Watercooler Stories

ARIZONA ADVANCING DATE OF PRIMARY

Another state has joined the rush to have its presidential primary among the nation's earliest -- Arizona. State officials say that a proclamation by Gov. Janet Napolitano will move the primary date to Feb. 3.

The Arizona Republic reports that the date is one week after New Hampshire's traditional first-in-the-nation presidential primary.

Napolitano tells media that the earlier primary, involving both GOP and Democratic slates, will boost the state's economy by allowing for the expenditure of additional monies for advertising.

But other states are thinking of also changing their primary dates. Illinois and Missouri are also considering moving their primaries to Feb. 3, which is now the date for the South Carolina primary.

Not everyone in Arizona is pleased with the decision. One official told the newspaper that the governor's decision was strictly motivated by politics.

STATE MAY CUT PAYMENTS TO LOCAL JAILS

The Tennessee Department of Corrections says that it wants to cut the money sent to support local jails housing state prisoners. Quenton White, the agency's director, tells the Nashville Tennessean that he wants to cut the cost of operating his division by more than $30 million. All this comes amid reports that Tennessee's latest budget shortfall has swelled to more than $610 million.

The change, according to the newspaper, would place a $35-per-day cap on the reimbursement sent from Nashville to local jurisdictions for "playing hotel" in dealing with the growing number of state-level prisoners.

White also says he's looking into ways to cut the cost of providing food for prisoners. Much of it is now sent out from a central location.

Additionally, he says he's asking private companies that deal with the housing of prisoners to cooperate in keeping down costs.

WYOMING GRAPPLES WITH ANIMAL RIGHTS BILLS

Legislators in Cheyenne are working on a new animal cruelty bill that would tighten current laws. It has now moved to a third reading in the state Senate after amendments were added that would raise the standards but lower the maximum felony punishment doled out.

The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle says that a new proposal would make it a felony to "intentionally and cruelly beat, torture, torment, injure and, as a result, kill an animal."

At least one legislator says that the penalty for animal abuse should not be more than that currently designed for child abuse perpetrators.

In Wyoming the punishment for convicted child abusers (in cases where death results) can be as high as death or life in prison.

Others say the proposed wording is flawed because it would allow a person to be as cruel as he or she wishes without killing the animal and thereby escape punishment in most cases.

SPIKE LEE ADDED TO MARDI GRAS LINEUP

Although Mardi Gras night is not until early next month, New Orleans continues to shore up the arrangements for the many parades. The latest edition to the lineup is the naming of film director Spike Lee to the ranks of grand marshals.

Lee will be the host or so-called "celebrity monarch" for the parade to be staged by the Zulu Krewe (parade club).

The honor is a special one for Lee. That particular krewe has not used an "outsider" as a marshal since 1949.

Louis Armstrong, New Orleans native and jazz icon, was tapped by the Zulu Krewe to head its parade at that time.

Among others who have already signed on to be marshals for Mardi Gras 2003 is Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler. He will head up the Orpheus Krewe, assisted by guitarist Joe Perry.

Comedian Jon Levitz some time ago agreed to ride in the Bacchus parade. Recording star Edwin McCain will ride the lead Pegasus float. Jazz legend Lionel Batiste -- known in New Orleans as Uncle Lionel -- will head the Krewe du Vieux parade.