A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Friday, July 17, 1998

Six months after ousting their African-American state House leader in favor of a white woman, Florida Democrats appear ready to choose another black representative as their new leader-designate.

In the Money Federal candidates filed quarterly fund-raising reports this week. Here is coverage from local papers and Key Race profiles from washingtonpost.com: Calif. Senate • The Sacramento Bee • Key Race Colo. Senate • Rocky Mountain News (Denver) • Key Race Fla. Senate • St. Petersburg Times Nev. Senate • Las Vegas Review-Journal • Key Race N.Y. Senate • The Times-Union (Albany) • Key Race N.C. Senate • The News & Observer (Raleigh) • Key Race Ohio Senate • Akron Beacon-Journal • Key Race Pa. Senate • Philadelphia Daily News S.C. Senate • The State (Columbia) • Key Race Wis. Senate • Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel • Key Race Key House Races • Mass. 8th: The Boston Globe • Ky. 4th: Lexington Herald-Leader • Ky. 6th: Lexington Herald-Leader

Anne Mackenzie set off a racial split in the state Democratic Party when she replaced Willie Logan as House minority leader in January. Mackenzie decided earlier this week that she would not run for reelection. House Democrats have narrowed their choice for a new leader to a handful of black candidates.

Black Democrat to Become Leader (The Miami Herald, July 17)
3 Black Leaders Vie to Unify Democrats (St. Petersburg Times, July 17)

Down-Ballot Split Could Hinder Hopes of Connecticut's Top Democrat
A bitter ethnic fight for the state treasurer nomination at this weekend's Democratic convention in Connecticut might thwart Rep. Barbara B. Kennelly's efforts to gain momentum for her fledgling gubernatorial campaign.
Under-Ticket Moves Into Spotlight (The Hartford Courant, July 16)

Conservatives, Moderates Fighting for Control of Kansas GOP
Moderate Republicans are leading a grassroots effort to take control of their party from social conservatives who have been in power since 1992.
Republicans Fighting for Control of Party (The Wichita Eagle, July 17)

McCain Backs Off Flight Plans
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Thursday backed off his effort to add 100 more commercial aircraft landings and takeoffs per day at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The plan had been part of a larger effort that McCain said would increase competition at three other airports – including Reagan National Airport – which have hourly restrictions on the number of takeoffs and landings.
Deal Reached to Cut New O'Hare Flights (The Chicago Tribune, July 17)
From The Post: Flight Plan For National Taking Off (July 15)

High-Tech Elections in Tenn., Okla.
Voters who go to the polls early in Shelby County, Tenn., will use new touch-screen machines to cast their vote. In Oklahoma, the League of Women Voters is setting up a network of Web sites with candidate information for local and state races.
Early Voters' Ballot Choice Just a Touch-Screen Away (The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn., July 17)
Internet Sites Help Voters Learn About Candidates (The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, July 17)

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