Stateline Stories

'Fab Five' Give Arizona Something to Brag About

Arizona has become a political trailblazer by installing women in its top five elected posts -- a first among the 50 states. "We have varying responsibilities, we have different styles and we even may have some philosophical differences. But we share a commitment to working together for the betterment of the state of Arizona, " Gov. Jane Hull says. Positive stories touting the women's success are a welcome change for a state accustomed to notice for less progressive policies and politicians.

Medical Marijuana Use Uncertain Despite Referenda

Nearly one person in five in this country lives in a state that exempts patients who use marijuana under a physician's supervision from prosecution for illegal drug use. But advocates say residents of Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and California should think again if they believe their state's law assures people ready access to medical marijuana. The White House Office of Drug Control Policy says federal authorities will not sanction pot-smoking until scientific evidence establishes that medical benefits outweigh risks

Medical Marijuana Report Shows Pot Helps Some Patients

Voters who supported medical marijuana initiatives in six Western states now know that science stands behind their vote, based on a government-ordered report on the effectiveness of pot in easing unpleasant side-effects of certain illnesses. The study, conducted at the request of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, was released today by the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine. It says a review of all relevant scientific evidence found that marijuana's active components are potentially effective in treating pain, nausea, the anorexia of AIDS wasting, and other symptoms, and should be tested in clinical trials.

Arizona Sending Drug Offenders To Treatment, Not Jail

Hannah Merrill, 19, of Tucson, Ariz. started using speed when she was 15 years old. She committed petty crimes to support her habit. In late 1997, Merrill was convicted of check fraud, and given a choice of spending three years in jail or receiving treatment for her drug habit. She chose treatment and today is off drugs, working full time and going to college. Merrill is one of 2,622 Arizonans who were diverted from incarceration to treatment because of a ballot initiative approved by voters in 1996. Supporters say Arizona's encouraging results could be a model for other state and federal programs, and could change the slogan "Do drugs, do time," to "Do drugs, do treatment."

Doctors Call For Moratorium On Hepatitis B Vaccine

An Arizona group of physicians has called for a moratorium on controversial hepatitis B immunizations for schoolchildren pending further study of possible dangerous side effects from the vaccine, and accuses school districts that require the shots of "practicing medicine without a license." In a separate development last week, the U.S. Public Health Service and the powerful American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine be postponed from birth until two to six months of age because it contains the mercury-based preservative thimerosal, which can be toxic if small infants receive too much of it. For more information, go to

Mega-Stores Hitting Political Flak In Several States

Preventing mega-stores such as Wal-Mart and Costco from chewing up competitors is on the agenda of more than just anti-growth groups and environmentalists these days. Policy makers in states and communities are considering restricting so-called "big-box" stores. California Gov. Gray Davis last week vetoed a bill aimed at limiting the growth of these stores. The issue has also been joined in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.

Priorities 2000: An Arizona View

Arizona Gov. Jane Hull has called her legislature into special session to try to get funding for a new state hospital for the mentally ill. And Hull says she will continue to pursue the issue in the coming year. More in the Arizona governor's agenda in year 2000 -- in her own words.

Arizona State of the State Address 2000

PHOENIX, Arizona - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jane Hull's 2000 State of the State Address: Thank you President Burns, Speaker Groscost, Minority Leaders Brown and McLendon, Honorable Senators and Representatives, distinguished guests and all Arizonans. Good afternoon and thank you for your war

E-Voting: States Better Get Ready, Experts Say

When it comes to Internet voting, Gov. George Pataki of New York and Gray Davis of California have a similar message: Proceed with caution. "We want to accelerate the pace of Internet voting," Davis said. But he stipulated that "we need to develop a secure, reliable system" before offering voters online ballots. Davis predicted that Californians would be voting via Internet within five to seven years, though some Internet executives expect it to happen a lot sooner.

Bush Most 'State Friendly', NGA Official Says

How do the presidential candidates stack up in terms of sensitivity to state issues? Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the only state official in the race for the White House, leads the field, a top official of the National Governors' Association says. NGA executive director Ray Scheppach offered his assessment at a state issues conference sponsored by Governing magazine. To read more about the conference, click on

Illinois Moratorium Puts Fresh Focus On Death Penalty

Seven weeks have gone by since Illinois Gov. George Ryan halted executions in his state pending reforms that assure him "that no innocent person will be executed." No other state has followed suit yet, and executions continue at a record pace. But the fact that other states havent fallen in line behind Illinois since the pro-death penalty governors decision doesn't faze moratorium supporters, who cheer the new scrutiny it is bringing to the nations system of capital punishment.

Four States Share Bonus For Curbing Out-of-Wedlock Births

Four states and the District of Columbia have bucked the national trend and are reporting dips in their rates of births to unmarried mothers, the Department of Health and Human Services reported Friday. While the percentage of out-of-wedlock births in the nation as a whole climbed slightly over the two years from 1997 to 1998, it fell in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan and the District of Columbia.

Sprawl Spurs Tucson Search For Urban Cowboy

Looking to corral development, Tucson, Ariz., took over a 41,000-acre ranch 10 miles outside city limits. In the meantime, Tucson needs one tough son of a gun to tend to 84 head of cattle.

Education On The Ballot In Several States

November 7 isn't just about electing the next President, Congress, governors or state legislature. It is also the day Americans vote on ballot initiatives that often show what issues have priority among citizens. In at least seven states, education is on the ballot.

Voters Send Mixed Signals On Growth, Environment

Voters in 23 states considered ballot measures dealing with growth management and the environment on Nov. 7. Some of the most highly publicized proposals were rejected, but experts dismiss suggestions that the defeat of prominent "smart growth" measures in Arizona and Colorado means that interest in curbing sprawl has cooled.

Education Measures Get Pass or Fail Grades

Ballot measures dealing with education got a mixed reception from U.S. voters on Nov. 7. In some of the most closely-watched contests, far-reaching school voucher initiatives were defeated in California and Michigan, while a ban on bilingual education was approved in Arizona.

Anatomy of A Debacle: Arizona's Alt-Fuels Program

Arizona lawmakers have gutted the states disastrous alternative-fuel vehicle program, ending a costly debacle that outraged taxpayers, sparked a criminal investigation and brought down one of the state's most powerful politicians. On Thursday, Dec. 14, Gov. Jane Hull signed a bill into law that will shrink what was a potentially devastating $600 million budget liability to a more manageable $200 million. Still, that is more than $190 million more than the state wanted to spend on the program, which gave Arizonans generous incentives to buy vehicles converted to run on propane or compressed natural gas.

States In South, West Big Winners In 2000 Census

The historic movement of Americans away from the northeastern states to the west and southwest continued over the last decade, the Census Bureau reported Thursday, and as of 2003, the make-up of the U.S. House of Representatives will be adjusted to reflect the population shift.

Arizona State of the State Address 2001

PHOENIX, Arizona - Jan. 8 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jane Dee Hull's 2001 State of the State Address: Thank you and good afternoon. It's good to be before the 45th Legislature. President Gnant, Speaker Weiers, Senate Floor Leader Brown, House Minority Leader Cheuvront, honorable members of the House and Sen

Western Mines Drive Up Toxic Releases, EPA Says

Americans might have been exposed to a higher level of toxic chemicals and chemical compounds in 1999 than they were the year before, according to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. The nations industries generated 7.77 billion pounds of toxic chemicals and compounds in 1999, a 5.3 percent jump from 1998 due largely to increases in emissions and solid waste disposals from metal mining facilities in the West.

Realtors Poll Suggests Voters Prefer Local Growth Control

As Arizona Gov. Jane Dee Hull and Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening prepared to host a governors policy workshop on statewide anti-sprawl strategies in Phoenix at the end of last week, a new poll indicated a majority of voters may oppose greater state involvement in growth management decisions.

State Health Programs Largely Spared In Budget-Cutting

State budgets are tight this year, but most health programs have escaped cutbacks. Arizona has agreed to hefty increases for the mentally ill, Oregon is considering a new voluntary screening program for newborns and Maine just okayed a small cigarette tax increase to expand health insurance for adults without kids.

Western Cities Most Efficient With Land, Sprawl Report Says

Metropolitan population trends documented by the 2000 Census confirmed what land use analysts have known for a long time: most of the nations cities are eating up land for new development much faster than theyre gaining new residents.

Tracking Election Reform: NAACP To Issue Report Cards

Civil rights leaders impatient with the pace and scope of election reform legislation in state capitals and in Washington have announced they will begin issuing "report cards" to hold officials accountable. NAACP Chairman Julian Bond announced the campaign Monday (7/9) at the organizations annual convention in New Orleans. "It will help you hold accountability sessions with your governor, legislators and other elected officials to find out what they have done to guarantee every vote is counted in the future," Bond said. "And in the fall, were going to issue a report card on their progress. Well see who gets As and who gets Fs."

Health Care Data Website Unveiled

Did you know Arizona, New Mexico and Texas have the largest percentages of people without health insurance or that Connecticut, New Hampshire and New York spend the most Medicaid money per person of all the states? If you didn't know those bits of trivia, the Kaiser Family Foundation can help you track that information and more. Check out the group's new website known as State Health Facts Online.

Tobacco Settlement Pits Health Advocates Against States

State lawmakers are spending tobacco settlement dollars wisely and health programs are raking in a hearty amount of the money, says a new analysis from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Legislatures have dedicated a full 46 percent of tobacco money for programs that aim to stop people from smoking and to shore up Medicaid, prescription drug programs for older Americans, children's health insurance plans and biomedical research. But if you look a little closer at the numbers, the percent of money being spent to stop smoking is measly and has dropped significantly from last year, anti-tobacco advocates say.

Border Issues Thrust to Fore: Security vs. Trade

In an effort to reduce the threat of terrorists slipping into the country, Immigration and Customs officials have tightened the nation's northern and southern borders, prompting local and state officials to call for increased border staffing to ease the flow of goods and people. At stake is the economic health of states, regions and industries dependent on open borders for survival.

Fear of Terror, Fraud Dogs Vote-By-Mail

Holding elections through the post office rather than the polling place is becoming popular in Western states. But fears of violations of privacy, widespread voter fraud, a failure to follow instructions and even terrorism are appearing to grow just as quickly, casting doubt on the future of vote-by-mail.

State Health Experts Cite Budget Woes As Major Concern

Prescription drugs, tobacco prevention, rising health care costs and Medicaid are high priority areas for health officials across the country. But revenue shortfalls remain the over-arching concern, policymakers from five states said Sunday (11/18) at a forum in Seattle, Washington. The forum, sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures, featured health-related officials from Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Oregon and Washington State.

Census Data Shows Immigration Shift

New Census data shows that increases in the nations population since 1990 were caused by higher-than-expected immigration levels.Parts of Arizona and North Carolina are the new magnets for immigrants.

Arizona State of the State Address 2002

PHEONIX, Arizona - Jan. 14 - Following is the full text of Arizona Gov. Jane Hull's annual State of the State Address: President Randall Gnant, Speaker James Weiers, honorable Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice Thomas Zlaket and members of the Supreme Court, distinguished guests, friends, and most importantl

Term Limits Hit Lawmakers In 11 States

Legislatures in 11 states face fallout from term limits in this year's elections with 330 lawmakers being forced to step down after 12 or fewer years in office. The Michigan state Senate, which will lose 27 of its 38 members, will be hardest hit. The Missouri Legislature will suffer heavily as well -- it bids farewell to 75 of its 163 House members and 12 of its 34 Senators

Technology Helps States Boost Efficiency

More and more states are using electronic tools ranging from web portals to interagency data sharing to make delivery of government services all a taxpayer could hope for, according to two recent studies on the use of digital technologies.

Cigarette Taxes, Public Health Show Little Correlation

Twenty-one states are mulling cigarette tax increases to help ease the pain of massive budget shortages. New York and Connecticut governors have already okayed such taxes, with increases of 39 and 61 cents per pack respectively. Proponents of higher tobacco taxes say upping the rates will improve the health of citizens. But health experts say the tax must be coupled with prevention programs that help people quit smoking and make sure young people don't start.

Govs' Travel Makes People Talk

Want to dodge congested airline ticket counters and long security lines? Fly on government aircraft or corporate jets? You might -- if you get yourself elected governor.

States Slow To Tackle Campaign Finance Reform

When it comes to curbing the influence of special interest money in politics, state lawmakers are sometimes credited with doing more to end questionable practices than the U.S. Congress, which has voted to ban so-called soft money. But reform advocates say campaign fundraising is as open to mischief at the state level as the federal level and that change is unlikely anytime soon.

State Officials Challenge Rx Study

Headlines in major newspapers across the country last week revealed grim news about state Medicaid programs. One in Four Medicaid Beneficiaries Unable to Fill Prescriptions, papers reported. But some state officials question the claim.

Arizona Wildfires Trigger Heated Rhetoric

The only thing that may be hotter than Arizona's Rodeo-Chediski wildfire that has burned more than 400,000 acres of forest is the political rhetoric over how it might have been prevented or, at least, kept from becoming so destructive. For an in-depth report courtesy of the Arizona Capitol Times, click on

Death Penalty Rulings Raise Issues For Lawmakers

The Colorado Legislature will convene in special session July 8 in order to bring state law into line with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the authority of judges to impose sentencing in death penalty cases. At least four other states directly affected by the decision may have to hold special sessions as well.

State School Superintendent Hopefuls Hit Campaign Trail

Voters in eight states will be electing a new state school superintendent this November. Although the job entails sparing public education from the sharp blade of the budget scythe and being responsible for revamping schools to meet new federal demands, the field is full of hopefuls from major and minor political parties.

Southern Governors Talk Conservation

More than a football field lost to the ocean every half-hour. Twenty-one thousand football fields lost each year. Such is the situation along Louisianas gulf coast, where rising seas and ongoing erosion are destroying wetlands and imperiling roads, towns and wildlife, according to the states governor, Mike Foster (R).

State Lawmakers Urged to Stress Civics

After last September 11, a wave of patriotism washed over the country, inspiring state legislation to promote national pride among U.S. public school students. But a national legislative task force says more is needed specifically, a return of civics to public school curriculums.

Arizona Officials Plan For Changing Economy

Arizona officials are mapping a new long-range economic strategy based in part on a study warning that the driving industries of the past -- cotton, copper, cattle, citrus and climate -- may not sustain the states economic health in the future.

Manners Still Matter In Statehouses

Legislative customs vary from state to state, but when it comes to decorum on the statehouse floor, blazers are in, and cell phones are out.

Women Could Win Big On Nov. 5

Voters in nine states will determine on Nov. 5 whether 2002 will live up to its billing as "the year of the woman governor."

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Arizona State of the State Address 2003

PHOENIX, Arizona - Jan. 14 - Following is the text of Gov. Janet Napolitano's State of the State Address: President Bennett, Speaker Flake, Honorable Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice Jones and members of the Supreme Court, members of our Congressional delegation, honored guests, and my fellow Arizonans.

Few Governors Tout Bold Initiatives

In his state of the state address last month, Vermont Gov. James H. Douglas said that the state should track convicted drug dealers the same way it does sexual predators, by publicizing their names and addresses. This proposal is one of only a handful of truly innovative programs proposed by governors in their state of the state addresses this year.

States Struggle with Death-Penalty Process

Nine months have passed since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that only juries - not judges- can decide whether somebody deserves to be executed. Lawmakers in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Nebraska, all of which reserved the decision to judges alone, wasted no time passing legislation that brought their sentencing process into line with the ruling. But the fate of nearly 150 inmates on death row in these five states is still uncertain.

Arizona State of the State Address 2004

PHOENIX, Arizona - Jan. 12 - Following is the full text of Gov. Janet Napolitano's (D) 2004 state of the state address: President Bennett, Speaker Flake, Honorable Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice Jones and members of the Supreme Court, members of our Congressional delegation, honored guests, and my fellow

Governors Stress School Spending

Governors in Arizona and Kansas both recommendend new education spending in their 2004 state of the state speeches

Lawmakers Act to Preserve Endangered Night Sky

For decades, astronomers have warned that the intrusion of artificial light is threatening to wipe out a dwindling natural resource - the starry night sky. Now a growing number of city and state governments are taking up the fight to reclaim the night. For lawmakers, the issue is about energy efficiency and safety, as well as good stargazing.

Harassment of Muslims Up in Arizona, 9 Other States, Report Says

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, reported Monday that discrimination and violence against Muslims increased in 10 states in 2003. Arizona, California and New York saw the largest reported increases.

Western Governors University Improves Its Grade

Western Governors University, an online academic institution established by 19 states in 1997, has more than doubled its enrollment in the past year to 3,000 students. The surge in enrollment came as e-learning at colleges and universities across the country recorded a dramatic rise. While the number of students taking courses on the Internet is increasing, academics and entrepreneurs disagree over whether the trend is good or bad.

Arizona State of the State address 2005

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Janet Napolitano's (D) 2005 state of the state address: President Bennett, Speaker Weiers, Honorable Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice Jones and members of the Supreme Court, members of our Congressional delegation, honored guests, and my fell

Alaska Dreams of a New Capitol, But Where?

An effort to build a new Capitol in time for the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood has re-ignited debate over Juneaus suitability as the seat of government.

Anti-Lying Laws Give Political Pinocchios Little to Fear

If you're sick of politicians lying, well, so are they. Eighteen states have some type of law against lying about a candidate. Yet come election season, untruths about opponents run rampant and few politicians are ever punished.

Evangelical Law Firm at Front of Culture War

A conservative Christian advocacy group called the Alliance Defense Fund is an increasingly powerful player in America's culture wars, taking on progressive groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union on gay rights, school prayer, abortion and other issues. Now, Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature have invited the group to represent them in a legal battle over state employment benefits.

Arizona Lashes Out at Illegal Immigration

Arizona is ground zero of a seething backlash against illegal immigration, a sentiment that has begun to spread to other states. So many migrants sneak into the desert state from Mexico that vigilantes showed up this spring to help police its 370-mile southern border, and in mid-August, Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano declared a state of emergency. In the first of a series on immigration, Stateline.org examines tensions in Arizona.

Lawmaker Fights Immigrant 'Invasion'

In the second of a series on illegal immigration, Stateline.org talks to Arizona state Rep. Russell Pearce, a Republican legislator who has helped give his state the toughest laws nationally against illegal immigrants. Pearce, a controversial figure who has been mentioned as a potential gubernatorial candidate, has been accused by civil rights groups and Hispanic leaders of "criminalizing people of color."

State AGs Fight Teen Smoking—Onscreen

More than 30 attorneys general are mounting a campaign to add anti-smoking ads to the beginning of films in which actors light up onscreen. The bid to fight teen smoking was prompted by a study that showed a marked increase in smoking among children who watch movie characters puffing away.

Arizona State of the State Address 2006

PHOENIX, Ariz., Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Janet Napolitano's 2006 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and hear the address. President Bennett, Speaker Weiers, Honorable Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice McGregor and members of the Supreme Court

Rising revenues spur tax cuts, spending

From Massachusetts to Hawaii, signs abound that the immense pressure placed on state budgets by the fiscal crisis early this decade has eased, opening the door for a wave of fresh tax cuts and new spending.

Governors Demand Information on Guard Changes

The nation's governors, skeptical of a move to reshape the National Guard, have asked the Pentagon to furnish a state-by-state account of the plan's impact and are insisting on a chance to sign off on any changes in the Guard's structure. Concerns about illegal immigration and health also took center stage at the National Governors Association's winter meeting, which concluded Tuesday (Feb. 28).

Marches spark state migrant debates

While aimed at federal legislation, recent pro-immigration marches could influence state elections and provide a tipping point for nearly 400 immigration measures pending in statehouses across the country. In Arizona, Colorado and New York, state lawmakers used the demonstrations to rally their own bills and campaigns.

More states sanction deadly force

A year-old Florida law sanctioning the use of deadly force against muggers, carjackers or other assailants outside the home is rapidly being adopted by other states and already is being raised as a defense in at least three shootings in Florida.

States Promote Nursing, Protect Moms

Mississippi, the state with the lowest breastfeeding rate in the country, has passed a broad new law allowing mothers to nurse at work and in public. In addition, five other states - Arizona, Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina and Alabama - passed laws protecting mothers from charges of indecent exposure when they nurse in public places.

Border Plan Reignites an Old Debate

President Bush's plan to send 6,000 National Guard troops to the Southern border has rekindled debate in states about the role of the Guard, particularly on whether the new assignment will strain a force drained by extensive deployments. But some governors called the plan a bold step in the right direction.

New Ploys Devised to Boost Voter Turnout

Political scientists expect voter turnout to be up nationally in this November's mid-term elections, despite lackluster participation in most primaries. Amid the anticipated upswing, Arizona and Michigan voters are being targeted with new tactics to get them to cast ballots.

Nine States Hold Primaries Today

Voters in nine states participate in primaries today, with some of the most closely watched races for state office taking place in Arizona, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where gubernatorial and attorney general races will be decided.

Immigration Hardliners Trailing in Ariz., Colo.

A backlash over illegal immigration is seeping into state races even hundreds of miles from the Mexican border this election. But in two of the hottest flashpoints in the immigration debate -- Arizona and Colorado -- Republican state and congressional candidates taking the hard line on immigration aren't necessarily prevailing.

S.D. Abortion Ban, Ariz. Gay Marriage Ban Fail

(Updated 4:19 p.m. EST, Thursday)Arizona became the first state to reject a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage, while South Dakota voters refused to make their state a test case in the fight to outlaw abortion. The 2006 election featured 205 ballot measures in 37 states, many focused on social issues -- from stem cell research in Missouri to a repeal of affirmative action in Michigan.

Season's Greetings

function holidays() { javascript:mywindow=window.open('http://archive.stateline.org/flash-data/xmascards.swf','mywindow','width=800,height=700,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no,status=no,toolbar=no,resizable=no');mywindow.focus();screen_height = window.screen.availHeight; screen_width = window.screen.availWidth; left_point = parseInt(screen_width/2)-(800/2); top_point = parseInt(screen_height/2)-(700/2); setTimeout('mywindow.moveTo(left_point,top_point)',100);void(0); } For a holiday treat, Stateline.org presents a gallery of governors' greeting cards: from hand-painted pictures by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to a recipe from outgoing Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R). Tour the interactive card gallery and learn more by reading the story.

Arizona State of the State Address 2007

PHOENIX, Jan. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano's (D) 2007 state of the state address. President Bee, Speaker Weiers, Honorable Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice McGregor and members of the Supreme Court, members of Congress, tribal leaders, honored guests and my fellow Ari

States Tackle Texting Behind the Wheel

Legislators in three states are targeting text messaging to keep drivers' thumbs on the wheel and off the tiny keypads of their cell phones or wireless devices in the latest crackdown on distracted driving. Four states plus the District of Columbia already forbid chatting on hand-held cell phones -- a de facto ban on texting.

Two Govs Seek Inquiry Into Women in Military

Two of the country's most powerful Democratic female governors - and commanders-in-chief of their states' National Guard units - have called on the Pentagon to investigate the extent of sexual abuse of women in combat by fellow soldiers.

Arizona Mulls Primary Move

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) may throw a monkey wrench into an already complicated 2008 presidential primary calendar by scheduling her state's nominating date before "Super-duper" Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008, when at least 19 other states weigh in.

Report: Women govs get high marks

Women running for governor still have to work harder than men, but once elected, voters think female governors are better at getting things done and solving problems than their male counterparts, new research released Nov. 29 shows.

More states worry about revenues

The housing slump impacted revenue in 24 states this year and 18 say they are "concerned" about their revenue outlook, triple the number from last year, a new report released Dec. 10 shows.

New Year ushers in new laws

At least 31 states will enforce new laws that take effect New Year's Day. So as you ring in the New Year, expect some facet of life to change, ranging from where you can smoke in Illinois to how much it costs to enter a strip club in Texas.

Federal Spending Plan Slashes Anti-Crime Grants

Law enforcement officials across the country are lambasting the federal spending plan approved by President Bush on Dec. 26, warning that a 67-percent decrease in funding for targeted state and local criminal justice initiatives imperils public safety.

WORTH NOTING: Ala. Attorney General Sings With a Legend

Alabama's top law enforcer sings with "The Man in Black." North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) recommends regifting Christmas cards. And a freshman lawmaker takes the slow road to Denver. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Arizona State of the State Address 2008

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Jan 14. - The following is the prepared text of Gov. Janet Napolitano's (D) 2008 state of the state address: President Bee, Speaker Weiers, Honorable Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice McGregor and members of the Supreme Court, tribal leaders, honored guests and my fellow Arizonans: My

Immigration Roils States

States took the lead on immigration reform in 2006 enacting a record 78 immigration-control laws in 33 states. Immigration will continue to dominate state politics this year even as a new Democratically-controlled Congress considers taking up the issue.

Economy to Dominate Govs' Meeting

A stream of troubling financial news out of state capitols shows why the sputtering economy is sure to pervade talks among the nation's governors as they meet in Washington, D.C., this weekend.

WORTH NOTING: Let the Basketball Betting Begin!

Iowa's governor gives new meaning to the phrase "pork-barrel spending" as the NCAA men's basketball tournament begins. The next U.S. senator from Idaho literally could be "Pro-Life." And the Texas judicial system considers whether ankles really exist. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: What not to joke about

An April Fool's Day gag falls flat in Arizona. Pennsylvania's governor is polled about ... Pennsylvania's governor. And several states compete for subway cars to be dumped in the ocean. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Students Press For Guns on Campus

A year after a troubled student gunned down 32 people and then killed himself at Virginia Tech, an Internet-based student movement to allow concealed weapons on public college campuses has drawn thousands of students and prompted debate in 15 state capitols.

Ultrasound at Center of State Abortion Wars

A new Oklahoma law slated to take effect Aug. 1 requires doctors to show a woman considering abortion an ultrasound image of her fetus and recite details of its development. Experts expect a slew of similar statutes next year as abortion foes push states to require the procedure for all abortions.

States Move to Regulate Senior Guardians

As the U.S. population ages and families scatter across the country, the frail elderly increasingly end up relying on court-appointed guardians when they can no longer take care of their personal affairs. California just joined six other states in watching over these professionals charged with protecting society's most vulnerable adults.

Three States Reconsider Affirmative Action

At a time when voters could elect the country's first African-American president, three states also will decide in November whether to end affirmative action programs that supporters say help historically oppressed minority groups, but that critics say cause reverse discrimination against whites and sometimes Asians.

Three Governors Face Possible Senate Picks

Stateline.org's coverage from the 2008 national conventions. Updated throughout the day. Barack Obama's selection of Joseph R. Biden Jr. as his running mate in November's presidential election has put a third governor on notice that he or she may be called upon to name a new U.S. senator once the next commander-in-chief is known.

Who Would Replace Biden, Obama, McCain in Senate?

Aug. 27, 12 noon, EDTAmong the many undercurrents at the Democratic National Convention this week is talk of the party's rising stars. Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, for example, made news on Tuesday when he announced he is likely to run for governor in 2010, when the state's current chief executive, Democrat Ted Kulongoski, must give up the seat. Rancher-turned-governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana also attracted attention Tuesday when he delivered a crowd-pleasing attack on Republican presidential nominee John McCain in a high-visibility speaking slot just ahead of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D). Among the most interesting subplots of the convention is speculation over who would replace Barack Obama and Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the U.S. Senate if the two Democrats are successful in November. Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) of Illinois and Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (D) of Delaware would appoint replacements for Obama and Biden, and the rumors over the candidates' potential substitutes are already flying. Of course, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) also could be called on to choose a Senate replacement if McCain wins the White House. Find out which potential Senate substitutes are being mentioned in Arizona, Delaware and Illinois by reading Stateline.org's Three governors face possible Senate picks. -John Gramlich Comments

Love Was in the Air

The music blasting over the Democratic National Convention hall last Tuesday afternoon urged delegates to "start a love train," and it seems some people took that to heart. On Wednesday, a Florida county Democratic chairman, Rick Minor, landed a speaking spot at the delegation's morning caucus and used it to pop the question to girlfriend Jessica Lowe , the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

Newest States in the Union Get top Billing

With Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's addition to the Republican national ticket, all of the last three states admitted to the Union - Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona - can boast of being the home to major party candidates in this presidential election.

Mo., N.C., Ariz. Win Top Innovation Awards

A successful juvenile justice model in Missouri, an ambitious career-based education program in North Carolina, and a unique prisoner re-entry program in Arizona are winners of this year's Innovations in American Government Awards.

Gay Marriage on the Ballot in 4 States

Click here for Stateline.org's rundown of major issues on this year's ballot. (opens PDF) (Updated 11:21 a.m. EDT, Oct. 22, 2008)In the wake of Connecticut's Oct. 10 high court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, voters in three states will decide in November whether to roll back or prevent a similar ruling by defining marriage in their state constitutions as a union between a man and a woman. In Connecticut, a ballot proposal to rewrite the state charter has become a platform to reverse the high court's ruling.

Panoply of Ballot Measures Awaits Voters

(Updated 4:30 p.m. EST, Nov. 3, 2008)Without a single, dominant issue to rally partisans nationally, the 153 initiatives on state ballots this year run the gamut from abolishing the income tax in Massachusetts to legalizing doctor-assisted suicide in Washington state.

Economy Could Imperil State Readiness

Budget cuts could undermine the progress states have made to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent wildfires in California and outbreaks of Salmonella on tainted vegetables that sickened more than 1, 440 people in 43 states, says a new report released Dec. 9.