedule for its 2000 presidential primary Monday when legislators moved the date from March 21 to Feb. 29.
• State Moves Primary Date up to Feb. 29 (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 20)

Mississippi: Jackson Rallies; Edwards Can't Be Co-Counsel
Democratic activist Jesse Jackson continued his voter registration drive through Mississippi on Monday with a rally at Biloxi's Moss Point High School.
• Crusader Registers Hundreds to Vote (The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss., April 20)

Former Democratic governor Edwin Edwards can't serve as his own co-counsel in a federal corruption case, the judge ruled on Monday. Edwards still has the option of representing himself on his own.
• Ex-Governor Must Make Choice (The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss., April 20)

Looper Won't Face Death in Killing of Political Opponent
Former Tennessee senate candidate Byron (Low Tax) Looper won't face the death penalty if he is convicted of killing state Sen. Tommy Burks last October.
• Prosecutors Don't Seek Looper Execution (The Tennessean, Nashville, April 20)

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