Cheney Exit, Rice Entry Could Alter 2008 Race

Vice President Dick Cheney's health problems have triggered speculation that he may be forced to step down, a move that could potentially throw the Republican 2008 presidential nomination race into disarray.
Although only 66, Cheney has suffered four heart attacks in the past and has undergone angioplasty and bypass surgery. This week, he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg. Blood clots can travel to the lungs and result in a pulmonary embolism - a sudden blockage of blood flow in an artery in the lung - one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
In the event of the vice presidency becoming vacant through resignation or death, the Constitution requires the president to nominate a vice president who must be confirmed by majority vote of both houses of Congress.
Bush would find it difficult to get a Democratic-controlled Congress to approve a conservative nominee, analysts say. At the same time, neither of the leading GOP 2008 presidential aspirants - former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani or Sen. John McCain of Arizona - would be eager to be seen as President Bush's heir apparent, should he tap either of them for the job.

Rest of the Story: http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/3/8/123210.shtml?s=icp

Mark Towner,

The Spyglass

Here is a Great Idea to help Remote Utah Communities Grow

As many of you know, I'm a former Alaskan and I continue to follow the news up north. This is an article from the Daily Miner in Fairbanks

Too good to pass up: City of Anderson giving away free land
Staff ReportPublished March 7, 2007

Kids say the darndest things.
That is likely what the Anderson City Council thought when a class of students suggested the city lure people to the remote Parks Highway community by giving away free land. But the more they thought about it, the more they liked the plan. So, as of March 19, at 9 a.m., prospective landowners can put down a $500 deposit for a free lot in Anderson’s Northern Lights Subdivision.

“This will be on a first-come, first-serve application process,” city clerk Nancy Hollis said. “The person who is first on the list gets to pick a lot of their choice.”
There are 26 lots available, located behind the Anderson Fire Hall and near the Riverside Park. Each lot is 1.3 acres and includes electric and phone service already installed.
In exchange for the free land, the owner must build a minimum 1,000-square-foot residence within two years. Check with the city clerk for specific covenants. Lots will be selected in April.
“The purpose of this incentive is to encourage construction of new homes,” Hollis said. “We also hope to increase school and community population.”
The boom in population, expected when the Air National Guard moved into Clear Air Force Base, never happened because of a lack of housing. Those military families found housing in Healy, Nenana and Fairbanks.
What is amazing is that students — Daryl Frisbie’s class — sold the idea to the city council with a well-thought presentation.
“That changed their minds,” Hollis said. “They thought maybe this is something that could work.”
For information on the program, contact the city clerk at 582-2500 or e-mail coaclerk@mtaonline.net or visit http://www.anderson.govoffice.com/ and click on Free Lots.