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  <channel>
    <title>Stateline.org RSS - Politics</title>
    <link>http://db.stateline.org/live/issues/Politics</link>
    <description><![CDATA[Politics]]></description>
    <ttl>15</ttl>

          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
                              Economy to sway 2010 gov races
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[<table width="200" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="0" align="right" summary=""> 	<tbody> 		<tr> 			<td><a href="http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=438129"><img border="0" align="right" src="http://archive.stateline.org/image-library/2010ElectionsLogo.jpg" alt="" /></a></td> 		</tr> 	</tbody> </table> The tax hikes that so many states levied to plug holes in their recession-ravaged budgets this year could endanger a few incumbent governors&rsquo; careers in 2010 when 37 gubernatorial contests are at stake.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://db.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=438129]]></link>
            <pubDate>11/18/2009</pubDate>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               US:                Energized Republican governors aim for majority status
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[AUSTIN, Texas -- Republican governors wrapped up a two-day pep rally here on Thursday with an expression of confidence that the political winds have begun to shift in their direction, thanks to what they called a backlash among many voters against the policies of the Obama administration. <em>(Also see: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125866864636656409.html" target="_blank">US: GOP officials urge candidates to avoid shrill tone </a>)</em>]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Dan Balz]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111901894.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111901894.html"><![CDATA[The Washington Post]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               AL:                Mobile County Democrats suit dismissed; court action challenged chapter dissolution
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[MOBILE, Ala. -- Mobile County Circuit Judge Rick Stout has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Alabama Democratic Party's decision to dissolve its Mobile County chapter earlier this year.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Sean Reilly ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://blog.al.com/live/2009/11/mobile_county_democrats_suit_d.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://blog.al.com/live/2009/11/mobile_county_democrats_suit_d.html"><![CDATA[Mobile Register]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               AR:                Fight health bill, ex-Clinton adviser urges
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The health-care overhaul bill being considered in the U.S. Senate is "the most serious threat to our lives and our liberties we Americans have faced since World War II," former Clinton adviser Dick Morris told about 250 Arkansans who rallied against the legislation. The group gathered Thursday on the Capitol steps in front of a "Hands Off Our Healthcare" tour bus. 

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By L. Lamor Williams ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/nov/20/fight-health-bill-ex-clinton-adviser-urge-20091120/?news]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/nov/20/fight-health-bill-ex-clinton-adviser-urge-20091120/?news"><![CDATA[Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               AR:                Morris predicts GOP congressional gains in state
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Sen. Blanche Lincoln and other congressional Democrats in Arkansas will have difficulty getting re-elected next year because they will have a hard time separating themselves from the national Democratic agenda, political strategist Dick Morris said today. 
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Rob Moritz]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://arkansasnews.com/2009/11/19/morris-predicts-gop-congressional-gains-in-state/]]></link>
            <source url="http://arkansasnews.com/2009/11/19/morris-predicts-gop-congressional-gains-in-state/"><![CDATA[Arkansas News Bureau]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               AZ:                UA's Shelton committed to excellence in spite of cuts 
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The University of Arizona faces "a perilous cliff" in funding, UA President Robert Shelton said. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Becky Pallack]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://azstarnet.com/metro/318299]]></link>
            <source url="http://azstarnet.com/metro/318299"><![CDATA[Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               AZ:                Budget agreement fails in Senate
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Efforts to trim a few hundred million dollars from the state budget fell apart Thursday when the state Senate came up one vote shy of the needed majority. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Mary Jo Pitzl and Matthew Benson]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/11/20/20091120session1120.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/11/20/20091120session1120.html"><![CDATA[The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               AZ:                Commission confirms ouster of legislator
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Arizona's public campaign financing commission has affirmed a judge's decision removing a lawmaker from office for violating campaign finance rules and laws.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/147364]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/147364"><![CDATA[East Valley Tribune]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               AZ:                Gould, Verschoor won't support budget plan
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Efforts to start plugging the $2 billion hole in the state budget came to a screeching halt Thursday when two Republican lawmakers refused to support the plan.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/147395]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/147395"><![CDATA[East Valley Tribune]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CA:                UC regents approve 32% student fee hike
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[With the chants of protesters wafting into their meeting room and armed police standing guard, the University of California's Board of Regents approved a 32%, or $2,500, increase in undergraduate fees Thursday, but promised more financial aid to keep needy students from dropping out. <em>(Also see: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pay-cuts20-2009nov20,0,7572266.story" target="_blank">CA: California lawmakers, officials face 18% pay cut </a>)</em>]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Larry Gordon and Amina Khan]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-uc-cuts20-2009nov20,0,7218101.story]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-uc-cuts20-2009nov20,0,7218101.story"><![CDATA[Los Angeles Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CA:                Campbell reports raising $1 million for governor's race
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Campbell announced today he's passed the $1 million mark in fundraising, nearly doubling what he had raised by the end of June.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Jack Chang]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/027225.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/027225.html"><![CDATA[The Sacramento Bee]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CA:                Ex-Lt. Gov. Reinecke endorses Whitman
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Ed Reinecke, who was California lieutenant governor some 40 years ago until being forced to resign after being touched by the Watergate scandal, has endorsed Meg Whitman for the Republican nomination for governor, the Whitman campaign announced today.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Dan Walters]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/027230.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/027230.html"><![CDATA[The Sacramento Bee]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CA:                Pension board member directed funds to a firm with ties to his, documents show
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[An appointee of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa voted two years ago to direct millions in public pension dollars to a company that invested in his own private equity fund, according to documents obtained by The Times.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By David Zahniser]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-broidy20-2009nov20,0,6481073.story]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-broidy20-2009nov20,0,6481073.story"><![CDATA[Los Angeles Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CA:                Regents raise college tuition in California by 32 percent
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[As the University of California's Board of Regents met Thursday at U.C.L.A. and approved a plan to raise undergraduate fees &mdash; the equivalent of tuition &mdash; 32 percent next fall, hundreds of students from campuses across the state demonstrated outside, beating drums and chanting slogans against the increase. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Tamar Lewin and Rebecca Cathcart]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/education/20tuition.html?ref=todayspaper]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/education/20tuition.html?ref=todayspaper"><![CDATA[The New York Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CO:                Xcel Energy lops nearly $44 million off rate-increase request
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Xcel Energy Thursday filed for state approval of a settlement with consumer groups in its ongoing rate case before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), knocking nearly $44 million from its rate-increase request.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By David O. Williams]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://coloradoindependent.com/42585/xcel-energy-lops-nearly-44-million-off-rate-increase-request]]></link>
            <source url="http://coloradoindependent.com/42585/xcel-energy-lops-nearly-44-million-off-rate-increase-request"><![CDATA[Colorado Independent]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CO:                U.S. attorney nominee Villafuerte denies any role in accessing restricted database
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama's nominee to be Colorado's next U.S. attorney has denied any involvement in the access of a restricted federal database to help Bill Ritter's 2006 campaign for governor.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Karen Crummy]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13830064]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13830064"><![CDATA[The Denver Post]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CT:                Former U.S. Attorney Kevin O'Connor says he won't run for governor
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Kevin O'Connor, a Republican former U.S. attorney and former associate U.S. attorney general, said Thursday that he will not run for governor, a decision that reshapes what is expected to be a hard-fought contest to replace Gov. M. Jodi Rell.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Edmund H. Mahony]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-oconnor-gov1120.artnov20,0,2574.story]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-oconnor-gov1120.artnov20,0,2574.story"><![CDATA[The Hartford Courant]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CT:                Lawmaker stopped again for using cell phone in car
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[NEWTOWN, Conn. --  A Connecticut lawmaker says he's paid more than $390 in fines and his driver's license has been reinstated after he was pulled over by police a second time for illegally using a cell phone while driving. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-ap-ct-lawmaker-cellphonnov19,0,2565576.story]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-ap-ct-lawmaker-cellphonnov19,0,2565576.story"><![CDATA[The Hartford Courant]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               CT:                Rell announces plan to rebuild 23 highway service plazas
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Gov. M. Jodi Rell on Thursday announced a deal with associates of Subway restaurants that she said would rebuild the 23 highway service plazas and create 350 jobs.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Josh Kovner]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-highway-service-plazas-1120.artnov20,0,718783.story]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-highway-service-plazas-1120.artnov20,0,718783.story"><![CDATA[The Hartford Courant]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               DE:                Delaware asked to invest in wind company
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A startup company whose management includes former Lt. Gov. John Carney is seeking a state investment of $350,000 to establish an operation in Wilmington to manufacture support towers for wind turbines.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Aaron Nathans]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091120/NEWS02/911200362/1006/NEWS]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091120/NEWS02/911200362/1006/NEWS"><![CDATA[The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               FL:                Need a job? Senate going to pay budget expert up to $170K a year
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Senate budget chief J.D. Alexander is setting up a new office to help him figure out if the state is spending money wisely.
Alexander and his House counterparts have grappled with the state's plummeting revenues and are facing a $2.7 billion projected spending gap in next year's budget.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Dara Kam]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.postonpolitics.com/2009/11/need-a-job-senate-going-to-pay-budget-expert-up-to-170k-a-year/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.postonpolitics.com/2009/11/need-a-job-senate-going-to-pay-budget-expert-up-to-170k-a-year/"><![CDATA[The Palm Beach Post]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               GA:                Health reform in D.C. could influence gubernatorial race
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The fractious debate over health care reform has mostly been a federal affair. But if the version favored by the top Democrat in the U.S. Senate becomes law, leaders in the states could play a huge role by choosing to opt out of the so-called "public option."
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Aaron Gould Sheinin ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.ajc.com/news/health-reform-in-d-205734.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.ajc.com/news/health-reform-in-d-205734.html"><![CDATA[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               GA:                Adelman nominated ambassador to Singapore
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Sen. David Adelman (D-Atlanta) has been nominated by President Barack Obama to be U.S. ambassador to Singapore, the White House announced late Thursday.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Aaron Gould Sheinin]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://blogs.ajc.com/gold-dome-live/2009/11/19/adelman-nominated-ambassador-to-singapore/?cxntfid=blogs_gold_dome_live]]></link>
            <source url="http://blogs.ajc.com/gold-dome-live/2009/11/19/adelman-nominated-ambassador-to-singapore/?cxntfid=blogs_gold_dome_live"><![CDATA[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               HI:                Senate Dems endorse Lingle plan to use rainy day fund to reduce furloughs
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Senate Democrats have endorsed Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to use $50 million from the rainy day fund to help reduce teacher furlough days.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staff Reports]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091119/BREAKING01/91119063/Senate+Dems+endorse+Lingle+plan+to+use+rainy+day+fund+to+reduce+furloughs]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091119/BREAKING01/91119063/Senate+Dems+endorse+Lingle+plan+to+use+rainy+day+fund+to+reduce+furloughs"><![CDATA[The Honolulu Advertiser]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IA:                Culver delivers sober message on school money
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Iowa Gov. Chet Culver delivered a somber budget lesson to school board members from across the state Thursday, but argued financial constraints offer a historic opportunity for reforms.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Charlotte Eby]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/education/article_127c5f74-d560-11de-9d5a-001cc4c002e0.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/education/article_127c5f74-d560-11de-9d5a-001cc4c002e0.html"><![CDATA[Quad-City Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IA:                Harkins supports plan to move detainees to Illinois prison
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The Iowa Democrat told reporters Thursday he has to learn more about the proposal and the maximum security prison at Thomson, Ill., but sees no reason to oppose it.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By James Q. Lynch]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/article_16826f76-d51c-11de-9c79-001cc4c03286.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/article_16826f76-d51c-11de-9c79-001cc4c03286.html"><![CDATA[Sioux City Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IA:                Branstad -- Iowa Poll encouraging
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Former Gov. Terry Branstad said Iowa voters' early preference of him over Gov. Chet Culver is helping his fundraising as the longtime Republican governor begins cranking up his campaign operation.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Tom Beaumont]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2009/11/19/branstad-iowa-poll-encouraging/]]></link>
            <source url="http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2009/11/19/branstad-iowa-poll-encouraging/"><![CDATA[The Des Moines Register]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IA:                Culver -- It's time for school reform
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Gov. Chet Culver said today that Iowa will go after up to $175 million in federal money for schools, but there are strings attached: Schools in Iowa must change.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staci Hupp]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2009/11/19/culver-its-time-for-school-reform/]]></link>
            <source url="http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2009/11/19/culver-its-time-for-school-reform/"><![CDATA[The Des Moines Register]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IL:                Ill. governor candidate wants more charter schools 
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The Bloomington state senator says that would help improve education in the state.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staff Reports]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/article_be75c6d7-1dd9-58a2-994d-1cafad684375.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/article_be75c6d7-1dd9-58a2-994d-1cafad684375.html"><![CDATA[Quad-City Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IL:                State GOP tones down heat on Gitmo
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Meanwhile, Gov. Pat Quinn and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat, seized on the attacks as fear mongering as they tried to sell the deal in a series of news conferences around northern Illinois.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Joseph Ryan]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=338389&src=109]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=338389&amp;src=109"><![CDATA[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IL:                State senator would consider leasing tollway
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Sen. Bill Brady, a Bloomington Republican, says he would consider selling the Illinois tollway to a private company if elected to the state's top post, putting him at odds with at least one challenger in the GOP primary for governor.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Joseph Ryan]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=338386&src=109]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=338386&amp;src=109"><![CDATA[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IN:                Tribune joins Indianapolis Star in push for lobbying reform
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Indiana's largest newspaper is leading a statewide media campaign aimed at tightening rules governing how much lobbyists can spend on gifts for lawmakers and to make the giving more visible to the public.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Keith Robinson, The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091120/News01/911200312/1052/News01]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091120/News01/911200312/1052/News01"><![CDATA[South Bend Tribune]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IN:                Group to rally for saving parts of current health care system
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A group opposed to the health care legislation pending in Congress will rally Saturday in downtown Indianapolis.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.ibj.com/group-to-rally-for-saving-parts-of-current-health-care-system/PARAMS/article/11349]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.ibj.com/group-to-rally-for-saving-parts-of-current-health-care-system/PARAMS/article/11349"><![CDATA[Indianapolis Business Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               IN:                Hamilton is confirmed for seat on appeals court
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Conservatives criticized some of Hamilton's rulings, calling him an activist judge whose personal views influence his decisions.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Maureen Groppe]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.indystar.com/article/20091120/NEWS05/911200343/1008/LOCAL19/Hamilton-is-confirmed-for-seat-on-appeals-court]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.indystar.com/article/20091120/NEWS05/911200343/1008/LOCAL19/Hamilton-is-confirmed-for-seat-on-appeals-court"><![CDATA[The Indianapolis Star]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               KS:                Official -- Repealing tax exemptions would help finance state services
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A top official in Gov. Mark Parkinson's administration on Wednesday said Kansas needs to repeal some tax exemptions to provide the revenue needed to fund crucial state services.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[ By Scott Rothschild]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/nov/19/official-repealing-tax-exemptions-would-help-finan/?kansas_legislature]]></link>
            <source url="http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/nov/19/official-repealing-tax-exemptions-would-help-finan/?kansas_legislature"><![CDATA[The Lawrence Journal-World]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               KY:                Nunn pleads not guilty to Fayette murder charge
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Former lawmaker Steve Nunn pleaded not guilty Thursday in Fayette Circuit Court to charges stemming from the shooting death of Amanda Ross, his ex-fianc?e.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Valarie Honeycutt Spears ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/1026429.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/1026429.html"><![CDATA[Lexington Herald-Leader]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               KY:                Senate hopefuls squabble about terrorism, coal
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[LOUISVILLE &mdash; Republicans Trey Grayson and Rand Paul exchanged sharp words on the issue of Guantánamo Bay, and Democrats Jack Conway and Daniel Mongiardo squabbled about their alliances with coal.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Jack Brammer]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/1027286.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/1027286.html"><![CDATA[Lexington Herald-Leader]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MA:                Gubernatorial candidates spar over local aid
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[WESTBOROUGH, Mass. -- Timothy P. Cahill has spent 22 years in public life, but the state treasurer said he was nervous as he rose to speak to some 200 business people at a breakfast meeting here yesterday.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By John R. Ellement]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/candidates_for_governor_spar_over_local_aid/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/candidates_for_governor_spar_over_local_aid/"><![CDATA[The Boston Globe]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MA:                Baker narrows list of running mates
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[As part of a decision that will significantly shape next year's gubernatorial race, Republican Charles D. Baker is reviewing a final list of four potential running mates, including a district attorney, the GOP's two top legislative leaders, and a lawmaker known for her political candor, a campaign adviser said yesterday.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Frank Phillips]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/baker_narrows_list_of_running_mates_in_governors_race/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/baker_narrows_list_of_running_mates_in_governors_race/"><![CDATA[The Boston Globe]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MA:                Highway toll foes fall short on signatures
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Massachusetts voters will not get a chance to decide on a proposed ballot question to eliminate tolls in Massachusetts.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staff Reports]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/highway_toll_foes_fall_short_on_signatures/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/highway_toll_foes_fall_short_on_signatures/"><![CDATA[The Boston Globe]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MA:                No agreement, no $147m upgrade
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Massachusetts has missed an opportunity to tap into as much as $147 million in grant money available under the federal stimulus package because of a deep disagreement between the Patrick administration and residents of Roxbury and Mattapan.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Meghan E. Irons]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/state_scraps_plan_to_seek_147_million_in_stimulus_money_for_bus_line/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/20/state_scraps_plan_to_seek_147_million_in_stimulus_money_for_bus_line/"><![CDATA[The Boston Globe]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MA:                Gov. Deval Patrick to Legislature -- Get back to work
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A steamed Gov. Deval Patrick slammed lawmakers yesterday for abruptly clocking out and taking an early holiday break as pending education and crime reforms along with budget cuts hang in the balance.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Hillary Chabot]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20091120gov_to_legislature_get_back_to_work/srvc=news&position=also]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20091120gov_to_legislature_get_back_to_work/srvc=news&amp;position=also"><![CDATA[Boston Herald]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MA:                Charles Baker cooks up plan to cut pension abuse
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Job-hopping to inflate state pensions and out-the-door parachutes higher than $90,000 will be banned under a new proposal by Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Baker, as a Herald review shows the number of retirees raking in that much or more shot up 30 percent this year.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Hillary Chabot]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1213226&srvc=news&position=2]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1213226&amp;srvc=news&amp;position=2"><![CDATA[Boston Herald]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MD:                Dixon's fate in jurors' hands
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[BALTIMORE, Md. -- Twelve Baltimore residents are now deciding the fate of Mayor Sheila Dixon, who stands accused of five criminal charges involving theft or embezzlement of gift cards. The jurors deliberated for about four hours Thursday, sending the judge several questions before the end of the day.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Julie Bykowicz and Annie Linskey]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-md.dixon20nov20,0,1136310.story]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-md.dixon20nov20,0,1136310.story"><![CDATA[The Sun (Baltimore)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               ME:                No probe for city's TABOR fliers 
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The state ethics commission decided Thursday against an investigation into whether South Portland should be required to file campaign finance reports because of a flier it sent regarding the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Susan M. Cover]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/7123669.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/7123669.html"><![CDATA[Kennebec Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               ME:                Foes of gay vows face probe
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State ethics commission staff will soon begin an investigation into the fundraising practices of a group that contributed at least $1.6 million to defeat gay marriage in Maine.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Susan M. Cover]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/7123823.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/7123823.html"><![CDATA[Kennebec Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               ME:                 Election money may be scant
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The prospect that Maine's clean election fund could run dry before the November 2010 elections is causing some concerns among gubernatorial candidates hoping to tap into the program.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Kevin Miller]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/130242.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/130242.html"><![CDATA[Bangor Daily News]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MI:                Michiganders, your governor is tweeting
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The governor is one of 23 million monthly visitors to the social networking Web site called Twitter.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Emily Lawler, Capital News Service]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091120/News01/911200359/1052/News01]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20091120/News01/911200359/1052/News01"><![CDATA[South Bend Tribune]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MI:                State Senate majority leader issues letter to Obama, says "No" on Gitmo
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, asked other elected officials to join him in saying "No" to bringing Guantanamo Bay detainees to the U.S.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Kayla Habermehl]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/11/post_16.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/11/post_16.html"><![CDATA[Bay City Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MI:                Governor Jennifer Granholm suggests GVSU students 'fire' lawmakers who don't back Michigan Promise scholarships
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[ALLENDALE, Mich. -- Rallying to restore funding to the Michigan Promise scholarships, Gov. Jennifer Granholm told Grand Valley State University students that lawmakers work for them -- and they can be fired for not doing what the boss says.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Dave Murray]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/governor_jennifer_granholm_sug.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/11/governor_jennifer_granholm_sug.html"><![CDATA[Grand Rapids Press]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MI:                New report shows Michigan tax system unfair, but reactions continue along partisan lines
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Without exception, every business advocacy organization, special interest group and partisan of any stripe screams these days for some sort of change in Michigan's governmental structure.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Jeff Cranson]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/new_report_shows_michigan_tax.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/new_report_shows_michigan_tax.html"><![CDATA[Grand Rapids Press]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MI:                Michigan Secretary of State plans branch closings
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Secretary of State branch in downtown East Lansing will close as early as next year under a plan to consolidate branch locations in 11 counties statewide.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Scott Davis]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20091120/NEWS01/911200321]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20091120/NEWS01/911200321"><![CDATA[Lansing State Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MI:                College students stung by Promise Scholarship cuts
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[With just weeks before the end of the fall semester many college students are unsure if Promise Scholarship money will be available for next term or how they might replace the funding.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Karen Bouffard]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.detnews.com/article/20091120/SCHOOLS/911200389/1024/POLITICS03/College-students-stung-by-Promise-Scholarship-cuts]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.detnews.com/article/20091120/SCHOOLS/911200389/1024/POLITICS03/College-students-stung-by-Promise-Scholarship-cuts"><![CDATA[The Detroit News]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MO:                Missouri pensions board will select law firms for suits
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Rejecting allegations that they were setting up a "pay-to-play" system, Missouri officials laid the groundwork Thursday for filing lawsuits to recoup investment losses by the state's pension plan.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Virginia Young]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/3BE89C78832EFD23862576740012C329?OpenDocument]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/3BE89C78832EFD23862576740012C329?OpenDocument"><![CDATA[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MS:                Lawmakers' trips hit amid revenue crunch
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Senate leaders have eliminated all taxpayer-funded out-of-state travel for the rest of the fiscal year. Meanwhile, the House is considering a proposal to limit its members to one out-of-state trip each this fiscal year, said House Management Committee Chair J.P. Compretta, D-Bay St. Louis.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Elizabeth Crisp]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200352/1001/RSS01]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200352/1001/RSS01"><![CDATA[The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MS:                Miss. Governor's Mansion gets nearly $50K touchup
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[NASCAR fans are helping the Mississippi Governor's Mansion get a small facelift.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Emily Wagster Pettus, The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://nems360.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Miss-+Governor-s+Mansion+gets+nearly+-50K+touchup%20&id=4557515-Miss-+Governor-s+Mansion+gets+nearly+-50K+touchup&instance=home_news_bullets]]></link>
            <source url="http://nems360.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Miss-+Governor-s+Mansion+gets+nearly+-50K+touchup%20&amp;id=4557515-Miss-+Governor-s+Mansion+gets+nearly+-50K+touchup&amp;instance=home_news_bullets"><![CDATA[The Daily Journal (Tupelo)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MS:                Victims' kin in civil-rights era cases sought
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The FBI is seeking to find family members of 33 people slain during the civil rights movement. A third of those killings took place in Mississippi, including that of Jimmie Lee Griffin, whose body was discovered on a highway near Sturgis on Sept. 24, 1965.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Jerry Mitchell]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200358/1001/RSS01]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200358/1001/RSS01"><![CDATA[The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               MT:                Montana, federal officials more tolerant of bison leaving Yellowstone, report says
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[BILLINGS -- Federal and state officials are drafting new strategies to deal with bison coming out of Yellowstone National Park, but still don't have an alternative to periodic slaughters of the iconic Western animal.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_a1b8285c-d589-11de-9912-001cc4c002e0.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_a1b8285c-d589-11de-9912-001cc4c002e0.html"><![CDATA[Missoulian]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NC:                N.C. Sen. Boseman says she won't run again
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Sen. Julia Boseman, the first openly gay person elected to the General Assembly, said yesterday that she won't run for a fourth term in the Senate next year, citing family responsibilities.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/nov/20/nc-sen-boseman-says-she-wont-run-again/news-ncpolitics/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/nov/20/nc-sen-boseman-says-she-wont-run-again/news-ncpolitics/"><![CDATA[The Winston-Salem Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NC:                .C. Sen. Boseman says she won't run again
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Sen. Julia Boseman, the first openly gay person elected to the General Assembly, said yesterday that she won't run for a fourth term in the Senate next year, citing family responsibilities.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/nov/20/nc-sen-boseman-says-she-wont-run-again/news-ncpolitics/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/nov/20/nc-sen-boseman-says-she-wont-run-again/news-ncpolitics/"><![CDATA[The Winston-Salem Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NC:                State Sen. Julia Boseman, the first openly gay person elected to the General Assembly, said yesterday that she won't run for a fourth term in the Senate next year, citing family responsibilities.
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Sen. Julia Boseman, the first openly gay person elected to the General Assembly, said yesterday that she won't run for a fourth term in the Senate next year, citing family responsibilities.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/nov/20/nc-sen-boseman-says-she-wont-run-again/news-ncpolitics/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/nov/20/nc-sen-boseman-says-she-wont-run-again/news-ncpolitics/"><![CDATA[The Winston-Salem Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NC:                Perdue rethinks life terms
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Gov. Beverly Perdue's third take: Prison officials never doled out credits for good behavior to those sentenced to life in the 1970s. It's the latest position Perdue's administration has taken on the question of freedom for dozens of inmates convicted of murder, rape and robbery more than three decades ago. 
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Mandy Locke ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/201340.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/201340.html"><![CDATA[The News & Observer (Raleigh)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NC:                Stam sees a chance for eminent domain bill
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The departure of state Sen. Tony Rand has a lot of people wondering how the Senate will operate without the powerful master of rules, legislative maneuvers and hardball politics. It even has state Rep. Paul Stam wondering whether he'll finally get a favorite bill passed in the Senate. 
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Benjamin Niolet and Rob Christensen ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/state/story/201253.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/state/story/201253.html"><![CDATA[The News & Observer (Raleigh)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NE:                Senators will work around Heineman's schedule to wrap up session
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Gov. Dave Heineman called 49 senators to Lincoln 2 1/2 weeks ago to find a solution to a budget crisis. He met with the Appropriations Committee and other key committee chairs Nov. 2, and held briefings with others, to outline his proposal to cut the two-year budget to fill a gap in revenue. Then, according to a few senators, he more or less disappeared.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By JoAnne Young ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_f7d1d782-d571-11de-87f9-001cc4c002e0.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_f7d1d782-d571-11de-87f9-001cc4c002e0.html"><![CDATA[Lincoln Journal Star]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NE:                As pressure mounts, McClurg mum on stem cell vote
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The man who holds the pivotal vote in today's embryonic stem cell research showdown is prepared to make a difficult decision.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Melissa Lee]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.journalstar.com/news/local/article_c03df406-d579-11de-bcfa-001cc4c002e0.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.journalstar.com/news/local/article_c03df406-d579-11de-bcfa-001cc4c002e0.html"><![CDATA[Lincoln Journal Star]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NE:                McGill named head of Urban Affairs Committee
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill was elected Thursday to chair the Legislature's Urban Affairs Committee.
 She will succeed Omaha Sen. Mike Friend, who resigned this summer to become the first director of the state's Office of Violence Prevention.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By JoAnne Young ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_c98fb5da-d574-11de-89f1-001cc4c002e0.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_c98fb5da-d574-11de-89f1-001cc4c002e0.html"><![CDATA[Lincoln Journal Star]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NE:                University weighs tighter limits on stem cell research
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[LINCOLN, Neb. &mdash; In an unusual pushback against President Obama's expansion of federal financing of human embryonic stem cell research, the University of Nebraska is considering restricting its stem cell experiments to cell lines approved by President George W. Bush.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Monica Davey]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/us/20stem.html?ref=todayspaper]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/us/20stem.html?ref=todayspaper"><![CDATA[The New York Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NJ:                Corzine warns Christie on 'unenviable' budget choices
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Gov. Corzine's voice wavered as he choked out the words: "From the bottom of my heart, serving you as a U.S. senator and as governor have been the highest points of my life."]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Cynthia Burton]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20091120_Corzine_warns_Christie_on__unenviable__budget_choices.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20091120_Corzine_warns_Christie_on__unenviable__budget_choices.html"><![CDATA[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NJ:                A forceful entry by Christie, and a sober exit by Corzine
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. &mdash; In a vivid contrast of their styles and standing, a soft-spoken Gov. Jon S. Corzine delivered a choked-up goodbye here Thursday while Governor-elect Christopher J. Christie vowed to "force change" on New Jersey even if it meant dragging his adversaries to the table.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By David M. Halbfinger]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20jersey.html?ref=todayspaper]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20jersey.html?ref=todayspaper"><![CDATA[The New York Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NJ:                Governors don't call this home
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[It is a 20-room Greek Revival mansion, with Italian gardens, a music room and a wood-paneled library. But no one seems to want to live in Drumthwacket, the governor's residence in Princeton Township, N.J.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By David M. Halbfinger]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20drumthwackett.html?ref=todayspaper]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20drumthwackett.html?ref=todayspaper"><![CDATA[The New York Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NJ:                Essex Democrat is on track as next Assembly speaker
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver now has a clear path to become speaker of the lower house, after her only remaining competition for the post, Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman, dropped out of contention yesterday. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Chris Megerian and Josh Margolin]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-15/125868090663280.xml&coll=1]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-15/125868090663280.xml&amp;coll=1"><![CDATA[The Star-Ledger (Newark)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NJ:                Dem leader -- Economy trumps gay marriage
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Following a dust-up over gay marriage in which he said he was taken out of context, Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney said it would be irresponsible for Democrats to bring a bill to vote if they are not sure it will pass.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staff Reports]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-15/125867851317060.xml&coll=1]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-15/125867851317060.xml&amp;coll=1"><![CDATA[The Star-Ledger (Newark)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NJ:                Christie lays down his law for state
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[In his first major speech since Election Day, Gov.-elect Chris Christie told local officials yesterday they better step up and become part of the solution, or he would become their problem.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staff Reports]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-15/125868090863280.xml&coll=1]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-15/125868090863280.xml&amp;coll=1"><![CDATA[The Star-Ledger (Newark)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NM:                Questions surround State Investment Council money manager
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Hassan Nemazee, a longtime Democratic moneyman, was arrested last August and later accused of perpetrating a $292 million Ponzi scheme. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Trip Jennings ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://newmexicoindependent.com/42026/questions-surround-state-investment-council-money-manager]]></link>
            <source url="http://newmexicoindependent.com/42026/questions-surround-state-investment-council-money-manager"><![CDATA[New Mexico Independent]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NV:                Welfare told to sign contract but not given the money to pay for it
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Lawmakers on Thursday told state Welfare Administrator Romaine Gilliland to sign a $10.7 million contract even though they withheld part of the money to pay for it.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Geoff Dornan]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911209977/1070&parentprofile=1058]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911209977/1070&amp;parentprofile=1058"><![CDATA[Nevada Appeal (Carson City)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NY:                Giuliani eyes Senate run
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who has been widely rumored to be interested in running for governor, is weighing "a real possibility" of seeking a U.S. Senate seat next year, a former Giuliani campaign aide said.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Suzanne Sataline]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125868385425756869.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125868385425756869.html"><![CDATA[The Wall Street Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NY:                Giuliani said to decide against run for governor
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani has decided not to run for governor next year after months of considering a candidacy, according to people who have been told of the decision.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Danny Hakim]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20rudy.html?ref=todayspaper]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20rudy.html?ref=todayspaper"><![CDATA[The New York Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NY:                Giuliani won't run for governor, GOP officials say
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is not planning to run for governor next year after spending months considering whether to seek the seat, Republican officials said Thursday.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Joseph Spector]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091120/NEWS01/911200344/1003/Giuliani-won-t-run-for-governor--GOP-officials-say]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20091120/NEWS01/911200344/1003/Giuliani-won-t-run-for-governor--GOP-officials-say"><![CDATA[Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NY:                 Governor -- 'There is no deal'
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The work goes on, but the legislators are gone. Members of the state Senate and Assembly left the Capitol on Thursday with plans to return on Monday -- if, that is, their leaders manage to hammer out a package to close the state's estimated $3.2 billion budget deficit.


]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Casey Seiler]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=868340&category=STATE]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=868340&amp;category=STATE"><![CDATA[Times Union (Albany)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NY:                For Bruno, how Albany works is also on trial
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The longtime secretary for one of the most powerful politicians in New York spent as much time on his private business, handling bills and correspondence, as she did on his public duties, like arranging meetings with lawmakers.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Nicholas Confessore]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20bruno.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/nyregion/20bruno.html?_r=1&amp;ref=todayspaper"><![CDATA[The New York Times]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               NY:                 Pork politics key to Bruno reign
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Under Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno's rule, $85 million a year in discretionary funds known as member items were doled out by senators with political considerations in mind, a high-level Senate aide said Thursday under oath in Bruno's federal criminal trial.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By James M. Odato]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=868375]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=868375"><![CDATA[Times Union (Albany)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OH:                Bill aims to help workers due pay
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Senate Democrats say it's time to expand the state's ability to investigate and resolve instances in which workers are not paid wages owed them.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Jim Siegel]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/copy/wage_theft.ART_ART_11-20-09_B3_37FO4BN.html?adsec=politics&sid=101]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/copy/wage_theft.ART_ART_11-20-09_B3_37FO4BN.html?adsec=politics&amp;sid=101"><![CDATA[The Columbus Dispatch]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OH:                Bill aims to help workers due pay
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Senate Democrats say it's time to expand the state's ability to investigate and resolve instances in which workers are not paid wages owed them.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Jim Siegel]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/wage_theft.ART_ART_11-20-09_B3_37FO4BN.html?sid=101]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/wage_theft.ART_ART_11-20-09_B3_37FO4BN.html?sid=101"><![CDATA[The Columbus Dispatch]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OH:                Republican duo says new Ohio casinos need proper regulations, no felons
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[So they are proposing what they see as sensible regulations for Ohio's casinos that include background checks on owners and key employees designed to bar felons from being involved in Ohio's newest foray into gambling.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Aaron Marshall]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2009/11/post_5.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2009/11/post_5.html"><![CDATA[The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OH:                Casino issue won big with absentee voters
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Voters who cast an absentee ballot in the Nov. 3 election generally were much more likely to support the statewide issue authorizing casinos than those who went to the polls Election Day, final unofficial results show.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Mark Niquette]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/absentee_casino.ART_ART_11-20-09_B5_37FO3P9.html?sid=101]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/absentee_casino.ART_ART_11-20-09_B5_37FO3P9.html?sid=101"><![CDATA[The Columbus Dispatch]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OH:                Strickland vows to punish domestic abusers
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[In response to a Dispatch investigation that showed Ohio's tolerance of and indifference toward domestic violence, Strickland called for a sweeping examination of, and reforms to, Ohio's approach to the crime.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Mike Wagner]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/DVgov.ART_ART_11-20-09_A1_8PFO3G3.html?sid=101]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/DVgov.ART_ART_11-20-09_A1_8PFO3G3.html?sid=101"><![CDATA[The Columbus Dispatch]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OH:                Casino campaign worker indicted for voter fraud
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A Franklin County grand jury indicted a campaign worker yesterday, accusing her of falsifying two applications for absentee ballots in this month's casino election.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By James Nash]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/FRAUD.ART_ART_11-20-09_B7_37FO4P5.html?sid=101]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/11/20/FRAUD.ART_ART_11-20-09_B7_37FO4P5.html?sid=101"><![CDATA[The Columbus Dispatch]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OK:                Cheyenne, Arapaho Gov. Darrell Flyingman avoids offices amid protests 
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[CONCHO, Okla. &mdash; About two dozen tribal members gathered outside the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes' headquarters Thursday to prevent outgoing tribal Gov. Darrell Flyingman from entering the building. 


]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Johnny Johnson]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://newsok.com/cheyenne-arapaho-gov.-darrell-flyingman-avoids-offices-amid-protests/article/3418916?custom_click=lead_story_title]]></link>
            <source url="http://newsok.com/cheyenne-arapaho-gov.-darrell-flyingman-avoids-offices-amid-protests/article/3418916?custom_click=lead_story_title"><![CDATA[The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OR:                Tax measures represent next economic crossroads
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[With Oregon's economy and tax collections apparently stabilizing, the next development affecting state services and aid to public schools will hinge on how Oregon voters decide the Legislature's budget-balancing tax measures Jan. 26.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Peter Wong]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091120/STATE/911200342/1042]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091120/STATE/911200342/1042"><![CDATA[Statesman Journal (Salem)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OR:                Has Oregon's economy bottomed out?
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Oregon's economic downturn might have hit bottom, Oregon's state economist told lawmakers Thursday.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Peter Wong]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091120/STATE/911200340/1042]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20091120/STATE/911200340/1042"><![CDATA[Statesman Journal (Salem)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OR:                Steve Shields pulls out of Oregon governor's race
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Former Hewlett Packard executive Steve Shields is pulling out of the Oregon governor's race, he announced. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Michael Russell]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/gubernatorial_candidate_steve.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/gubernatorial_candidate_steve.html"><![CDATA[The Oregonian (Portland)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               OR:                Curtain dropping on Oregon's recession
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Oregon's recession is over. Or nearly over, state economist Tom Potiowsky declared Thursday. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Michelle Cole]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/oregon_state_economist_declare.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/11/oregon_state_economist_declare.html"><![CDATA[The Oregonian (Portland)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               PA:                State taking heat for 'chaotic' flu shots
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[In the last several weeks, as the H1N1 flu has swept through the nation and health officials scrambled to find scarce vaccine, questions have been raised about how Pennsylvania chose to handle the process of distributing the limited doses available.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Steve Twedt]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09324/1014953-488.stm]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09324/1014953-488.stm"><![CDATA[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               RI:                In Providence, a crescent of green business sprouts
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[When Alteris Renewables decided to add another office in either Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts, it considered Fall River, New Bedford and Bristol. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Alex Kuffner ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.projo.com/news/content/PROV_GREEN_BIZ_11-20-09_Q7GG5PN_v62.3c1afc0.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.projo.com/news/content/PROV_GREEN_BIZ_11-20-09_Q7GG5PN_v62.3c1afc0.html"><![CDATA[The Providence Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               RI:                Veto of domestic partners funeral bill sparks protest at R.I. State House
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[About 150 protesters lit candles in the dark Thursday night and followed a black casket up the walk to the State House steps.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Donita Naylor]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.projo.com/news/content/FUNERAL_RALLY_11-20-09_F6GH73I_v10.39890e5.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.projo.com/news/content/FUNERAL_RALLY_11-20-09_F6GH73I_v10.39890e5.html"><![CDATA[The Providence Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               SC:                Sanford relents on ethics report
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Gov. Mark Sanford agreed Thursday to remove the last hurdle to a long-delayed House of Representatives impeachment investigation of his travel and campaign expenses. 

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staff and Wire Reports]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/nov/20/sanford-relents-on-ethics-report/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/nov/20/sanford-relents-on-ethics-report/"><![CDATA[The Post and Courier (Charleston)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               SC:                Candidate for governor raises Confederate flag issue
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The Confederate flag must be removed from the State House grounds if South Carolina is to attract jobs, according to one Democrat running for governor. Thursday, Mullins McLeod, a Charleston attorney, released a plan to create jobs and reopened an old S.C. wound about whether it's appropriate to fly the flag on Capitol grounds.



]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Gina Smith]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1036208.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1036208.html"><![CDATA[The State (Columbia)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               SC:                Ethics panel votes to charge Sanford
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Gov. Mark Sanford agreed Thursday to remove the last hurdle to a long-delayed House of Representatives impeachment investigation of his travel and campaign expenses.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By John O'Connor]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1036200.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1036200.html"><![CDATA[The State (Columbia)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               SC:                Harrell promised copy of Gov. Sanford ethics investigation report
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Some lawmakers want to see more detail about ethics charges facing Gov. Mark Sanford before making up their minds, while others say they are disturbed by the State Ethics Commission's finding that the governor violated state ethics laws in his travels and campaign expenses.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Tim Smith]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200312/1004/NEWS01/Harrell-promised-copy-of-Gov.-Sanford-ethics-investigation-report]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200312/1004/NEWS01/Harrell-promised-copy-of-Gov.-Sanford-ethics-investigation-report"><![CDATA[The Greenville News]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               SD:                Candidates for governor in forum
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Four candidates for governor are set to discuss their views on K-12 education today in Pierre.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Josh Verges]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.argusleader.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200317/1001/news]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.argusleader.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200317/1001/news"><![CDATA[Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               SD:                Pricey fight over ban expected
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Backers of a statewide smoking ban say they expect to be outspent by opponents in what's expected to be a hard-fought campaign after deciding Thursday not to appeal a judge's ruling.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Peter Harriman]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.argusleader.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200331/1001/news]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.argusleader.com/article/20091120/NEWS/911200331/1001/news"><![CDATA[Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               TN:                TN budget cuts could close longtime institution for people with severe disabilities
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The only state institution in Middle Tennessee for people with severe intellectual disabilities could be closed under a plan introduced Thursday to cut spending.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Chas Sisk]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091120/NEWS0201/911200365/1009/NEWS02]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091120/NEWS0201/911200365/1009/NEWS02"><![CDATA[The Tennessean (Nashville)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               TX:                State (board) of agitation
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Legislative frustration and national efforts to standardize state curricula threaten to diminish the State Board of Education's authority. For now, members are just trying to get along &mdash; but the rifts are still as big as ever.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Abby Rapoport  ]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.texastribune.org/stories/2009/nov/19/state-board-agitation/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.texastribune.org/stories/2009/nov/19/state-board-agitation/"><![CDATA[The Texas Tribune]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               TX:                Investment firm stands by reports on gifts to State Board of Education official
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[State Board of Education member Rick Agosto has accused an investment company of incorrectly reporting that it gave him more than $1,000 in gifts before it sought a lucrative contract with the board. But the company has insisted that its disclosures are generally correct and said in letters to the Texas Education Agency that the disagreement may partially result from differences in accounting.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Jeff Horwitz]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/education/stories/112009dnproedboard.3fc1fd9.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/education/stories/112009dnproedboard.3fc1fd9.html"><![CDATA[The Dallas Morning News]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               TX:                Perry rejects clemency in death penalty case
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Rejecting a rare recommendation to commute a death sentence, Gov. Rick Perry refused Thursday to stop the execution of a man convicted of murder for his role in the 1996 shooting death of a Houston convenience store clerk. Less than an hour later, Robert Lee Thompson, 34, was executed at a state prison in Huntsville.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Mike Ward]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/2009/11/20/1120clemency.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/2009/11/20/1120clemency.html"><![CDATA[The Austin American-Statesman]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               TX:                Despite his millions, Shami faces steep climb to governor's office
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[HOUSTON &mdash; With hundreds of supporters watching, businessman Farouk Shami leapt into the Democratic gubernatorial primary field Thursday with plenty of hoopla and a promise to spend millions more than his opponents will likely raise, but he will face obstacles that even money may not allow him to overcome.

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Corrie MacLaggan and Jason Embry]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/2009/11/20/1120shami.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/2009/11/20/1120shami.html"><![CDATA[The Austin American-Statesman]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               US:                GOP officials urge candidates to avoid shrill tone
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[AUSTIN, Texas -- Republican governors Thursday urged GOP candidates competing in 2010 elections to not harshly attack President Barack Obama, citing polls that show his personal popularity remaining strong despite unease over his policies.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Peter Wallsten]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125866864636656409.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125866864636656409.html"><![CDATA[The Wall Street Journal]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               UT:                Abortion bill approved by Utah legislative committee
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A bill that would make seeking an illegal abortion a second-degree felony as well as remove any immunity for Utah women seeking illegal abortions was approved by a legislative committee Wednesday morning.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By James Thalman]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705345405/Abortion-bill-approved-by-Utah-legislative-committee.html]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705345405/Abortion-bill-approved-by-Utah-legislative-committee.html"><![CDATA[The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               UT:                Legislators intent on fixing bonus situation at trust lands agency
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A series of bonuses given to Utah's school trust lands top officials are still in the crosshairs of legislative leaders, who are convinced the $150,000 in payments were an end-run around state budget cuts. ]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Robert Gehrke]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_13827765]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_13827765"><![CDATA[The Salt Lake Tribune]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               VT:                5 Democrats make pitch for governor
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Marcella and Chris Chiarello of Shelburne went to Thursday night's gubernatorial candidate forum hoping for hints that will help them choose from a field of five Democratic candidates with strikingly similar viewpoints.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Terri Hallenbeck]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091120/NEWS03/91120001&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20091120/NEWS03/91120001&amp;referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL"><![CDATA[Burlington Free Press]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               WA:                Governor opposes delay in WASL math and science
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Gov. Chris Gregoire says she opposes state schools chief Randy Dorn's proposal to delay the requirement for students to pass state math and science tests to graduate.]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Randy Dorn]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/19/state-schools-chief-ask-wasl-delay/]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/nov/19/state-schools-chief-ask-wasl-delay/"><![CDATA[The Spokesman-Review (Spokane)]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               WV:                Special session to last another day for gas-tax bill
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Legislators will spend one more day in special session, after House Republicans  blocked a passage vote Thursday on a bill (SB4004) to freeze the state's gasoline tax at the current 32.2 cents a gallon. 
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Phil Kabler]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.wvgazette.com/News/politics/200911190837]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.wvgazette.com/News/politics/200911190837"><![CDATA[Charleston Gazette]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               WV:                Vote block extends special session to fourth day
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[House Republicans on Thursday blocked the Legislature from voting on two bills sought by the Manchin administration, throwing a special session into a fourth day. In a largely symbolic move, the Republicans prevented Democrats from suspending House rules Thursday to advance one bill that would have made changes to the state gasoline tax and another to encourage the use of energy sources other than coal by state utilities. 

]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By Staff and Wire Reports]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dailymail.com/News/statehouse/200911191147]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dailymail.com/News/statehouse/200911191147"><![CDATA[Charleston Daily Mail]]></source>
              </item>
          <item>
            <title> <![CDATA[
               WV:                W.Va. lawmakers mull ruling on e-mail secrecy
            ]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[A state Supreme Court justice says West Virginia's Freedom of Information laws are too narrow to fully serve the public's right to know, and some lawmakers are willing to look at changing the code.
]]></description>
        <author><![CDATA[By The Associated Press]]></author>
                    <link><![CDATA[http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/200911190663]]></link>
            <source url="http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/200911190663"><![CDATA[]]></source>
              </item>
                <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Visit the Stateline.org Politics Page]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://db.stateline.org/live/issues/Politics]]></link>
      </item>
        </channel>

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