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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Monday, July 20, 1998

In their last debate before Tuesday's primary, the Republican candidates for Georgia governor finally got to take their shots at front-runner Guy Millner, mostly criticizing the Atlanta businessman for not appearing at previous public face-offs.

"The economy is great. Nobody gives a rip." – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Steve Langford (D) on predictions of low voter turnout (The Savannah Morning News, July 19)

The Republican debate was tame compared to the sparring at Sunday's Democratic forum, where one of the four candidates for the party's nod said his opponents had made the contest "more like professional wrestling than politics."

Republicans Do Their Dais Duty (The Atlanta Journal Constitution, July 20)
Rivals Take Jabs at Millner (The Augusta Chronicle, July 20)
Rivals Jab at Millner But Don't Rattle Him (The Telegraph, Macon, Ga., July 20)
Primary Concern: Will the Voters Turn Out? (The Atlanta Journal Constitution, July 20)
Key Race: Georgia Governor (washingtonpost.com)

Low Turnout May Bode Well for Michigan Governor
Voter turnout is on the decline everywhere, and in Michigan that might be helpful for popular incumbent Gov. John Engler (R). But disinterest in his race for another term could hinder his chances for a moment in the national spotlight.
Light Vote Could Help State GOP (The Detroit News, July 20)

Minnesota GOP Takes Issue With Democratic Health Care Ad
A radio ad slamming Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Norm Coleman's stance on health care has become a contentious point in the race. The head of the state Republican Party says the ad misstates Coleman's position and is an illegal use of party money.
Coleman Camp, GOP Blast DFL Health-Care Ad (The Star-Tribune, Minn., July 18)
Special Report: Backlash Builds Over Managed Care (washingtonpost.com)

Calif. Gubernatorial Candidates Make Pitch for Latino Support
The two major candidates for California governor got mixed reviews from an important Hispanic group at the candidates' first joint meeting since the June 2 primary. Democratic Lt. Gov. Gray Davis was roundly applauded at his introduction. Republican Attorney General Dan Lungren, who has said he wants to target Hispanic voters, was greeted with boos but eventually earned some applause.
Governor Candidates Get Mixed Reception (The Sacramento Bee, July 19)
Key Race: California Governor (washingtonpost.com)

Clinton Hits New Orleans for $5,000-a-Plate Fund-Raiser
After spending a weekend in his home state of Arkansas, President Clinton flew to New Orleans Sunday night in preparation for today's speech to the American Federation of Teachers and two Democratic fund-raisers, including a $5,000-per-person dinner.
Clinton Arrives in New Orleans (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, July 20)

McDermott Has Rough Time With Judge in Gingrich-Taping Case
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) had a rough go of it Friday in a preliminary hearing to determine whether to proceed with a federal lawsuit brought against him by Rep. John Boehner. The Ohio Republican has accused McDermott of taping and illegally releasing to the press a private telephone conversation between Boehner and House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
McDermott May Have to Break Silence (The Seattle Times, July 18)

Kennelly Gets Nod From Connecticut Democrats
As expected, Rep. Barbara B. Kennelly was named her party's gubernatorial candidate at the Connecticut Democratic Party convention in Hartford this weekend. She acknowledged in her acceptance speech that she was a heavy underdog against Republican Gov. John G. Rowland.
Kennelly Fortified By Party Fervor (The Hartford Courant, July 19)

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