Thursday 3/8/2007 DAILY NEWS DIGEST

http://www.politicalparlor.net/sanders-senate-sketches/senate-sketches-1031/  – “Senate Sketches,” Sen. Hank Sanders’ (D-Selma) weekly column to his constituents.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1173345302217260.xml&coll=2 – Riley’s tax plan would cut taxes to families with income below $100,000.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1173345325217260.xml&coll=2 – Annual tally of congressional “pork” released – no Alabama projects on list.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1173345579217260.xml&coll=2 – Sen. Shelby (R) urges Birmingham regional leaders to work together on transit issues.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1173345349217260.xml&coll=2 – The Birmingham News cites recent polling data that reflect that voters are demanding ethics reform.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1173345555217260.xml&coll=2 – The Birmingham News warns that in the clamor for ethics reform, care must be taken to insure that bills do not actually weaken state’s ethics commission.

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1173348993110540.xml&coll=3 – Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) says she will introduce statewide smoking ban.

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1173349155110540.xml&coll=3 – State legislators and party officials say they will not move date of presidential primary.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1173349031110430.xml&coll=1 – Aides say Governor was “surprised” to learn of Medicaid’s plan to hire contract lobbyist.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1173349025110430.xml&coll=1 – New House District 22 legislator has busy first day.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1173349076110430.xml&coll=1 – House committee gives quick approval to two campaign reform bills.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070308/NEWS/703080344/1007/NEWS02 – House committee delays vote on bill to allow schools to offer elective Bible course due to absence of sponsor, Rep. Ken Guin (D-Carbon HIll).

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070308/NEWS/703080337/1007/NEWS02 – Legislature considering competing bills that would curb Governor’s influence on road building projects.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070307/APN/703072945 – Attorney General investigator acquitted in perjury trial.

http://www.mountaineagle.com/NF/omf/eagle/news_story.html?rkey=0103429+cr=gdn – House Majority Leader says bond issue for school will pass legislature, predicts difficult time for Governor’s tax cut proposal.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/OPINION… – The Montgomery Advertiser urges citizens to take opportunity to view “It’s a Big Book,” documentary on Alabama’s Constitution.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0308-editorial-7c07v5420.htm – The Anniston Star wants opposing Senate factions to agree “Alabama will be best served if the legislative process is allowed to proceed unhindered” by either side.