The Republican vice presidential nominee's decision to take the side of mining interests in an Alaska ballot initiative on water regulation last month may have been a violation of state law. And the net roots have given it a name: "Salmongate."

Governors are not supposed to use the state government to advance their side of a political campaign. And Alaska governors, under state law, are not supposed to take sides in ballot initiatives. But Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee, appeared to do both those things in a recently concluded ballot initiative campaign you'll likely be hearing more about.

Measure 4, which went down to defeat in last Tuesday's Alaska elections, would have put new regulations on mining -- it was aimed at one particular mine -- in the name of clean water. Whatever its merits, it's clear that the state's Department of Natural Resources, which Palin supervises, set up a web site and had staff advocates against the measure. And Palin, as a point of "personal privilege," came out strongly against the measure. Expect to see Democrats and the press make much of this. The issue is a twofer--Democrats will use it to argue that she doesn't support the environment AND is not the good government reformer she's been billed as.

10 MEASURES IN OREGON: Here's a look at what voters there will be facing in November.

SAN DIEGO PORT ACCUSED: A taxpayer group claims that an ad campaign by San Diego's Port District to oppose a November city ballot measure that would allow a huge deck to be constructed over part of the port. A hotel or even a stadium could be built there, and port officials argue this would be disruptive to their operations, the Union-Tribune reports.

ALASKA WATER: The courts have cleared an Alaska ballot initiative to clean water and put new regulations on mines for the November ballot.

MARYLAND SLOTS: Penn National Gaming, a Pennsylvania-based casino operator, is seeking an option to purchase land in Cecil County, where it might be able to build a casino if Maryland voters approve a November referendum permitting slots in the state.