A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

John McCain will not go quietly.

At the Arizona Republican Party convention over the weekend, Arizona Sen. John McCain won a two-week political tussle with Gov. Jane Hull (R) over who will lead the state GOP delegation at the Republican National Convention this summer. Hull and her supporters were angered earlier this month upon learning McCain wanted his wife Cindy to take the role often given to state governors. But Hull, who supported McCain rival George W. Bush in the state's presidential primary, stepped aside over the weekend, citing the need for Republicans to find "common ground."

"As far as becoming the next United States Senator, forget it. He never really wanted the job." Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), speaking Sunday on CNN's "Late Edition" about Rudy Giuliani's Senate bid. ("Late Edition," CNN, May 14)

• McCain's Wife to Lead GOP Delegation
(The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Ariz., May 14)

However, in Michigan, the picture is quite different. An angry McCain canceled plans to campaign for state congressional candidates this week after saying Michigan's GOP leaders failed to elect "true McCain activists" to the state delegation. McCain won the Michigan primary, but previously agreed to release some of his delegates to Bush supporters as a show of unity.

• State GOP Snubs McCain
(The Detroit News, May 14)
• McCain Cancels Visit for GOP
(Detroit Free-Press, May 15)

If Giuliani Goes, What About the Money?
As New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (R) struggled over the weekend with whether to remain in the state Senate race against first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (D), a question other than who might replace him arose – what happens to Giuliani's $19 million war chest if he drops out?
• Conflicting Advice at City Hall Complicates Giuliani's Decision
(The New York Times, May 15; registration required)
• Where Would Rudy Funds Go?
(New York Newsday, May 14)

Faced with a sudden uncertainty over their GOP opponent, the first lady's campaign staff is moving to privately assess the strengths and weaknesses of Giuliani's possible replacement.
• Clinton Eyes Race vs. GOP Fill-In
(New York Daily News, May 14)

And while on the subject of first ladies, what comes next for the first lady of New York? Donna Hanover, Giuliani's estranged wife, thanked New Yorkers for their support, while some media mavens say her image as a scorned wife will likely boost her popularity and appeal.
• Donna Will Be in Demand
(New York Post, May 1)

Florio Fights Back in Heated New Jersey Senate Race
Having slipped in the polls and facing a barrage of negative television advertising, former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio (D) used his first televised debate with political novice Jon Corzine (D) to go on the attack last week.
• No KO in Corzine, Florio Debate
(The Times, Trenton, N.J., May 12)
• Florio Goes on the Attack in Debate
(The Record, Bergen, N.J., May 12)
• Some Facts, Like Punches, Miss the Target
(The Star-Ledger, Newark, N.J., May 12)
• Excerpts: Debate by Corzine and Florio
(The New York Times, May 12)

A recently released independent poll shows that Corzine's relentless ad campaign may be paying off – Florio's early lead has disappeared.
• Corzine Pulling Ahead of Florio in Latest Senate Poll
(The Record, Bergen, N.J., May 11)

Though he refutes any correlation between his campaign and charitable donations, Corzine has become a much more giving person – by almost $6 million – since announcing his Senate candidacy.
• Corzine Doubles Charitable Donations
(The Star-Ledger, Newark, N.J., May 12)

In North Carolina, Gov. Hunt Is Sitting Pretty
Sitting on a 68 percent approval rating, North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt (D) is as well-liked in his office now as he's ever been. But in his eighth year of service, Hunt is ineligible to seek reelection, raising the question of how he will parlay that popularity into future endeavors.
• How Will Hunt Use Popularity?
(The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C., May 9)