A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

Recently, Florida has not been an example of a boisterous democracy, with competitive congressional races a rare occurrence. The 2000 election cycle is no exception – only 14 of the state's 23 U.S. House districts will field major party candidates – though it is a slight improvement over previous elections.

In response to this democratic lethargy, all 23 districts boast write-in candidates this year, the partial result of activists tired of congressional elections being a foregone conclusion. Write-in candidates may have little-to-no chance of success, but according to their supporters, at least the method forces incumbents to face the voters.

"If the shoe fits, wear it." Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, responding to inquiries to name the journalists he refers to as "corrupt, shameless and irresponsible as hell" in a new chapter of the paperback edition of his autobiography. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 26)

• Write-ins Bring Virtual Democracy
(Miami Herald, May 23)
• Nine Florida House Races Will Lack Competition
(Congressional Quarterly, May 15)
• Elections 2000: Florida Races

Cellucci's Ethnic Advantage
Campaign sources for Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) say Gov. Paul Cellucci (R-Mass.) will help build regional coalitions of Italian-American voters for Bush's presidential campaign – a critical task in some mid-Atlantic swing states.
• Bush Looks to Cellucci's Italian Power
(Boston Herald, May 22)
• Profile: Gov. Paul Cellucci

Early Returns Week in Review
Tuesday: With New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani out of the state's Senate race, third-party endorsements fall into place for candidates Rick Lazio (R) and Hillary Clinton (D); Lazio quickly wins the favor of New York Republicans; Connecticut's GOP says there will be no fight for convention delegates between the George W. Bush and John McCain camps.
• Lazio, Clinton Pick Up Key Party Endorsements (May 23)

Wednesday: An expensive television ad war will mark the final weeks of the Senate primary battle between N.J. Democrats Jon Corzine and Jim Florio; In Montana, money is playing a key role in the race for the state's sole U.S. House seat; Gov. Jim Hodges (D-S.C.) says with a flag resolution signed into law, the Confederate controversy should end.
• Expensive TV Ad War Marks Final Weeks of N.J. Senate Race (May 24)

Thursday: Right-wing Republicans are still unhappy with Pennsylvania's Gov. Ridge (R), suggesting his record leans more liberal than conservative; Rep. Charles Taylor (R-N.C.) is targeted by the local collectors for unpaid property taxes; Sen. Rod Grams (R-Minn.) revisits plan to privatize Social Security.
• Conservatives Broaden Criticism of Pa. Gov. Ridge (May 25)

Friday: A Zogby International poll shows Rep. Rick Lazio (R) in a statistical tie with first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) after only one week in the N.Y. Senate race; Washington state Gov. Locke (D) readies for his reelection bid; Nevada Republicans stand by their legislative candidate recruitments.
• In One Week, Lazio Pulls Even With Clinton, Poll Shows (May 26)