Nashville, TN – Tennessee Republican Representative Zach Wamp says he wants to launch his gubernatorial campaign as early as next month if former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist decides not to seek the GOP nomination. The eastern Tennessee congressman told reporters today he is already assembling a campaign team in the event that Frist does not run. Frist has said he will decide on a bid early in 2010. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen can't run again because of term limits.
Washington, D.C – The Environmental Protection Agency has signed off on a controversial new rule that would allow surface coal miners to place mining debris in nearby streams. The old regulation directed mining companies to maintain a 100 foot buffer zone from streams. Joan Mulhern with the environmental organization Earth Justice says the new rule leaves little protections in place for water quality.
Frankfort, KY – It's been a challenging first year for Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, who took office last December. He rode into office promising to bring casino gambling to the state, but when lawmakers balked, he sought a cigarette tax hike, which also failed. Has he given up on gaming?