In brief: Murkowski: Palin not presidential

Washington – Sen. Lisa Murkowski fired the latest shot in a bitter political rivalry with the state’s former governor, saying Sarah Palin doesn’t have the “intellectual curiosity” needed to be president.

Murkowski made the comment during an interview with “CBS Evening News” host Katie Couric, whose 2008 interviews with then-vice presidential nominee Palin did much to shape the nation’s perception of her.

Murkowski said her relationship with Palin had been “very professional” during Palin’s governorship but that they had rarely spoken since.

Asked what role Palin was best suited for today, the Alaska Republican said Palin had “an ability to connect with people that is really quite remarkable.”

“But she would not be my choice for president,” Murkowski told Couric. “I just do not think that she has those leadership qualities, that intellectual curiosity that allows for building good and great policies.”

Murkowski said she felt that Palin, during her brief governorship, did not enjoy “governing.”

County bans plastic bags

Los Angeles – Enacting one of the nation’s most aggressive environmental measures, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban plastic grocery bags in unincorporated areas.

The ban, which will cover nearly 1.1 million residents countywide, is to the point: “No store shall provide to any customer a plastic carryout bag.”

An exception would be made for plastic bags that are used to hold fruit, vegetables or raw meat in order to prevent contamination with other grocery items.