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By Ryan Thornburg
Washingtonpost.com Staff
Wednesday, March 25, 1998

President Clinton's racial advisory board met in Denver Tuesday morning, and audience members didn't appreciate hearing there wouldn't be time for them to talk. Shouts and boos marked the meeting after the panel's moderator cut short a 10-minute audience comment period following almost two hours of panel discussion.

"I think you're here to impress each other, not us." – Jai Rogers, an audience member at Tuesday's Denver meeting of the White House racial advisory panel. (The Denver Post, March 25)

In addition, about 100 Native American and Hispanic protestors shouted and beat drums outside the meeting hall. The protests began on Monday, when a member of the American Indian Movement led about 25 activists in disrupting the panel's first Denver meeting. The board is scheduled to meet again today.

Audience Seeks Equal Time in Race Discussion (The Denver Post, March 25)

Louisiana Lawmakers Won't Hear
Casino Bill During Special Session
The Louisiana House voted 72-23 Tuesday against taking time during their special session to hear a bill that would repeal the controversial contract of a New Orleans casino. The vote represents a political victory for Gov. Mike Foster (D), who has fought against past legislative efforts to kill the contract.
Casino Repeal Attempt Fails (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La., March 25)

Nevada Supreme Court Puts Decisions Online
Within a month, opinions by the Nevada Supreme Court will be online. The decisions, previously not available for weeks after the ruling, should appear on the court's Web page within a day of being issued.
State High Court Decisions to Be Available on Internet (Las Vegas Review-Journal, March 25)

Voters Drop Lawsuit to Redraw Alabama Districts
Two voters in Alabama's 7th Congressional District have dropped their legal challenge to Alabama's only black-majority district. They had argued that race was used as the predominant factor in drawing the District boundaries – a practice the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional. With mandatory redrawing of congressional districts following the 2000 census, supporters of the lawsuit called it "a good idea at a bad time."
Parties Drop challenge to District 7 Lines (The Birmingham News, March 24)
Congressional Guide Profile: Alabama's 7th Congressional District (washingtonpost.com)

Gore Lauds Charleston; Speaks to Capacity Crowd in Columbia
Vice President Gore made a two-stop trip to South Carolina Tuesday, where he lauded Charleston's economic efforts to cope with the closing of a nearby naval base five years ago. He also attended a Democratic fundraiser in Columbia. After visits to Nevada, California and South Carolina in the last six days, the vice president is scheduled to begin a Utah ski vacation today.
Gore Tests Political Waters During S.C. Visit (The Post and Courier, Charleston, S.C., March 25)
On Education, Gore Preaches to the Faithful (The State, Columbia, S.C., March 25)
Gore Shakes Up 'Stiff' Image Before Cheering Democrats (The State, Columbia, S.C., March 25)
Gore Family to Arrive In Utah a Day Early (The Salt Lake Tribune, March 25)

California Governor Candidate Begins His Attack
Former airline executive and massively self-financed candidate Al Checchi has begun a television attack on his two Democratic opponents in the June 2 California gubernatorial primary. The ads began running during Monday night's Academy Awards broadcast.

Although his opponents challenge the truthfulness of his ads, Checchi's campaign strategist said the spots don't violate the candidate's pledge against a negative campaign because they focus on voting records and issues, not personal attacks.
Checchi Launches First TV Ads Attacking Democratic Rivals (The Los Angeles Times, March 25)
Checchi Starts to Play Hardball in New TV Ads (San Francisco Chronicle, March 25)

Last Democrat Expected to Announce Decision for Kennedy's Seat
Massachusetts Senate President Tom Birmingham (D) is expected to announce whether he will seek the 8th Congressional District seat of retiring Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II (D). Birmingham's political stature would likely make him the most formidable candidate for the Democratic nomination, though five others have already announced their bids. He is expected to be the last major candidate to enter the race.
Birmingham to Decide on Congressional Run (The Boston Globe, March 25)
As Congress Calls, Birmingham Keeps Foes, Fans Guessing (The Boston Globe, March 25)

In S.C. Gambling Debate, Industry Support Denied by Both Parties
As the debate over video gambling machines heats up this week in South Carolina, gaming industry leaders are happy to tell reporters about the fund-raising connections on both sides of the aisle. But both Democrats and Republicans – in an attempt to maintain the moral high road in the gambling debate – are denying and downplaying their connection to gambling vendors.
S.C. Poker King Filling Coffers of Democrats (The State, Columbia, S.C., March 25)
Poker Owners Say Beasley Hit Them Up for Cash in '94 (The State, Columbia, S.C., March 25)

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