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At Governors' Meeting, a Vice Presidential Buzz

In both parties, most of the leading contenders for the No. 2 spot are governors, who could offer executive experience that none of the three senators have. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, sometimes mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate, said: “Governors are C.E.O.s. They have demonstrated a capacity to run something and to make decisions.” Governors say they balance the “inside the Beltway” mentality with pragmatic, problem-solving experience. “Governors are the anchor of the Democratic Party and will rightfully play a significant role in the presidential election,” said Gov. Ted Strickland. “This is the first presidential election since 1992 in which Democrats hold a majority of governorships, in 28 of the 50 states. Eight of the 10 closest states in the last presidential election now have Democratic governors. Some states that weren’t close in 2004, like Colorado and Virginia, now have Democratic governors and could be competitive in the presidential election this year.” Read more

Dem Govs Manage ‘Explosion’ of Prisoners Leaving Jail. A group of Democratic governors warned Saturday that a dramatic rise in the number of prisoners coming home over the next few years is one of four sociological trends that threaten to engulf the United States in a new crime wave if steps are not taken at the state and federal levels. “Each of us here is committed to sounding a national alarm that after a 14-year decline, crime is actually on the rise once again in America and each of us as governors is committed to getting ahead of this,” said Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. The Kansas Democrat made her remarks at a news conference to announce the release of a report by Third Way, a centrist Democratic think tank. She was joined by Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen. The “reentry explosion” is one of four trends identified in Third Way’s report.
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GENERAL NEWS

IA – Culver Sets Goals for Energy. Gov. Chet Culver wants to keep Iowa “at the forefront of the green energy revolution.” Culver said he’d like Iowans to take more “common-sense” approaches to saving energy, such as with the buildings they construct and the light bulbs they choose and by shutting off electronics when they’re not in use. The governor said he will ask lawmakers to pass legislation that sets a goal of making 25 percent of Iowa-produced energy from renewable sources by 2025, gives the Iowa Utilities Board the authority to set efficiency goals, and creates a new energy commission.
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MI – Granholm Highlights Job Growth. In her weekly radio address, Gov. Jennifer Granholm highlighted companies across the state which have announced they are expanding or locating operations in Michigan, creating 2,225 jobs. “We have the most aggressive strategy of any state in the nation to grow our economy,” Granholm said. “These companies could be investing anywhere in the nation or the world, but their investments here are proof that Michigan is a great place to grow businesses and jobs.”
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NM – Richardson Increases Penalties for Domestic Violence. Gov. Bill Richardson signed a tougher measure for Domestic Violence, by increasing penalties. Now a third domestic violence related conviction will result in a fourth – degree felony, punishable by up to 18-months in prison. Four or more convictions will be a third – degree felony. The new law will apply to convictions after July 1st of this year.
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PA – Rendell Proposes Federal Public Works Project. Gov. Ed Rendell said there are public works projects in every state that need federal money for construction to start. Rendell and other governors met with President George W. Bush at the White House on Monday to push public works as part of a potential second economic stimulus package. Rendell said $1 billion of infrastructure spending could provide 47,000 jobs. “It also generates business for American suppliers, American steel companies, American concrete companies, American wood companies—whatever it is, we think it’s the best type of stimulus,” said Rendell.
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WI – Doyle Urges Legislature to Approve Great Lakes Compact. Gov. Jim Doyle urged the Wisconsin Legislature to approve the Great Lakes Compact designed to prevent thirsty regions from tapping the area’s valuable water supply. “The Great Lakes present a great economic opportunity for Wisconsin,” he said. “One of our greatest competitive advantages in a 21st Century global economy is our water. By signing the Great Lakes Compact, we will help Wisconsin businesses grow and attract new businesses to our state. It’s important we protect, preserve, and improve the Great Lakes in order to ensure a strong Wisconsin future.”
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