Queensland state Premier Anna Bligh said Friday the spill was larger than had been reported but did not say exactly how much oil was shed.

VOA: standard.2009.03.13

Yet though a mayor may matter more to citizens than a state premier, voter turnout is higher in state elections.

ECONOMIST: Germany's local finances

Hans Eichel, a former premier of the state of Hesse, became Germany's finance minister after Oskar Lafontaine resigned.

ECONOMIST: Heads roll

Victoria, the second-most populous state, has undergone the most spectacular change, thanks to Jeff Kennett, its state premier.

ECONOMIST: Australia