Rep. David Price is pushing a resolution to strengthen representative government in developing democracies.

Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat, and Doug Bereuter, a Nebraska Republican, introduced legislation that would create a House Commission for Assisting Democratic Parliaments. It would first finish work begun in Eastern and Central Europe, then move to Central Asia.

The commission could also help establish democratic governments in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing expertise, training, equipment and other resources, working with the Agency for International Development.

"Since its founding, the United States has championed the development of democracy everywhere," Price said in a statement. "That work has arguably never been more important than it is today. We must continue to serve not just as a model, but as a partner to strengthen democracy across the globe."

Small business help

Sen. Elizabeth Dole praised the U.S. Small Business Administration on Wednesday for making its services more accessible by opening three "alternate work sites" in North Carolina.

The new offices, in Raleigh, Asheville and Wilmington, will provide more outreach to entrepreneurs and tailor services to local communities. "North Carolina is a state of small businesses and they play a vital role in growing our economy and generating new jobs," Dole, a Salisbury Republican, said in a statement.

The Raleigh office will be led by Ivan Hankins, who has 31 years of experience with the SBA. Mike Arriola, who worked in commercial lending, will work in Asheville. The SBA is interviewing for the Wilmington post.

Mail call

Last month's ricin scare on Capitol Hill is still disrupting mail service to Congress. To ensure prompt delivery, constituents should still use fax and e-mail for correspondence to Washington offices of their representatives:

* Rep. Bob Etheridge, Lillington Democrat: fax (202) 225-5662, e-mail www.house.gov/etheridge

* Rep. Brad Miller, Raleigh Democrat: fax (202) 225-0181, e-mail www.house.gov/bradmiller

* Rep. David Price, Chapel Hill Democrat: fax (202) 225-2014, e-mail www.house.gov/price

* Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Salisbury Republican: fax (202) 224-1100, e-mail dole.senate.gov

* Sen. John Edwards, Raleigh Democrat: fax (202) 228-1374, e-mail edwards.senate.gov

Political potpourri

* J.B. Buxton, senior education adviser to Gov. Mike Easley, is the latest candidate for state superintendent of public instruction. He plans an announcement at 10:30 a.m. today at the Velvet Cloak Inn in Raleigh. Two other Democrats and two Republicans also plan to run this year.

* Four Republicans running for governor will make their case today to the N.C. Healthcare Finance Management Association.

State Sen. Patrick Ballantine of Wilmington, former state GOP Chairman Bill Cobey of Durham County, Southern Pines businessman George Little and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot are scheduled to appear.

* Michael Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, plans to meet with business leaders Friday at the Cardinal Club in Raleigh. North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry is hosting the luncheon, where Powell is expected to discuss broadband service and economic development.