A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Tuesday, July 6, 1999

The White House is going to be a lonely place this week with the Clintons on the road, each in search of their own political destiny. The president is touring economically-distressed areas, pushing a domestic agenda that could go a long way toward rehabilitating his legacy. Hillary Clinton, who is exploring a campaign for the New York Senate seat, is headed to the Empire State to promote her candidacy.

"In 1992, there was a great man running for president but he didn't compete very hard out here in California." – Texas Gov. George W. Bush, on his father's failed reelection bid. (Los Angeles Times, July 6))

The big question surrounding the first lady's bid is whether she can withstand the harsh New York tabloids. On her husband's tour, the press is mostly gushing over his visits.

• It's Not a Race Yet, But Emotion's Running High (Times-Union, Albany, July 6)
• Hillary Needs a SWAT Team (Times-Union, Albany, July 5)
• Hillary's N.Y. Trip a Case of Exploratory 'Urgency' (New York Post, July 6)
• For First Lady, Taking Detour on Geography (The New York Times, July 6, registration required)

President Clinton's trip tour takes him today to East St. Louis and then on to South Dakota.
• Star Athletes Will Second President's Message in East St. Louis (The Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, July 6)

Following Clinton's Monday visit to Hazard, Ky., Democratic Gov. Paul Patton announced the creation of 800 new jobs for the area. It's a move that will likely boost the president's stock among the residents of the Appalachian town, who -- if the local papers are to be believed -- already like the guy. One girl even named her pet fish after him.
• Governor Announces 800 New Jobs for Area (The Courier-Journal, Louisville, July 6)
• Loyal Young Friend Cherishes Clinton's Personal Letters to Her (The Courier-Journal, Louisville, July 6)
• Clinton's Stop Makes Farmer Almost Happy Enough to Cry (The Courier-Journal, Louisville, July 6)
• Hundreds Greet Air Force One (Lexington Herald-Leader, July 6)
• Jackson Co. Family Gets a Meeting With the Chief (Lexington Herald-Leader, July 6)

The local press also did its best to explain to the visitors the region's disparity.
• Reports Garner Mixed Reviews (Lexington Herald-Leader, July 6)
• Columnist Bill Bishop: Political Culture Stunts Region (Lexington Herald-Leader, July 4)
• Editorial: Price of Poverty (Lexington Herald-Leader, July 4)
• Editorial: Hopes for Appalachia (The Kentucky Post, July 5)
• Columnist James W. Brosnan: Clinton Owes Delta Two (The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, July 4)

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