Capitol Comments

Elections 08: Ohio and Texas Primary Election Results

While much of the nation was focused on the battle for the White House Tuesday night, two states also turned their attention toward the battle for their state houses.

In addition, Massachusetts held a special election to fill four vacancies in its state house. For Ohio and Texas, March 4 was the day to select state legislative candidates for the November general election. Here's how the numbers break down for the general election:

Elections 08: Ohio and Texas State Primaries

Presidential primaries took place in four states Tuesday - Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont. While a large amount of attention has been placed especially on Ohio and Texas' presidential outcomes, voters in those two states will also be selecting candidates to face off in November for important statewide offices. 

Resolving Water Woes

The federal government is poised to intervene in a water dispute among Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

The Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies will develop a water-sharing solution for the three states after the states failed to come up with one on their own.

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said in a letter to the governors that the federal action “will necessarily be a solution being directed to the states instead of  … solution coming from the states.

Read more about the water dispute in the Southeast.

Water is a major issue for many states. Find out about what states are doing to deal with the problem in a Trends in America issue brief: Water Scarcity: Preventing Water Shortages.

Is your state facing a water crisis. Share your experiences and opinions.

CSG Celebrating 75th Anniversary

The Council of State Governments is celebrating 75 years of service to state officials across the country. In recognition of the 75th anniversary, share your thoughts about the organization.

CSG has a number of special events scheduled throughout this special year, including the 75th Anniverary Celebration - Spring Conference, which features plenary sessions with former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and presidential historian Michael Beschloss. Be sure to register for this special event.

Mark your calendars for June 22-24, the dates of the first-ever Interbranch Summit of the States for state officials in all branches of government. This meeting will focus on bridging the communication gaps that exist among the various branches of government.

And don't forget about the 2008 Annual State Trends and Leadership Forum, set for Dec. 4-8 in Omaha, Neb.