Free Republic

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Former Arkansas treasurer Martha Shoffner pleaded not guilty Thursday to mail fraud charges alleging that she misspent campaign funds — counts that won't be part of her upcoming bribery and extortion trial. Shoffner, a Democrat, didn't speak during her arraignment in federal court on the new charges, 10 counts of mail fraud. The charges allege that she misspent $9,800 in campaign funds on clothing, cosmetics and other personal items. The judge set a March 31 trial date. Shoffner is scheduled to stand trial Monday on the bribery and extortion charges. In that case, she is...

Dear fellow Nebraskans; I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Treasurer of the Great State of Nebraska. I am running because I am a concerned citizen who, like you, is interested in a responsible, efficient state government. I am running because America is the greatest democracy in the world and I believe in giving voters a choice of candidates. I am running because I have the background and experiences to be a great Treasurer.

SAN FRANCISCO - Attorney General Bill Lockyer dropped plans to run for governor Thursday and said he would instead run for state treasurer, citing a wish to avoid the character attacks, money chase and partisan politics required to take on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. "Successful campaigns for governor require a commitment of more than a year to an obsessive and all-consuming chase for money, endorsements and exposure," Lockyer, a Democrat, said in a written statement. "As we have seen with the current governor, that chase has become obscene and replete with a political divisiveness that does nothing to help Californians with...