Just In

NY LEGISLATORS RELEASE REPORT CRITICIZING SWEENEY AND HIS SKI WEEKENDSA report released on Friday alleges that Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY) used weekends that were ostensibly for raising money for the Lake Placid Olympic facilities instead to reward people politically or personally connected to the Representative and his colleagues.[Roll Call]

EARMARK RULES CHANGES MAY STALL IN SENATERule changes in the Senate that would require more transparency in the earmarking process and that would eliminate secret holds may not be enacted before the legislative season ends.[Roll Call]

IL GOV. FINDS INTERESTING WAYS AROUND HIRING RULESAmong other practices, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich filled internships for college students with well-connected adults. [Chicago Tribune]

BUSH TO GIVE DONATIONS FROM CONVICTED COIN DEALER TO CHARITYThe Republican National Committee said on Friday that President Bush would donate to charity $45,400 of illegal donations received from Tom Noe, a rare coin dealer who has been convicted of violating campaign contribution laws. [AP]

TAYLOR'S TIES TO RUSSIA BECOME A CAMPAIGN ISSUERep. Charles Taylor (R-NC) has developed ties to Russia that his critics say improperly mix business and politics.[AP]

DONATIONS TO NJ SEN CANDIDATE QUESTIONEDDemocrats have suggested that Republican Senate candidate Tom Kean Jr. voted against closing a tax loophole to benefit a major donor.[Star-Ledger]