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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Friday, July 9, 1999

It's almost over. The air of confidence peppered with self-deprecating humor. The nodding and smiling at every inane comment. It all wraps up today. And at the end of Hillary Clinton's first date with New Yorkers, it looks as if they might see more of each other. With the exception of the New York Post, which is a little concerned that she doesn't come from a good family, editorials in the state's papers are giving the first lady the cautious go-ahead.

"About five or six of those fellas may never survive that. I wouldn't just include fellas. It's possible women could get damaged here, too." – GOP presidential candidate Patrick J. Buchanan, on the Iowa straw poll. (The Des Moines Register, July 8))

• Times Union (Albany): "Mrs. Clinton isn't the only one listening and watching. We're doing the same."
• The New York Times: "Although what they are doing is perfectly legal, Mr. Giuliani and Mrs. Clinton ought to exercise restraint and common sense."
• Daily News (New York): "Does Hillary know those people and their interests? Her 'listening tour' is designed to show she's willing to learn."
• Newsday (Long Island): "But her biggest accomplishment may have been in demonstrating that she's as personable as she is knowledgeable."
• New York Post: "Hillary Clinton wants us to believe that she's running as her own woman. She could prove it by turning her back on her husband's administration."

Bush Still Wanted in Texas Funeral Suit
Texas Gov. George W. Bush dodged a July 1 deadline for being deposed in a lawsuit being filed by the former head of the state funeral agency. Lawyers for the director of the Texas Funeral Services Commission want Bush to answer questions about his role in a state investigation.
• Funeral Agency Suit Still Seeks Bush Testimony (The Austin American-Statesman, July 9)

Lawyer Wants House Seat Once Sought by Bob Hope's Son
Democrat Michael Case, the president-elect of the Ventura County (Calif.) Bar Association, said he would challenge Republican Rep. Elton Gallegly in Southern California's 23rd Congressional District. The seat has been safely Republican since Gallegly defeated Tony Hope in the 1986 GOP primary.
• Ventura Lawyer to Run Against Gallegly (The Los Angeles Times, July 9)
• Congressional Guide: Rep. Elton Gallegly (washingtonpost.com)

S.F. Supervisor Wants to Rescind Mormons' Tax-Exempt Status
A month after the Christian Coalition's political activity cost the organization its tax-exempt status, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints faces a challenge to its tax-exemption. San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno said the Mormon church was unlawfully political after sending a letter encouraging members to support an initiative banning gay marriages.
• Supervisor Hits Mormons For Politicking (The San Francisco Chronicle, July 7)

Alabama Governor Calls Special Tax Session
Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman (D) said this week he would call a special session of the state legislature to consider changes to the state's corporate franchise tax.
• Governor to Call Special Session on Franchise Tax (The Birmingham News, July 5)

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