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Nixon Leads Both Republican Opponents In Campaign Funds

Missouri – Attorney General Jay Nixon raised money at a frenzied pace this winter to amass a huge financial edge over his two chief Republican rivals. In campaign filings due Tuesday, Nixon reported $2.7 million in the bank, with almost $1.5 million collected since Jan. 1. That breaks down to a daily average donation of about $15,000, by far Nixon’s strongest money-raising effort since he kicked off his campaign more than two years ago. Nixon’s bank account is now larger than the combined totals of the two leading Republicans.
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ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT NEWS

ME – Baldacci Limits Carbon Emissions. Gov. John Baldacci signed into law a bill that paves the way for adoption of the nation’s first limits on carbon dioxide emissions from coal gasification power plants and refineries. Environmental and community groups say the bill closes a major loophole in state law that would have allowed unlimited emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary pollutant that causes global warming, from coal burning plants. “Maine has led in the protection of our natural resources, our environment and our public health. This bill continues Maine’s leadership,” said Baldacci.
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NH – Lynch Pushes to Join Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Saying it’s the right thing to do for New Hampshire’s citizens, economy and environment, Gov. John Lynch urged a Senate committee to approve a proposal for the state to join a regional initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bill is part of an overall state effort to reduce harmful pollution that causes climate change and to promote the use of cleaner energy. Lynch signed onto the bipartisan agreement with other governors in 2005. The initiative uses a flexible market-based program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-burning plants.
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OR – Kulongoski Outlines Green Transportation Policies. Gov. Ted Kulongoski presented his vision for how Oregon can incorporate policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the state’s transportation plan. “Transportation and climate change are critical to our success in the global marketplace—and to our quality of life,” Kulongoski said. “We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of thinking transportation and climate change are conflicting policy priorities. They’re not. We can—and must—do both.” Addressing business leaders and members of the Oregon Environmental Council at a forum on business and the environment, the governor charged his transportation vision committee to approach the improvements needed to our transportation system with a climate change lens. “Building and maintaining traditional transportation systems is a great challenge – building and maintaining sustainable systems presents an even greater one,” the governor said. “But these are the Oregon challenges that we must answer.”
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GENERAL NEWS

KS – Sebelius Forms Coalition of Economic Experts. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius pulled together a powerhouse lineup for the first meeting of a business coalition formed to help state government promote economic development in Kansas. “I’m enlisting you as strategic economic advisers,” Sebelius said. “I want to thank you for agreeing to be part of this adventure.” The group was chosen to bring an international perspective to high-tech sectors of the Kansas economy: manufacturing; agriculture; energy; health; logistics; and animal, plant and life sciences. Consortium members are expected to remain active for the duration of Sebelius’ second term, which ends in 2011.
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KY – Beshear Bans Bullying in Schools. Gov. Steve Beshear signed a bill often referred to as “The Golden Rule Act.” The measure is aimed at protecting Kentucky’s students by requiring “bullying” policies in the state’s public schools. “This legislation hits home for many children, teens and their parents,” said Beshear. “By prohibiting bullying and harassment among students, The Golden Rule Act will help protect Kentucky’s most valuable resource, our children.”
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VA – Kaine to Speak at Virginia Tech. Gov. Tim Kaine will speak in Blacksburg at a ceremony to mark the passing of one year since the Virginia Tech massacre. The governor has also ordered the state flag to be lowered to half-staff and will have a statewide moment of silence, followed by a tolling of bells.
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WI – Doyle Welcomes New Jobs. Carver Boat Corp. will invest $27 million in major expansions of its Marquis Yacht Division business, creating 450 jobs. The company said it plans to expand its plants in Pulaski, and open new facilities in Oconto County and within the city of Green Bay, adjacent to the South Bay Marina and west of Bay Beach Amusement Park. Gov. Jim Doyle announced more than $4 million in state assistance, including a $2.7 million loan and a $600,000 training grant from the Department of Commerce and a $960,000 grant from the Department of Transportation through its Harbor Assistance Program.
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