A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Jason Thompson
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Tuesday, October 12, 1999

A flurry of weekend bill-signing by California Gov. Gray Davis (D) was capped by his approval of controversial legislation that makes California the first state in the nation to mandate a fixed nurse-to-patient ratio for hospitals. California's health care industry has been divided in its support of the bill. The governor also approved a first-of-its kind law providing auto insurance policies to low-income motorists. Sunday was Davis's final day to consider legislation passed during the 1999 session.

"Whatever the party chairs see as in the best interest, I'm going to have to go along with that...I'm a team player." – Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack (R), on why he will now consider a change to the state's Jan. 31 caucus date. (The Des Moines Register, Iowa, Oct. 12)

• Davis Signs Bill Boosting Nurse Staffs
(The Sacramento Bee, Calif., Oct. 11)
• Davis Signs Bill Providing Auto Insurance for Poor (Los Angeles Times, Oct. 11)

Ariz. Governor Takes Labor Plan South
Arizona Gov. Jane Hull (R), leading a 40-member delegation of business and government officials, leaves today for a meeting with Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo. Hull will use the four-day visit to strengthen ties with Mexico and to push her guest worker proposal – a plan she says will reduce illegal immigration as well as U.S. labor shortages.
• Hull Leads Delegation to Mexico
(The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Oct. 12)

Video Gambling Vote Could Foretell
Future of South Carolina Lottery
Gambling proponents in South Carolina are warning that a defeat on Nov. 2 of a state referendum on video poker machines will endanger next year's push for a lottery to fund education, which was the centerpiece of Democratic Gov. Jim Hodge's successful 1998 campaign.

In Alabama, voters go to the polls today to decide the fate a similar lottery proposal.
• Pro-poker Ads Hint at S.C. Lottery's Fate
(The Charlotte Observer, N.C., Oct. 12)
• Lottery Up to Voters Now (The Birmingham News, Ala., Oct. 12)

Correction Monday's Early Returns incorrectly identified former New Jersey governor Tom Kean as a Democrat. He is a Republican.

Ventura's Call for 'Self-Sufficient People'
Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura on Monday presented the second installment of his four-part 'big plan' for state social and government policy. Ventura's plan focuses on broad goals of self-sufficiency, but offers few policy details.
• Ventura Lays Out Part II of 'Big Plan'
(Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 12)

Gore Gets Warm Welcome in Nevada
While official endorsements may be rolling in slower than expected for Al Gore's presidential campaign, the vice president is on solid footing in Nevada. The state's top Democratic leaders turned out to publicly endorse Gore during a Las Vegas campaign swing Monday.
• Nevada Democrats Praise, Endorse Gore
(Las Vegas Review-Journal, Oct. 12)

Jason Thompson can be reached at jason.thompson@washingtonpost.com