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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Wednesday, July 14, 1999

While Sen. Bob Smith's defection from the Republican Party is making national news because of its effect on the presidential race, it is also expected to have repercussions for his constituents in New Hampshire. Although Smith said Senate Republican leaders have assured him he would not lose his committee posts, his parting of ways with the majority party could hinder Smith's ability to deliver federal support to his home state.

"He wouldn't be offered this money if he were a washed-up 48-year-old wrestler." – Minn. state Sen. John Marty (D), on Gov. Jesse Ventura's outside income. (The Star-Tribune, July 14))

But that might not matter anyway if Boston Globe columnist Eileen McNamara is right. She says that Smith's move to the right may jeopardize his tenure in office as the state's voters move in an opposite ideological direction.
• Smith's Move May Cost N.H. Clout (Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, N.H., July 14)
• Columnist Eileen McNamara: A Campaign Disconnected (The Boston Globe, July 14)
• Campaign 2000: Sen. Robert C. Smith (washingtonpost.com)
• Congressional Guide: Sen. Robert C. Smith (washingtonpost.com)

With all the money pouring into New Hampshire in advance of its first-in-the-nation primary, the state may not miss Smith's clout that much. A study released Tuesday said the primary – and everyone associated with it – brings about $210 million to the state.
• Study: NH Primary Is Big Business (The Union Leader, Manchester, N.H., July 14)

Iowa's First Lady Endorses Gore
Although Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (D) has agreed to remain neutral in his party's presidential primary, his wife on Monday endorsed Vice President Al Gore.
• Christie Vilsack Endorses Gore (The Des Moines Register, July 13)

California Bill Could Alter 2004 Primary
The California legislature passed a bill this week that would grant Republican convention delegates to presidential contestants based on which of the state's congressional districts the candidates won. The measure, which some Republicans tried to get implemented for next year's primary, would end the winner-take-all system in 2004.
• Bill Changing Delegate-Selection Procedure for 2004 Sent to Davis (Capitol Alert, July 13)

Gun Bills Face Different Fates in West
California Gov. Gray Davis (D) said he would sign a bill passed Monday by the state legislature that would ban the manufacture, import or sale of semiautomatic guns that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition or can be easily concealed. Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt (R) is facing resistance to pass his proposed gun restrictions at a special legislative session in October.
• Leavitt Gun Plan Floundering (The Salt Lake Tribune, July 14)
• Legislature OKs Tough Controls on Assault Weapons (Los Angeles Times, July 13)

Missouri Governor Vetoes Crime Measure
Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan (D), whose challenge to Republican Sen. John Ashcroft (R) promises to be one of the toughest Senate races in 2000, vetoed Tuesday a crime bill that would have allowed judges to order probationers to pay into a local crime fund that would be controlled by county officials.
• Carnahan Vetoes Major Crime Bill, Motorcycle Helmet Law (The Post-Dispatch, July 14)

Ethics Questions Surround Ventura's Return to Ring
Some Minnesotans are questioning the ethical judgment of Gov. Jesse Ventura, who is expected to make more than $1 million from his return to the wrestling ring. Aside from his $120,303 annual salary, Ventura may make $2 million to $3 million by capitalizing on his fame during his first eight months in office. Ventura, who has donated a share of his profits to charity, said he is not compromising his effectiveness as governor and not cheating the state out of any time or money.
• Ventura Isn't Wrestling With Ethics of His Outside Profits (The Star-Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn., July 14)

Federal Judge Enjoins New La. Abortion Law
A U.S. district judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a Louisiana law that makes most abortions illegal after the 22nd week of pregnancy. Gov. Mike Foster (R) signed the bill into law on Friday.
• New Abortion Law Temporarily Halted (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, July 14)

Colorado Governor Asks for More Tax Cuts
In the latest indication that state coffers are continuing several years of growth, Colorado Gov. Bill Owens (R) is asking the state legislature to cut state taxes by $100 million next year. That requests comes on the heels of a $490-million cut approved by this year's legislature.
• Owens to Pursue $100 Million Tax Cut (The Denver Post, July 14)

Connecticut Tribe Dumps Top Lobbyist
The Mashantucket Pequots are firing statehouse lobbyist Charles Duffy, to whose firm they paid $25,000 a month – the largest lobbying fee in the state. The tribe's new leaders have decided to go with law firm of a former state House speaker.
• Pequots Switching Lobbyists (The Hartford Courant, July 14)

Mississippi Lawmakers Ready for Term-Limit Fight
Amid a backlash against term-limits in other states, Mississippi voters will vote on a measure this fall that would permit state lawmakers to serve no more than two consecutive terms.
• Booming Economy Could Figure in Vote (The Sun-Herald, Biloxi, Miss., July 14)

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