A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Tuesday, July 28, 1998

New Jersey Democrats dealt a blow to Republican Gov. Christine Todd Whitman on Monday when they decided they wanted to buck their tax-and-spend reputation and refused to back her proposed 4-cent increase in the state gas tax. "We're tired of being labeled the tax party. If the Republicans feel they need to raise taxes, let them raise them," said Democratic Assemblyman Joseph Suliga.

Capitol Shooting In the wake of Friday's deadly shootout in the Capitol, newspapers across the country struggled with questions about gun control, mental health and security in the state capitals. • Shootings Echo in Newspapers (washingtonpost.com) • Live coverage of today's memorials (washingtonpost.com)

How the Democrats Sank Whitman's Plan (The Star-Ledger, Newark, N.J., July 28)

Minn. Democrat Wants More Freedom for HMO Members
Minnesota Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton said if he is elected governor, he would push for an "any willing provider" bill requiring HMOs to pay for the services of any health care provider willing to accept the managed-care plan's reimbursement and guidelines.
Dayton Backs 'Any Willing Provider' Legislation (The Star-Tribune, Minneapolis, July 28)

Calif. Gubernatorial Race Called 'Most Important Election in America'
For the first time in more than 20 years, California's gubernatorial race is a contest between two white males, both political insiders in a time of political apathy and economic prosperity. That, the Los Angeles Times says, is part of the reason this is "the most important election in America." Not to mention the implications of this contest on the 2000 presidential race and congressional redistricting in the nation's most-represented state.
An Old-Fashioned Governor's Race for Davis, Lungren (Los Angeles Times, July 28)
Lungren, Davis – Deep Divide Over Abortion (San Francisco Chronicle, July 28)
Key Race: California Governor (washingtonpost.com)

Bush Launches Education Platform in Fla. Campaign
Florida Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeb Bush announced his education platform Monday. The plan, one of the key components of Bush's bid, includes increasing pay for outstanding teachers and providing literacy training to families.
Bush Team Outlines Controversial School Plan (The Miami Herald, July 28)

Mass. Governor Won't Release Soft-Money Donors
Massachusetts Acting Governor Paul Cellucci (R) said he would not release his campaign's donation information or donors' names during a June 26 meeting of the Republican Governors' Association. Neither state nor federal law requires him to do so.
Cellucci Won't Name Donors of Soft Money He Solicited (The Boston Globe, July 28)

Louisiana Congressman Focusing on Communication Bills
Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.), chairman of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee, is one of the chief architects of legislation that could change cable, phone, and Internet services across the country.
Tauzin Pushes Proposals on Cable TV, Phone Bills, Internet (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, July 28)
Congressional Profile: Rep. Billy Tauzin (washingtonpost.com)

Kentucky Grand Jury Examines Campaign Work
A Kentucky grand jury is investigating whether state lawmakers used legislative staff illegally to do campaign work. This probe expands an inquiry into the activities of a staffer for the non-partisan Legislative Research Commission who pleaded guilty in December to running a small entertainment business out of his office.
State Inquiry Turns to Campaign Work (Lexington Herald-Leader, July 28)

Tobacco Worker Sues Kentucky Candidate
A part-time employee on the tobacco farm of Rep. Scotty Baesler (D) is suing the congressman, claiming he was severely injured on the job. Baesler, who is running to replace retiring Sen. Wendell Ford (D), often emphasizes his status as a tobacco farmer.
Tobacco Worker Hangs Lawsuit on Baesler (Lexington Herald-Leader, July 28)
Key Race: Kentucky Senate (washingtonpost.com)

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