A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Wednesday, September 1, 1999

More than 100 Iowa farmers in each of the state's 99 counties endorsed George W. Bush, an organizational accomplishment that gives the Texas governor the most extensive agricultural coalition assembled by any Republican presidential candidate.

"As the social relationship evolves, employees are strongly encouraged to advise their counterintelligence officer (CIO) of details of the contact." – A U.S. Department of Energy memo to 67,000 employees, advising them that they should report "close and continuing contacts" with foreigners, but not every "one-time sexual or otherwise intimate contact." (Albuquerque Journal, Sept. 1)

With Iowa's economy suffering from historic low crop prices, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch is trying to make hay out of the agriculture issue, too. Agricultural development officials from Iowa, Illinois and Missouri were annoyed when Hatch showed up, apparently uninvited, to address their brainstorming session. In the middle of a discussion about value-added agricultural products, Hatch spoke for 30 minutes about federal judges, the tax code, abortion, guns and school discipline.

• A List of Bush's 100 Iowa Farmer Endorsements (Iowa Pulse, Aug. 31)
• Hatch Campaign Stumbles Awkwardly Into Iowa Ag Development Conference (Iowa Pulse, Aug. 31)

McCain Supporter Hits Bush Aide Over S.C. Gambling Connections
A South Carolina supporter of Arizona Sen. John McCain's presidential bid faxed a note to Republicans in the state's 1st Congressional District blasting Texas Gov. George W. Bush for hiring a campaign aide tied to the gambling industry. The state faces a November referendum on video poker regulation. McCain, Bush and Steve Forbes will all be in South Carolina over Labor Day weekend.
• McCain Ally Hits Bush's Choice for Adviser (The State, Columbia, S.C., Sept. 1)
• Candidates Crowd S.C. Over Holiday Weekend (The State, Columbia, S.C., Sept. 1)

Former Pa. Lt. Gov. May Join Crowded Race for Santorum Seat
Former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor Mark S. Singel (D) said he is considering a bid for the Senate seat held by first-term Republican Rick Santorum. Singel would join a Democratic field that includes U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky, state Sen. Allyson Schwartz, U.S. Rep. Ron Klink, former state labor and industry secretary Tom Foley and former congressman Pete Kostmayer.
• Singel Eyes Senate Race (Philadelphia Daily News, Aug. 31)

Clinton Library May Partner With University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas system has come up with a program to work in conjunction with the Clinton presidential library to offer a master's degree in leadership and public service. Students will be required to complete an internship related to advocacy or service.
• Graduate Program Sketched Out for Clinton Presidential Library
(The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Sept. 1)

Mississippi Governor: Debates Set for October
Mississippi gubernatorial candidates Ronnie Musgrove (D) and Mike Parker (R) are scheduled to debate on television Oct. 11 and Oct. 20.
• Candidates Set Television Debates (The Sun-Herald, Biloxi, Miss., Sept. 1)

N.C. Governor: Wicker Wants Special Lottery Session
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, has suggested that the state hold a special legislative session to discuss creating a state lottery to raise money for education. Support for education lotteries helped several southern Democrats ascend to the governor's office last year.
• Wicker Wants Public Votes on Lottery, UNC bonds (The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 1)

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