A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

Nine new GOP senators rode an anti-Washington wave into office during the "Republican revolution" of 1994, solidifying their party's control over both chambers of Congress. But six years later, the political landscape has shifted. The staunch conservative movement has slowed, and Democrats are eager to send the more vulnerable freshman lawmakers back home.

Some of the senators, such as Missouri's John Ashcroft and Michigan's Spencer Abraham, have toned down the conservatism and moved closer to the political center. Others, like Minnesota's Rod Grams, have wavered little in their views since being elected. Says Grams, "You're elected on the promises you make and reelected on the promises you keep."

"This is human waste. I'm very uneasy about that." A Los Angeles-area homeowner, on a new "toilet-to-tap" water purification and recycling project proposed by local officials. (Los Angeles Daily News, Apr. 16) "The water is safe." Thomas Erb, a Los Angeles public works official, responding to inquiries on the project. (Los Angeles Daily News, Apr. 18)

• Revolution Fades for GOP's Class of 1994
(Los Angeles Times, Apr. 19)
• Profile: Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.)
• Profile: Sen. John Ashcroft (R-Mo.)
• Profile: Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio)
• Profile: Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.)
• Profile: Sen. Rod Grams (R-Minn.)
• Profile: Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.)
• Profile: Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Penn.)
• Profile: Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)
• Profile: Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.)

By George, It's Another Bush Boy
His father is the governor of Florida and his uncle, who's running for president of the United States, is the governor of Texas. His grandfather, of course, has already been the president, and his great-grandfather was a senator. Does 23-year old George P. Bush plan to carry on his family's political dynasty?
• A Young George, P., on the Political Stage
(The New York Times, Apr. 18; registration required)

Early Returns Week in Review
Monday: Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) vetoed an abortion bill he helped Republican lawmakers craft; Michigan Gov. John Engler (R) tries to redeem George W. Bush's primary loss by taking on House Minority Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.).
• Minn. Governor Vetoes Abortion Bill (April 17)

Tuesday: Planning for all possibilities as this summer's Democratic convention approaches, L.A. police officers observe a case study in protesters; GOP lawmakers in Minnesota react angrily to Ventura's veto; Massachusetts gun dealers take aim at regulations.
• D.C. Protest a Case Study for Democratic Convention Prep (April 18)

Wednesday: New York's state Senate approve changes to the Republican Party's archaic presidential primary rules; McCain makes amends for former Confederate flag stance; Vermont lawmakers move civil unions bill forward.
• N.Y. Senate Overhauls GOP Primary Process (April 19)

Thursday: Ohio governor gets hit with ethics questions after disclosing a questionable money scheme; N.H. House Judiciary Committee kicks off impeachment probe of state Supreme Court.
• Gov. Taft, Top Republicans Tainted by Fund-Raising Plan (April 20)

Friday: "Global justice" activists target this summer's political convention cities; N.Y.'s Conservative Party waits on Bush, but not Giuliani; Jesse Jackson joins the S.C. Confederate flag fray.
• Protesters Look at Conventions for Future Disruptions (April 21)