A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Monday, April 26, 1999

Texas Republicans are fighting a hate crimes bill that was meant to honor James Byrd Jr., the black Texas man who was dragged to his death by two white men. They are opposed to a provision in the bill that would include homosexuals under the provisions of the hate crimes law. Even if it did pass, Gov. George W. Bush (R) said he would not likely sign it.

"Here's the problem: Americans don't like politics. So when they get on the Web, politics is the last thing they want to read." – GOP consultant Frank Luntz, on campaign Web sites. (The Washington Post, April 26)

• Hate-Crimes Bill on Its Way to House Floor (Austin American-Statesman, April 26)
• Hate-Crimes Law Favored in State Poll (The Dallas Morning News, April 26)
• Hate Crimes on the Rise in North Carolina (The State, Columbia, S.C., April 26)

Richardson Mentioned as Democratic VP
Talk around New Mexico is that Energy Secretary Bill Richardson may be on the short list of candidates to be Vice President Gore's running-mate. The bilingual Richardson would boost Gore's position in the Hispanic community.
• Richardson Mentioned As Possible VP Candidate (The Albuquerque Journal, April 25)

Conservative GOP Candidates Gather in Calif.
Without front-runners George W. Bush and Elizabeth Hanford Dole, conservative presidential candidates Gary Bauer, Steve Forbes and Bob Smith debated this weekend at the three-day convention of the California Republican Assembly.
• GOP Challengers Reject Moderation As Faithful Meet (San Francisco Chronicle, April 26)

New York Congressman May Have Primary Challenge
Political opponents within his own party are taking aim at the congressional seat held by Democrat Joseph Crowley. Some New York City officials regard as undemocratic the quick manner in which Crowley was named the replacement for former congressman Thomas J. Manton (D).
• Political Heir Has Enemies in Own Party (The New York Times, April 26, registration required)

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