- FL: $1.4 Million - The Bush Family Poverty Line
In a story about how Florida Governor Jeb Bush's net worth has declined by $41,000 in the past year to a mere $1,400,000, a reporter notes that "the Governor's No.1 reason why he won't run for President in 2008" is that "[h]e and his wife can't afford it." The State of Florida must be experiencing some insane hyper-inflation if $1.4 million is poor -- and a job with a free plane, free car, free room and board, and a $400,000 salary is insufficient. [St. Petersburg Times, 7/7/06]
- WI: Irresponsible Large Employers Shift Larger Health Costs to Taxpayers
Large employers, including Wal-Mart and McDonald's, are costing the state of Wisconsin 13% more than last year in health care costs to provide coverage for their employees. The increase in costs to the state comes after the Governor threatened employers that if their inaction continues, they'll be forced to shoulder their fair share of these costs. [Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 6/30/06]
- CT: It Depends on What the Meaning of Read Is
The chief of staff to Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell found herself in the middle of a flap when a copy of a memo covered with her hand-written corrections surfaced in the Connecticut legislature. Previously, the staffer claimed that she hadn't even read the memo. The Governor has reportedly responded by telling the legislature's leadership to cease the investigation or face complaints about their own behavior. Most ironically, the memo in question was on the subject of ethics in government -- an issue where Connecticut has seen its share of problems recently. [Hartford Courant, 7/6/06]
- CT: Opponents of Campaign Finance Law Rush In To Protect "Right" of Government Contractors to Provide Big Money Backing to Politicos
The state of Connecticut has been deluged recently with corruption problems (see above). But now, some groups have found an innovative solution: suing to prevent reforms that solve the problem. Connecticut's new campaign finance law cracks down on contributions to public officials from government contractors -- a great way to prevent implicit quid pro quos and the squandering of public funds. But opponents of the law are now suing, claiming that the contractors' First Amendment rights are jeapordized. Here's an easy rule: You want to spend millions influencing elections? Fine -- but not if you're expecting to make millions based on the outcome. These are elections, not slot machines. [The Day, 7/7/06]
- KY: It Just Doesn't Stop in Corruptucky
Ernie Fletcher is still at it. The embattled Kentucky Governor is attempting to prove he can salvage his political career through a show of fundraising strength. Where is his money coming from? "Nearly 40 percent" of the almost $400,000 he raised in the last two weeks comes from people he appointed to positions in government and "contractors that depend on state money." Classy. Of course, if the voters won't believe that you're not corrupt, you might as well revel in it. [Lexington Herald-Leader, 7/7/06]
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