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Oregon

Obama and Oregon -- More in common than 'O'


PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon is fertile ground for Barack Obama, the self-described "change" candidate. The state that has led the way in everything from bike trails to assisted suicide is also the first to vote entirely by mail. Oregon's 2 million-plus voters began receiving ballots more than two weeks ago, and 22 percent have returned them, according to the secretary of state's office.
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Farmers, families, fishermen in Oregon get help from farm bill


The U.S. House of Representatives passed Wednesday a $290 billion bill that would offer a boost to Oregon farmers, fishermen and low-income families, if it withstands a veto by President Bush.
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Sentencing rules cut parole board's oversight to 12% of Oregon inmates


In a small, secured room at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, a prison inmate appears on a video screen in front of three board members. His crime: aggravated murder. Their task: decide whether he can be returned to society safely.   Read More
States to enforce molester law on tribal land
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer

A little-noticed provision in a 2006 federal sex-offender law is rankling American Indian tribes in six states — Alaska, California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin — because it would give state law enforcers unprecedented authority to monitor child molesters living on tribal land.   Read More
N.J. enacts paid family leave
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer

New Jersey this month joined California and Washington in adopting family leave insurance plans that allow workers to take time off with pay to care for sick family members or newborn and newly adopted children. New York and Oregon are expected to consider similar laws next year.   Read More
States, locals swamp immigration program
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Sudden demand by state and local police to join the federal 287(g) initiative, which lets local police start deportation proceedings for suspects and criminals who are illegal immigrants, is overwhelming the federal government. That means long waits and alternative programs offered to police departments that want to join.   Read More
In school sports, who makes the call?
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer

A shot at the buzzer of a high school championship game — was it in time or not? — led the South Carolina Legislature to consider a bill to require referees to watch video replays. It was hardly the first example of armchair quarterbacking by lawmakers.
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WORTH NOTING: Illinois treasurer shows his knowledge of charges
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.   Read More
Neutral govs to remain on sidelines
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

In the homestretch of an unprecedented presidential primary season, spinning with competing sound-bites and endless rhetoric, voters still heading to the polls in four states can’t look to their governors for any pre-election advice. These governors plan to wait until after their states vote to make their own endorsements.   Read More
At-risk gubernatorial seats increase
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

After a pair of hard-fought primaries, North Carolina joins Missouri, Washington and Indiana on Out There's list of states where partisan control of the governorship could flip this fall.
  Read More
Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer

(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008)

When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states.
  Read More
Will states fix 2012 primary process?
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

While voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls today (May 6) to help Democrats pick Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as their nominee and Republicans rally behind John McCain, party insiders and state election officials are in informal talks to improve the presidential nominating contests for 2012 and beyond.
  Read More
Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
By Kim Mendelsohn, Special to Stateline.org

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.   Read More
Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views.   Read More
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer

An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.   Read More
Seeds of social issues dot 2008 elections
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

With a sagging economy and a divisive war occupying Americans’ minds, will social issues be overshadowed in state elections in 2008?
  Read More
'Purple' states turn a little more 'blue'
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

The national polls point to a tight presidential race in November. But Democrats have a bit more to cheer about than Republicans do, regardless of who wins the Democratic primary, according to the latest state-by-state electoral-vote projections by “Out There.”
  Read More
Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

For the past several election cycles, the Democrats have been on a roll in legislative elections. This year, the party is well-positioned to hold its majority of chambers — but greatly expanding Democratic control may not be in the cards.
  Read More
WORTH NOTING: South Carolina's shampoo specialists
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer

The Palmetto State cleans up a law requiring hairstylists to get more training than cops. Frog legs are frowned upon by Florida health officials. And an aide to Utah's lieutenant governor gets way ahead of his boss. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.   Read More
Governor Photo
Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D)
Elected: November 2002, 2006
Term expires: January 2011

 

State capital: Salem
State nickname: The Beaver State
Secretary of State Bill Bradbury (D)
Attorney General Hardy Myers (D)
Senate President: Peter Courtney (D)
House Speaker: Jeff Merkley (D)





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NGA celebrates centennial

The National Governors Association was born 100 years ago this week. In his latest commentary for Stateline.org, NGA Executive Director Raymond C. Scheppach recounts how governors in the past century have played a key role in shaping national policy.


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