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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Tuesday, May 4, 1999

If California is the ATM of presidential politics, where candidates withdraw cash and walk on, then Iowa and New Hampshire are the high-stakes poker tables where campaigns ante up their fortunes. The good news for residents of those states is that no matter which candidate comes away with the nomination, the house is always ahead at the end of the night.

"I may announce for the Senate in Arkansas. Given the experience of the last several years, maybe they would elect me." – New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, on Hillary Rodham Clinton, his potential opponent in next year's Senate race. (The New York Times, May 4, registration required)

• Retail Politics is Key in N.H. (San Jose Mercury News, May 3)
• Campaigns Bring Net Gains to Iowa (Des Moines Register, May 3)
• Bush Shows Fund-Raising Strength (Des Moines Register, May 3)

Most Californians Say Politics Is Bogus
Most Californian's couldn't care less about the daily politics of their state, according to a new poll. Forty percent of adults say they follow government and public affairs "most of the time." In the 18- to 29-year-old range, the interest drops to 35 percent.
• Californians' Interest in Government Plunges (The Sacramento Bee, May 3)

Florida Education Chief Eyes Senate Seat
Florida Education Commissioner Tom Gallagher said Monday that he has established an exploratory committee in anticipation of a Republican bid for the Senate seat held by retiring Democrat Connie Mack.
• Education Commissioner Eyes Mack's U.S. Senate Seat (The St. Petersburg Times, May 4)

Sen. Levin Blasts 'Bumper-Sticker Logic' of NRA
Michigan Sen. Carl Levin raised his profile on anti-gun measures Monday when he promised to speak out against guns weekly in the Senate.
• Senator Urges Public to Fight NRA (Detroit Free Press, May 4)

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