Stateline Stories

With Vote, Minnesota Is 12th State to Allow Gay Marriage

Minnesota becomes the 12th state to allow gay marriage and the third state to do so this month.

States Unleash the Hounds! Sniffing Out Invasive Mussels

Minnesota officials hope man’s best friend will help the state quash its zebra mussel invasion.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

Backers See Momentum As 6th State Allows Same-Sex Civil Unions

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

Colorado Governor to Sign Civil Union Law

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

The End of ‘No New Taxes’ in Minnesota

After more than decade of budget deficits balanced without tax increases, Democrats have taken power in Minnesota promising a different path.

Illinois State Government Narrowly Averts Labor Strike

After more than 15 months of negotiations, Democratic Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois’ largest state-worker union have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract.

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2013

ST. PAUL, Minnesota Feb. 6 Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's 2013 State of the State Address

Issue to Watch: Renewable Energy

Here is a look at states considering major action on renewable energy policy.

In Massachusetts, Mobilizing Private Investment for Public Good

Massachusetts to tap private investors who want to help pay for money-saving public programs

Are Voter ID Opponents Winning the Battle but Losing the War?

Voter ID opponents have won high-profile court battles, but may be losing ground on the longer-term legal fight against the laws.

Can Digital Recordings Save Money for Courts?

Faced with crippling budget shortfalls, state courts are replacing in-person stenographers with digital recording systems. But do they really save money?

Best of #StateReads: Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman's Political Career Ended with a 'Mighty Fall'

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

State Test Results Questioned

Minnesota education officials this week credited tougher standards and a new online testing system as part of the reason 5 percent more students passed the state’s math test this year than last. Brenda Cassellius, the state’s education commissioner, predicted that those tougher standards, adopted in 2007, will lead to

States Find Laws Against Sports Head Injuries Tricky to Enact

Everyone wants to reduce the number of head injuries suffered by young athletes. But deciding just how to do that is more complicated than it might seem.

Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001–2012

Private, independent credit rating agencies evaluate states’ financial health. States with the lowest grades typically have trouble keeping their spending in line with their tax revenues.

States Loosen Up on Fireworks Laws

In amateur hands, fireworks are as dangerous as ever. But states have a hard time passing up the revenue they bring in.

Courts Struggle to Maintain Safety

No one is sure why, but courthouses are becoming more dangerous every year. Better security is needed, but security isn’t cheap.

Oklahoma Rejects Bonding for Capitol Renovation

As the legislature adjourns, repairs for the Capitol and state office buildings are put off another year.

Mining Boom in Great Lakes States Prompts Environmental Concern

PART ONE OF TWO: Mining is a thriving industry again in the upper Midwest. But there are questions about whether current state regulations can handle the environmental impact.

Infographic: A Turning Point for Gay Marriage?

Gay marriage supporters have won big victories in state courts and state capitals in recent years. Now, they’re hoping to extend that success to the ballot box.

Minnesota Considers Easing Budget Gimmick

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: Last year, Minnesota delayed payments to school districts to close its budget gap. This year, with the budget in better shape, it's thinking about reversing course.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2012

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker and Members of the MN House of Representatives. Madam President and Members of the MN Senate. Madam Chief Justice and Distinguished Members of the MN Supr

Three States to Weigh in on Republican Candidates

TODAY'S TAKE: It's not quite "Super Tuesday," but today (February 7) marks the first day of the 2012 presidential campaign that will see more than one state cast ballots.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

Minnesota Vikings Stadium Subsidy Debate Heats Up

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: With a possible special session looming, Minnesota lawmakers will have to decide whether keeping the NFL's Vikings is worth $300 million in state money.

Minnesota Legislators Try to Prevent Future Shutdowns

TODAY'S TAKE: Now that Minnesota politicians have ended the longest state government shutdown in U.S. history, many are wondering how to avoid such a major disruption in the future.

Tobacco Bonds to Rescue Minnesota, for Now

The deal to end Minnesota's government shutdown uses long-term payments from Big Tobacco to fill a short-term budget gap.

Most Minnesota Lawmakers Still Collecting Their Paychecks

TODAY'S TAKE: More than 20,000 Minnesota state workers have stopped receiving paychecks because of a government shutdown that is now in its 12th day. But most state lawmakers have opted to continue getting paid, and Governor Mark Dayton has not furloughed his state-paid housekeeper.

Judges Uphold Cost-of-Living Cuts to Pensions

TODAY'S TAKE: Colorado and Minnesota lawmakers could legally reduce cost-of-living adjustments for currently retired state employees, judges said. The rulings could prompt more states to try the same thing.

Fate of Florida Commuter Rail Line Up to Governor

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Florida's governor weighs the arguments for a commuter rail line ... California regulators deal with the unintended consequences of a clean fuel requirement … Minnesota drivers could be caught in traffic if a budget is not passed on time, and other transportation news.

Shutdowns Loom in Iowa, Minnesota

TODAY'S TAKE: This week could see the first state government shutdown since 2007, when Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell ordered a partial closure that lasted nine days.

Can Nonprofit News Survive?

Online startups such as Minnesota's MinnPost, The Texas Tribune, the Connecticut Mirror and California Watch have established themselves as must-reads among aficionados of statehouse news. The question is whether they can raise enough money to keep going.

State Government Shutdowns: A Dangerous Game to Play

This is the time of year when many state capitols are consumed by talk of budget stalemates and possible closure of government agencies. But the worst rarely happens.

Minnesota Awaits Possible Government Shutdown

TODAY'S TAKE: The strain of politically divided government is showing in Minnesota, where Democratic Governor Mark Dayton vetoed the Republican Legislature's budget and the state government is making preparations for a shutdown.

All Public Sector Employees in New Jersey Will Have to Live In-State

MANAGEMENT BEAT: No more commuting from New York and Philadelphia for New Jersey workers … Governments are spending more time collecting and organizing data than using it … A collective bargaining showdown in Nevada, and other management news.

California Republicans Riled by Brown's Union Deals

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Limitless payouts for unused vacation time in California … A crackdown on using union dues to purchase magazine subscriptions … A comprehensive audit of Missouri state government, and other management news.

Connecticut Governor Seeks to Avoid Public Employee Layoffs

MANAGEMENT BEAT: The struggle over public employee concessions in Connecticut ... the prospect of salary cuts in Pennsylvania ... arguments about a pro-worker mural in Maine, and other government management news.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

Minnesota Senate Votes to Shrink State Government

MANAGEMENT BEAT: There may be 15 percent fewer workers in Minnesota state government … California Governor Jerry Brown weighs in with a pension overhaul plan … Nebraska looks to compromise on collective bargaining, and other government management news.

Eliminating Tax Breaks: A Path to Budget Compromise?

Is a tax break really a tax reduction? Or is it more spending in disguise? A growing number of states are asking that question.

State Worker Strikes: Rare but Momentous

Public employee unions in Wisconsin are not talking about going on strike right now, but growing labor unrest increases the chances of a work stoppage. If state workers resort to picket lines, the consequences for both sides may be great.

Two Governors See Need for Major Tax Increases

TODAY'S TAKE: Democratic Governors Dannel Malloy in Connecticut and Mark Dayton in Minnesota are detailing plans to sharply hike taxes as a way out of multi-billion dollar budget shortfalls.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's (D) 2011 state of the state address: On January 29, 2002, as a Minnesota Senator, I attended President George W. Bush's first State of the Union address. It occurred just four months after the terrible events of September 11, 2001. He

Budget Woes Dominate Governors' Inaugural Speeches

TODAY'S TAKE: New governors were sworn in Monday (January 3) in California, Minnesota, Nevada, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Most of them warned of painful fiscal choices ahead.

Jerry Brown to Abolish California Inspector General Office

TRANSITION WATCH: California's governor-elect kills a watchdog office to save $700,000, Nevada's incoming governor considers budget plans that trouble local governments and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

LePage Struggles to Fill Maine Cabinet Due to Salary Concerns

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine's governor-elect says top choices for key roles have turned him down, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell promises a fight with the feds over Medicaid funding, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Arizona's Brewer to Request Federal Waiver to Cut Medicaid

TRANSITION WATCH: Arizona's governor seeks new limits on Medicaid eligibility to balance the budget, Chet Culver's alternative energy program could be eliminated in Iowa and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

With Dayton's Win, Minnesota Tax Fight Looms

TRANSITION WATCH: Minnesota's incoming governor expects a showdown with the legislature over the budget, Rhode Island rejects one federal immigration database but accepts another and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Snyder's Detroit Outreach Could Include New Office

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor looks to strengthen a troubled Democratic city, revolving door rules could trip up a Rhode Island appointment, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Recount Begins in Minnesota

TODAY'S TAKE: Minnesota elections officials are confident that a recount in the undecided gubernatorial race between Republican Tom Emmer and Democrat Mark Dayton won't take as long as the months-long standoff that defined the state's 2008 U.S. Senate election.

Lone Governor's Race Remains Undecided

TODAY'S TAKE: Gubernatorial races that originally were too close to call in Connecticut and Illinois are now resolved, leaving only Minnesota -- site of a months-long recount involving U.S. Senator Al Franken in 2008 -- as the only state still waiting for its next governor.

Tea Party Could Sway Key Governors' Races

In the Republican gubernatorial primaries, Tea Party supporters played an outsized role in defeating establishment candidates. Can they pull off an upset twice?

Independents Making Noise on Gubernatorial Scene

With so many independents and third-party candidates for governor making a strong showing this year, now is a good time to ask: How do independents do as governor?

A Few Candidates Buck Conventional Wisdom on Taxes

Taxes are a hot subject in this year's gubernatorial campaigns, with many calling for tax cuts. But candidates willing to talk about higher taxes are a rare breed. Still, there are a few of them.

Slowdown on the Public-Private Express

Just a few years ago, there was a rage for public-private highway projects. They're still being done, but on a much smaller scale.

More Nuance in States' Views of Health Care Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Seven states that are suing the federal government over health care also have applied for funding under the law to help pay retiree medical costs for their workers. It's the latest apparent contradiction in some states' positions toward the law.

Tuesday's Primary Night is a Nail-Biter

TODAY'S TAKE: Primary elections for governor in four states Tuesday provided plenty of drama. The run-off election between the top two Georgia Republicans still appeared too close to call Wednesday morning, while Minnesota Democrats look to have narrowly avoided a recount. In Colorado and Connecticut, victory went to candidates who, until recently, were largely unknown.

States Test Whether Public Pension Benefits Given Can Be Taken Away

Most changes made to shore up state pension funds have been aimed at new employees. Now, three states are targeting current retirees - a group that has been considered off limits.

With Minnesota Governor's Race, Democrats Hope to Break long Losing Streak

Democrats tend to do well running for office in Minnesota, but the party has been locked out of the governor's mansion for 24 years. This year, with the Republicans expected to nominate a Tea Party favorite and a credible third-party candidate in the race, anything could happen.

Pawlenty Moves to Curry Favor in Iowa, New Hampshire

TODAY'S TAKE: Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has missed few chances to build support among Republicans for a potential presidential run in 2012. On Tuesday, he took another big step in preparing for that possibility by setting up political action committees to help Republican candidates this fall in the early presidential battleground states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

Tax Hikes on Wealthy Face Tough Chances

TODAY'S TAKE: A record eight states raised income taxes on their top earners last year, but similar proposals face much tougher chances in Minnesota and New Jersey this year. Republican governors in both states have ruled out raising taxes on the wealthy, even amid crippling budget shortfalls. But that hasn't stopped Democrats in both legislatures from trying.

Ruling Sets Up Budget Showdown in Minnesota

TODAY'S TAKE: A ruling Wednesday (May 5) by the Minnesota Supreme Court has the potential to rip a $2.7 billion hole in the state budget with just 11 days to go in the legislative session. It also sets up a showdown between the Democratic-led legislature and Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, who has vowed not to raise taxes.

Seven States Lead in Budget Transparency

TODAY'S TAKE: A report released Tuesday (April 13) finds that seven states - Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas - lead the nation in budget transparency, providing the public with comprehensive and easily searchable information about government spending. Eighteen states flunked the scorecard created by U.S. PIRG, a Boston-based research and public-interest advocacy group.

Going to the Mat Over Money

As states continue to find ways to plug an estimated $460 billion hole that opened up in their budgets between 2009 and 2012, "trimming the fat" and "cutting to the bone" are ancient history. But deeper cuts have gotten trickier. "Everything that hasn't been nailed down has been cut," Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, told The Sacramento Bee. "What's left is the legally questionable stuff." And that's just the point for targets of some of those cuts who are, in increasing numbers, taking their appeals to the courts.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) 2010 state of the state address: This state of the state address is not the most important thing that happened in Minnesota this week - not by a long shot. The most important thing that happened this week is that our Red Bulls

Summary of the Minnesota State of the State Address

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty sounded familiar themes in his final state of the state address, calling for cuts in business taxes and a cap on state spending.

Weekly Wrap: New Year Brings New Laws

New state laws that take effect across the country on New Year's Day range from affecting the way residents drive to whether they can marry or profit from snapping a celebrity's photograph. (See also:US: State lawmakers, lacking money, took up bad-behavior bans in '09 and US: New 2010 laws -- Cooking to texting)

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

Governors are using the economic crisis to sell big changes in how state and local jurisdictions operate, promising overhauls that could alter the face of government around the country. Their proposals range from sharing state helicopters between Minnesota and Wisconsin to shrinking Pennsylvania's system of 500 school districts to just 100.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2009

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. One hundred years ago, John Johnson, another 48-year-old Minnesota governor, returned from the national campaign tr

The Man McCain Didn't Pick

(Updated 3:40 p.m., Sept. 10, 2008)ST. PAUL, Minn. - Gov. Tim Pawlenty narrowly missed getting a spot on the Republican presidential ticket, but his moment on the national stage likely isn't over yet.

Govs' Parties to Fund 2010 Races

MINNEAPOLIS - Republican governors and the people who paid thousands of dollars to hobnob with them partied at a swanky restaurant here this week during the Republican National Convention in nearby St. Paul. Like similar events that Democrats held last week in Denver, it was just one of several big-ticket fundraisers that the Republican Governors Association expects to host during the convention, with some donors paying as much as $250,000 to participate.

Southern Govs Speak Via Videotape to Delegates

Sept. 2, 2008, 1:30 p.m. EDTST. PAUL, Minn. - Hurricane Gustav forced some of the biggest stars in the Republican Party to stay at home to help their consitutents battle the storm that many feared would rival Hurricane Katrina of just three years ago. But four of the five affected southern Republican governors addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention Monday (Sept. 1) via taped messages. "I'm sure you can understand why Gov. Jindal couldn't participate," first lady Laura Bush said as she introduced the taped messages, referring to Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as his state was being pounded by Gustav's strong winds and rain. Jindal had been rumored to be, among others, on Republican John McCain's shortlist of possible vice presidential picks before the senator chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. President Bush had been scheduled to address the delegates Monday but instead went to Texas to monitor the storm. The administration had been widely criticized for its handling of Hurricane Katrina. Some Republicans, notably Texas Gov. Rick Perry, stressed that the GOP was ready. "You're seeing Republican governors ... doing a fabulous job of taking care of the citizens. That's what we do," he said via videotape.Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Hurricane Gustav The first lady also noted the governors of the affected states "happen to be Republicans," which drew a thunderous applause from the delegates at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Florida Charlie Crist, another Republican governor who also was seen as a possible VP candidate, took a less partisan approach in his remarks, remembering his experience during last month's Tropical Storm Fay: "As I traveled our state in the days following Fay's landfall, I was reminded again of the resilience and strength of our people. The kindness they extend to one another. Neighbor helping neighbor. Asking not what party you are, but instead how you can help." Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour also gave videotaped messages. Governor Jindal said Monday that seven states are helping Louisiana to shelter more than 29,000 citizens at 107 shelters. Texas has offered to shelter several thousand patients, Oklahoma has agreed to accept 4,000 general evacuees, and 150 medical patients from southwest Louisiana hospitals are expected to arrive at the Oklahoma Air National Guard Base at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City today. The state Republican chairmen from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas formed a working group "to regularly brief their delegates and convention planners, provide access to timely information and assistance, and give input on appropriate steps that can be taken from Minnesota." The McCain 2008 campaign also agreed to charter a DC-9 to transport delegates who wished to return to home to their states.AFTER THE JUMP: More video footage of the governors on Hurricane Gustav. - Pamela M. Prah Comments

Republicans Deal With More Stormy Weather

The weather isn't being kind to the Republicans. The threat from Hurricane Gustav, which hit the Gulf Coast and canceled partisan festivities at the start of the Minnesota convention, is dissipating just as another potential hurricane threatens to send East Coast delegates fleeing before the close of the convention.

State Reporters on the Big Stories

Statehouse reporters from across the country are keeping tabs on their home-state politicians' attempts to snatch a piece of the national spotlight in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.

Great Lakes States Protect Their Water

Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes.

NCSL Conference Focuses on Floods, Energy

As state lawmakers gather in New Orleans this week for a policy conference, they'll be reminded often of what can happen if public works are allowed to deteriorate.

Oh Say, Is That Banner Made in the U.S.A.?

Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state's new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state.

WORTH NOTING: Phantom voter stalks Ala. State House

An Alabama lawmaker says someone's been using his voting machine. Florida's House Speaker locks the doors and turns off Internet access to make legislators pay attention. And Mayberry's Sheriff Taylor endorses a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Turf Wars Rage Over Fake Grass

State legislators are used to political turf wars. Now, debates in a handful of states really are about turf, pitting those who back the artificial variety against supporters of natural grass for playgrounds and athletic fields.

Commentary: Congress Encroaching on State Priorities

Far scarier than the economic downturn for states is the growing trend on the part of Congress to restrict state revenue and spending prerogatives and to replace them with congressional priorities, writes Raymond C. Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, in his latest commentary for Stateline.org. He cites provisions in two bills now making their way through Congress as important examples.

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.

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2008

ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Feb. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view the address. More than 80 years ago, a young man from Central Minnesota made an historic journey, alone, in an airplane across the Atlanti

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.

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.

After tragedy, political resolve collapses

The Interstate 35 bridge in downtown Minneapolis collapsed on Aug. 1, causing Minnesota and nearly every other state to re-examine the condition of their transportation infrastructure. But that uproar hasn't yet translated into a plan to fix Minnesota's $17 billion backlog of bridge and road repairs.

In Minnesota, soldiers re-learn civilian life

MOORHEAD, Minn. - The 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard who recently returned from a 22-month deployment - including a record 16 months in Iraq - are getting their first glimpse at a state program intended to help them overcome the challenges of life at home.

Colleges go on offense against binge drinking

To many college students, binge drinking is a rite of passage, as integral a part of the college experience as midterms and all-nighters. But to college administrators, drinking too much is a hazard to students' health and safety, and they're taking steps to curb it.

Missouri puts bridges on fast track

Missouri's plan to replace or repair 800 bridges in five years is being touted as a novel new way to leverage the power of private capital for public infrastructure by having a team of contractors finance the construction and maintain the bridges for 25 years.

Minnesota Takes the Lead in E-Cycling

Five state legislatures took steps this year to curb the threat of toxic waste created by the proliferation of discarded computer gear and other digital junk, making 2007 a banner year for passage of electronic recycling laws.

Bridge collapse points to national problem

The Minnesota bridge that collapsed this week is just one of 73,518 "structurally deficient" bridges across the country that state and federal inspectors have deemed in need of significant repairs.

Minnesota Governor Lands National Spotlight

Minn. Gov. Pawlenty The many sides of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) will be on display on a national stage when he takes over as this year's chairman of the National Governors Association this weekend and prepares to host the Republican National Convention in the Twin Cities next summer.

Sex Ed Landscape Shifting in States

While most states still stress abstinence in sex education, lately there has been a movement toward a comprehensive approach that also teaches about contraception.

Stumbles Aside, States Press to Cover All

More than a dozen states are entertaining the idea of making health insurance available to all kids or all residents, but the same problems that stymied such ambitious proposals for years again are tempering expectations.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2007

Thank you. Well this is now my fifth State of the State address. I never really thought I had that much to say. In all the years I spent in this chamber, I sometimes saw Mr. Lincoln looking down on us and wondered what he might have thought. I think he might say that politics and politicians aren't too popular the

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.

Minnesota Gov Fears GOP Backlash

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Two years ago, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was seen as a rising star in the Republican Party. Now he's in the political fight of his life, in danger of losing his seat to Attorney General Mike Hatch of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

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.