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Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura went to Washington, D.C. last week for meetings on trade and health care but wound up keeping wistful President Clinton company at the White House.

Clinton summoned the colorful governor Thursday for a late-night rap session, and Ventura was only happy to accept. "It's kind of fun just hanging out with the president," Ventura said. According to the governor, they stayed up until 4 a.m. swapping stories, talking politics, smoking cigars, and drinking "Bombay Sapphire" before Ventura retired to the Lincoln Bedroom—where he "didn't have to pay a dime" to sleep over.
• Ventura Chats It Up at the White House (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 10/07/00)
• Ventura, Clinton Share a Late Night (Associated Press, 10/07/00)
• In Time of World Crisis, the President Turns to...Jesse? (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 10/09/00)
• Ventura Spends Night in Lincoln Bedroom (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 10/06/00)
• Profile: Gov. Jesse Ventura

N.Y. Senate: Candidates Change Tactics for Second Debate

After seeing first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) open up a 7-10 point lead following their first debate a few weeks ago, Rep. Rick Lazio (R) toned down his rhetoric for Sunday's face-off, while Clinton took on a more assertive role.
• A Switch in Styles (New York Newsday, 10/09/00)
• Lazio Lost Chance by Losing Spunk (New York Post, 10/09/00)
• Lazio Takes High Road vs. Clinton (New York Daily News, 10/09/00)
• Hil Holds Solid Lead Before 2nd Debate (New York Daily News, 10/08/00)

The day before his debate, Lazio got a public show of support from two GOP stalwarts— New York Gov. George Pataki and Arizona Sen. John McCain, though McCain openly questioned a decision by Lazio to run two ads bought with Republican National Committee money.
• Lazio Gets Needed Support (Albany Times Union, 10/08/00)
• More Coverage: N.Y. Senate Race

Calif. 15th District: Both Parties Eye High-Tech Prize

Political observers generally believe the race between Mike Honda (D) and Jim Cunneen (R) in California's prized 15th Congressional District is too close to call, but with registered Democrats easily outnumbering registered Republicans in the region, the race could be Honda's to lose.
• Silicon Valley Candidates Both Run Against the GOP (The New York Times, 10/04/00)
• High-Profile Clash in Silicon Valley (Sacramento Bee, 10/04/00)
• More Coverage: Calif. 15th District Race

Ga. Senate: Former Governor Builds Huge Lead

Sen. Zell Miller (D), Georgia's popular former governor, who now holds a commanding 28-point lead over Republican challenger Mack Mattingly in Georgia's Senate race, a new poll shows. Miller was appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes (D) to fill the term of deceased Sen. Paul Coverdell (R) until a Nov. 7 special election.
• Miller Builds Commanding Lead (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 10/07/00)
• Poll: Miller, Bush Hold Wide Leads in Georgia (Macon Telegraph, 10/07/00)
• More Coverage: Ga. Senate Race

"I do want, Mr. Lazio, to put your mind at ease, in case you've been worried. I won't be coming to your podium today..." – First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (D), taking a jab at opponent Rep. Rick Lazio (R) by referring to the moment in their first debate when he aggressively urged her to sign an anti-soft money pledge by walking over to her lectern.
• A Switch in Styles
(New York Newsday, 10/09/00)

Jason Thompson can be reached at jason.thompson@washingtonpost.com. Early Returns runs Monday-Thursday.