A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

As Vice President Gore touted his Medicare prescription drug plan on the campaign trail Monday, Florida Sen. Bob Graham (D) was back in Washington attacking Gore's rival, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, for being "AWOL" on the issue. A Graham spokesman said the senator was tapped to carry Gore's message because of Graham's "leadership" on the issue – he has authored his own bipartisan drug plan – though such an action only fuels speculation of how Graham would affect the Democratic ticket as Gore's running mate.

"A Bush birthday celebration always includes dear friends." Laura Bush, in a two-page fundraising letter for the Republican National Committee in which she asks GOP supporters to donate between $54 and $540 in honor of the 54th birthday of her husband, Gov. George W. Bush. • Mrs. Bush Raises Money for Husband (AP, July 3)

• Graham Goes on Attack for Gore
(St. Petersburg Times, July 4)
• Graham: Bush AWOL on Medicare
(Miami Herald, July 4)
• Profile: Sen. Bob Graham

Lazio Rolls on Second Bus Tour
Taking advantage of a congressional recess, Rep. Rick Lazio (R-N.Y.) embarked on a five-day bus tour through New York state, the second such excursion of his Senate campaign. Lazio's opponent, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (D), plans her own upstate tour later this week.
• Lazio Starts Second Bus Tour,
Taking Stands and Some Shots
(The New York Times, July 4)
• Lazio Stresses Health Care
(New York Newsday, July 4)
• More Coverage: N.Y. Senate Race

Third-Party Hopefuls Undaunted in Alabama
Though Alabama produced one of the most well-known, third-party presidential candidates in the last century – political firebrand George C. Wallace – the state is one of the most difficult in the country in which to gain ballot access outside the arms of the Democrat or Republican parties. Nevertheless, as Monday's qualifying deadline passed, state election officials say this year's crop of candidates boasts more independent and third-party choices than ever before.
• State Law Makes Third-Party Ballots Difficult
(The Anniston Star, July 2)
• Third-Party Candidates Surging in State
(The Birmingham News, July 2)

Though the state Supreme Court recently put a nail in the coffin of the controversial video gambling industry in neighboring South Carolina, Alabama lawmakers anxious to expand gambling in the state plan to push for electronic gaming next year.
• Legislators Plan Push for Video Poker
(The Birmingham News, July 2)

Democrats Give GOP a Bye in Two House District Races
Republicans are running unopposed in Colorado's 4th and 5th Congressional Districts, the first time ever that the state Democratic Party has failed to field two candidates simultaneously in House races. One possible explanation: a strong Republican edge in voter registration in those districts.
• Democrats Lack Candidates in 4th, 5th Districts
(The Denver Post, July 3)
• More Coverage: Colorado House Races