The national spotlight may be focused Nov. 3 on elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, but voters elsewhere could take action to profoundly change the way their states get and spend taxpayers’ money.
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Archive of Elections on Monday November 02, 2009
Spending limits, gambling top fiscal 2009 ballot measures
The national spotlight may be focused Nov. 3 on elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, but voters elsewhere could take action to profoundly change the way their states get and spend taxpayers’ money.
Read More
US: State ballots tackle controversial issues Tuesday
Voters in six states will decide Tuesday on a range of hot-button issues, from same-sex marriage and medical marijuana laws to borrowing funds for open space. Read More
AK: Alcohol runners face stiff penalties
Weeks after two hub cities in rural Alaska voted to remove bans on local liquor sales, the state is launching a campaign warning bootleggers they face big fines and mandatory jail time if caught. Read More
AK: SarahPAC says it resolved problems with contributions
Papers filed with the Federal Elections Commission show former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's political action committee has resolved problems with excessive contributions to Republicans. Read More
AL: Party switching may be in works
The chairman of the Alabama Republican Party is having ongoing discussions with several Democrats in the Alabama Legislature about the possibility of switching parties. Read More
AL: Campaign financing -- Jerry Reed narrows funding gap in special House session
With the help of the state GOP and his own checkbook, Jerry Reed has narrowed the once-sizable lead in campaign funds enjoyed by Elaine Beech, his Democratic rival in Tuesday's special state House election, according to campaign finance reports. Read More
AL: Rep. Lea Fite 'will be missed'
Friends, colleagues and family of state Rep. Lea Fite, D-Jacksonville, gathered Thursday in Anniston to mourn the unexpected death of the respected lawmaker. Read More
AL: King's top foes for re-election? Top GOP figures
Alabama Attorney General Troy King is running for re-election while feuding with influential Republicans who would normally be his allies, including the top three GOP officeholders in the state. Read More
CA: It's a small field of candidates for such a huge race
SAN FRANCISCO -- California has roughly 37 million residents and about 17 million registered voters. Of those, more than 7 million are declared Democrats. Read More
CA: Gavin Newsom drops out of California governor's race
SAN FRANCISCO and SACRAMENTO -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom abruptly abandoned his run for California governor Friday, folding in the face of weak poll numbers and a skimpy bank account and leaving state Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown as the only major candidate bidding for the Democratic nomination. Read More
CA: Newsom exit gives huge boost to Brown campaign
When Attorney General Jerry Brown, 71, became the last man standing in the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial field on Friday, the battle-scarred warrior with four decades in state politics pulled off a remarkable feat in California - home to an elbow-throwing pack of ambitious Democratic politicians. Read More
CA: Governor may get to pick No. 2
If Democratic Lt. Gov. John Garamendi wins a special congressional election Tuesday in the Democrat-leaning 10th Congressional District, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has the power to appoint Garamendi's replacement. Read More
CA: California lawmakers rarely defy party lines, analysis finds
It's more likely to rain in Death Valley on any given day than it is for a California legislator to vote in opposition to the majority of his or her party on any given bill, a new Bee analysis shows. Read More
CA: Taxes and bonds top local ballots
Across Southern California, recession-pinched cities and school districts are asking their voters for help in Tuesday's local elections. Read More
CO: In Colorado, all eyes on unaffiliated voters
For decades, Colorado was one of those square states in a sea of red on political maps. But in 2004 that started to change when voters abandoned a long history of electing Republicans and began picking Democrats. Now Colorado looks positively blue. Read More
CT: Voters across the state to go to polls
Connecticut voters will go to the polls Tuesday in 162 towns where some races for top local offices have been contentious - and unusual. Read More
CT: Gerry Garcia running for secretary of the state
New Haven resident Gerry Garcia, who holds undergraduate and master's degrees from Yale University, has announced that he is running for Secretary of the State. Read More
FL: Rubio warming up Panhandle voters
NAVARRE, Fla. -- Marco Rubio, the first Cuban-American Republican from Miami to seek statewide office, got a warm reception from Panhandle voters during a campaign swing last week. Read More
GA: Campaign for Baldwin area House seat running red hot
The campaign to replace Bobby Parham in the Georgia Legislature has seen some mudslinging as the state Democratic Party tries to hold onto the seat, and the son of a Middle Georgia political legend tries to take it amid questions about his business practices and his past as a lobbyist. But the No. 1 political issue in Milledgeville and Baldwin County remains clear: jobs. Read More
HI: Group pushing Hawaiians for census
In the 16th century, Big Island ruler Umi a Liloa made sure all native Hawaiians on the island were counted. Read More
IL: Illinois legislative leaders set to sidestep limits
It took the corruption arrest of a sitting governor, 10 months of political sparring and two attempts before top lawmakers and reform advocates could agree on Illinois' first-ever sweeping restrictions on campaign donations. Read More
IL: Jim Ryan tries to avenge governor's loss to Rod Blagojevich in comeback attempt
Former Illinois Atty. Gen. Jim Ryan, who lost to Democrat Rod Blagojevich in the 2002 governor's race, will be attempting a political comeback by filing petitions to seek next year's Republican governor nomination, aides said today. Read More
IL: Pat Quinn accuses Dan Hynes of hitting spa in heat of budget mess
The race for the Democratic governor nomination got more combative Saturday when Gov. Pat Quinn launched a TV ad accusing Comptroller Dan Hynes of skipping out during the state's budget mess and "hitting a spa in Chicago." Read More
KY: Ohio voters could OK competition for Indiana, Kentucky gambling
INDIANAPOLIS -- A question on Tuesday's election ballot could determine whether Indiana loses more than $100 million in tax revenue and Kentucky's horseracing industry falls farther behind in the race for casino profits. Read More
ME: Maine to vote on gay marriage
Maine residents will decide Tuesday whether to repeal a law allowing same-sex marriage, an effort that has succeeded in every state where it has been put before voters. Read More
ME: Reading the election-turnout tea leaves
Secretary of State Matt Dunlap is predicting a 35 percent voter turnout on Tuesday, despite heavy advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate. Read More
ME: Maine marriage law has nation engaged
Kansas crop farmer Terry Lawrence first read about Maine's ballot box showdown over gay marriage from online news sites catering to conservative Christians. Read More
ME: Get-out-the-vote effort in high gear
BANGOR, Maine — Hordes of volunteers armed with lawn signs and cell phones made a final push for votes over the weekend as Mainers prepared to cast ballots on issues ranging from gay marriage to government spending. Read More
ME: Maine's vote on gay marriage draws national attention
"As Maine goes, so goes the nation" is a political cliché long since out of use. Read More
ME: Questions for John Baldacci -- The wedding march
Last spring, you signed a bill that made Maine the fifth state in this country to legalize same-sex marriage. But this Tuesday, in a referendum known as Question 1, the citizens of Maine will be voting on whether to repeal the new law. In what way is this a national issue? Read More
MI: George Perles serious about run for Michigan governor
The 75-year-old former Michigan State football coach, a Democrat, intends to run for governor and told The Detroit News he will begin his campaign after New Year's Day. Read More
MN: GOP's Anderson sketches out bid for Minn. governor
Exactly one year from the 2010 election, former State Auditor Pat Anderson is sketching out what she'd do as Minnesota governor. Read More
MO: Campaign donations guided by disclosure
In Missouri politics, $5,000 has become an important number. Read More
MS: Barbour: The lame duck who isn't
It will be six years this week since Barbour, a Yazoo City native, upended incumbent Democrat Ronnie Musgrove to win the Governor's Mansion, and his time as the state's CEO is winding down. But no one utters the words "lame duck" when referring to Haley Barbour. Read More
NC: Hearings put Easley on spot
It's not close to being over for Mike Easley. The judgment Friday by the State Board of Elections that evidence suggests Easley, a Democrat who served two terms as governor, committed crimes while in office is the result of only one arm of state and federal probes that are wide-ranging and continuing. Read More
NC: Easley case may spark change
The spectacle of a former governor being called before an elections tribunal to answer for transgressions committed by his campaign was historic in many ways. Read More
NC: Oblinger can't shake Mary Easley mess
The job former first lady Mary Easley got at N.C. State University - and its fallout - is following former N.C. State University Chancellor James Oblinger across the country. Read More
NC: Hall -- 'a sad day'
Bob Hall, whose complaint led to the State Board of Elections hearings this week, praised the board's decision. Hall, executive director of Democracy N.C., said the board sent a strong message that it is illegal to try to funnel contributions through a political party. Read More
NH: Gay marriage to go before Maine voters
In a referendum that is being closely watched across the country and has drawn millions in out-of-state dollars, Maine voters will decide tomorrow whether to repeal a state law that would allow same-sex couples to marry. Read More
NH: It's almost time to go to the polls
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Every elected position in city government will be up for grabs tomorrow, plus, at long last, voters will have their say on a proposed charter amendment that aims to limit taxes and city spending. Read More
NJ: Candidates scramble for votes
From Newark to Camden, Morristown to Middletown, and even the parking lot at Giants Stadium, New Jersey took on the carnival-like feel of a political convention Sunday as the candidates for governor continued their sprint across the state and toward Tuesday's election. Read More
NJ: Poll -- Corzine, Christie running even
A new poll finds the New Jersey governor's race too close to call. Read More
NJ: Corzine campaign denies connection to man arrested on drug charges
A Paramus man claiming to work for Gov. Jon Corzine's re-election campaign was arrested Friday night on drug charges after police found Ecstasy tablets in his car, authorities said. Read More
NJ: Candidates in mad dash to finish line
Less than 72 hours before voters go to the polls, Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine and Republican Chris Christie barnstormed the state yesterday, each claiming to have momentum going into Election Day and trying to reach for every possible vote. Read More
NJ: Being a leader demands vision
Here are questions that haven't been asked during the gubernatorial election campaign: What kind of state should New Jersey be? How should its people live -- separately, divided by race and wealth? Or together, in integrated communities, sharing its riches and its problems? Read More
NJ: Why race to lead N.J. is so tight
New Jersey's gubernatorial race, winding down to Tuesday's election after a consistently brutal campaign, is a dead heat between Democratic Gov. Corzine and Republican Christopher J. Christie, in a state where no Republican has won a statewide race in a dozen years. Read More
NJ: N.J. candidates open a final big push
President Obama urged South Jersey supporters to work hard tomorrow to reelect fellow Democrat Jon Corzine and help the incumbent governor overcome a stiff challenge from Republican Christopher J. Christie. Read More
NJ: Pivotal role still possible for 3rd man in New Jersey
EAST HANOVER, N.J. — He has little money left, and his commercials, while witty, seldom show up on television. He has no political organization, and he'll be lucky to muster a few hundred volunteers statewide on Election Day. Read More
NJ: Corzine wows Turnpike tolls will not rise
Gov. Jon S. Corzine said Friday that he had no intention of raising tolls or leasing the New Jersey Turnpike to raise money if he is elected to a second term. Read More
NJ: Bloomberg and Corzine -- 2 leaders, few parallels
A few weeks back, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's aides told reporters that the mayor was flirting with endorsing one of Gov. Jon S. Corzine's challengers, which would have been a significant rebuke for a governor he has worked with for years. Read More
NJ: Corzine courts Obama backers in all-out push
NEWARK, N.J. — In the final hours of this intensely fought campaign, supporters of Gov. Jon S. Corzine are knocking on doors here with a message for people who voted for Barack Obama: Your president needs you. Read More
NV: Life after politics: Many stars decide to stay away
Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley shocked a lot of Nevadans on Sept. 11 when she ended her political career, at least for now, by deciding against running for governor. Read More
NY: Scozzafava endorses Owens
Republican Dede Scozzafava today endorsed Democrat Bill Owens, her former opponent, in Tuesday's election to fill the North Country congressional seat formerly held by John McHugh. Read More
OH: Casino bid in recession-battered Ohio
Ohio voters on Tuesday will decide whether the recession is a powerful enough force to bring casino gambling to their state. Among the forces arrayed against it: casino and racetrack operators that wouldn't benefit. Read More
OH: Gambling opponents speak out
Opponents of the gambling issue on Tuesday's ballot stepped up their attacks yesterday on the Michigan businessman who would own two Ohio casinos, producing a retired police officer who said the would-be casino tycoon lied about his college arrest on suspicion of running a gambling ring. Read More
OH: The Governors race -- One year out
SHERRODSVILLE, OHIO -- On a fall Sunday manufactured in heaven, Gov. Ted Strickland, an ordained Methodist minister, preached to an after-church crowd of Carroll County Democrats, delivering a homily that he will espouse across the Ohioscape for the next year. Read More
OH: Absentee mailings might be factor in casino issue
With a close vote possible for Tuesday's casino ballot issue, opponents are concerned that the outcome could be affected by something that has nothing to do with gambling. Read More
OH: Casinos aren't only ballot issue
Of the three state issues Ohioans will decide Tuesday, one sparked red-hot controversy (casinos); the second stirred mild debate (livestock standards); and the third is off the radar (veterans bonuses). Read More
OR: Oregon group launches drive for same-sex marriage
Gay rights activists on Monday will launch a campaign to persuade Oregonians they should reverse their vote of five years ago and support same-sex marriage. Read More
OR: Despite rhetoric in Vancouver mayor's race, decisions on tolls for I-5 lie elsewhere
In Washington, the Legislature and the Washington Transportation Commission hold all authority over bridge tolls. In Oregon, it's the Oregon Transportation Commission. Read More
PA: Pa. elections -- Little buzz, big importance
For Pennsylvania political junkies, it's a tough year. Just across the Delaware, the New Jersey governor's race sets up as the most intensely watched election in the nation Tuesday. Read More
SC: Poll positions for '10 Survey -- Rex first, Ford second among Democrats
Sen. Robert Ford, an underdog Democratic candidate for governor, holds a second-place position in the five-person primary race, according to an internal poll conducted by Jim Rex's campaign. Read More
SC: After 7 years, Sanford discovers compromise
Want proof that Gov. Mark Sanford may have changed his stripes? Read More
SD: SD Governor's race taking shape
Lt. Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson seem to have drawn the most attention so far in the race for the Republican nomination for governor, but a lot can happen before next June's primary, a political science professor says. Read More
TN: Young rivals try to unseat veteran TN lawmakers
When it comes to its state senators, Nashville seems to have developed an affinity for experience and longevity. Read More
TN: Lobbyists can still donate to lawmakers through PACs
A growing number of state legislators are expanding their ability to collect and distribute campaign money by establishing personal political action committees, also known as "leadership PACs." Read More
TX: GOP businessman launches bid to unseat Democrat Bolton
Republican Paul Workman began what could be one of 2010's most important battles for a seat in the Legislature when he announced Friday that he'll challenge Democratic state Rep. Valinda Bolton of Austin. Read More
TX: Proposition 8 would let Texas contribute money, property toward building VA hospitals
McALLEN, Texas -- With more than 1.7 million military veterans in Texas and just nine Veterans Affairs hospitals, long drives are not uncommon in some parts of the state with large veteran populations. Read More
TX: State Rep. Terri Hodge planning re-election bid as bribery trial looms
Embattled state Rep. Terri Hodge, whose federal bribery trial is scheduled just days after the March 2 Democratic primary, says her legal troubles won't deter her from running for an eighth term. Read More
TX: State, local lawmakers lining up to seek higher offices, but hopes hinge on Hutchison
The thinking goes like this: U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison resigns to run for governor. State Sen. Florence Shapiro runs for Hutchison's seat. State Rep. Ken Paxton runs for Shapiro's seat. Various Collin County figures vie for Paxton's seat. And so on. Read More
US: Off-year races may provide insight
WASHINGTON — One year after the election of President Obama, a handful of off-year political contests — including governors' races in New Jersey and Virginia and a Congressional race in upstate New York — offer some clues about how Americans are viewing Mr. Obama, as well as an early measure of the landscape for next year's midterm elections. Read More
US: Democrats strive to hold governor posts in two states
NEWARK, N.J. — President Obama swept into New Jersey on Sunday, pleading with his supporters to summon up the enthusiasm they poured into his election last November and deliver a victory for Gov. Jon S. Corzine. Read More
US: In Tuesday's contests, Steele sees a vote on his leadership
As they campaigned together across Virginia on Thursday and Friday, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele praised Robert F. McDonnell, the state's GOP gubernatorial candidate, as an innovative leader. Read More
VA: Welcome to work, governor. Time to slash.
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- The new governor elected Tuesday will be brimming with ideas on how to move Virginia forward, but one of his first jobs will likely be proposing deep cuts in state spending to deal with a budget shortfall of at least $1 billion. Read More
VA: Candidates hold last-minute rallies across Hampton Roads
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- Both Creigh Deeds and Bob McDonnell were in Hampton Roads Sunday to stage last-minute campaign appearances. With two days until the election, the candidates urged supporters to keep up their efforts. Read More
VA: Va. Gov. candidates ply voters in race's last days
Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat R. Creigh Deeds barnstormed church services Sunday morning before rousing partisan crowds in their last blitz before Tuesday's governor's election. Read More
VA: GOP has one eye on Va. campaign, one on the future
RICHMOND, Va. -- On Monday, it was former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee. On Wednesday, it was former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani. And Saturday, it'll be Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. Read More
VT: Vermonters push for gay marriage
Don McIntyre said he never thought he'd be one of those telemarketing types who call people at dinner time with a string of questions, but there he was last month, dialing numbers, interrupting dinners. McIntyre is one of dozens of Vermonters who have pitched in to push for same-sex marriage in Maine. Read More
WA: Referendum would extend protections to gay couples
SEATTLE — Referendum 71, a proposal to extend more legal protections to domestic partners in Washington State, has been nicknamed "everything but marriage." But its opponents say even that is an understatement. Read More
WA: Privacy looms over gay rights vote
SEATTLE — At a time when voters in many states are using petitions to qualify ballot measures on issues from gay rights to property rights, a legal dispute over the identity of 138,000 petition signers here is raising new questions about privacy, free speech and elections in the Internet age. Read More
WV: Former TV anchor could run for judgeship
Kathy A. Brown, a Charleston lawyer and former WSAZ-TV news anchor, may run for the open seat on the Kanawha County Circuit Court, whether Gov. Joe Manchin appoints her to fill that vacancy or not. Read More
WV: Democrats confident, despite storm clouds
Republican leaders predict these factors will lead them to victory in 2010, but Democratic leaders speaking at Saturday's Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner said they remain confident. Read More
WY: Dead people said to haunt Wyoming's voter rolls
Nearly 8,000 dead people are still registered as voters. And another 45,000 people who have moved out of the district where they are registered also are on the rolls. Read More
Poll -- Economy colors Florida voters' top concerns
A poll of Florida voters shows healthcare as the top issue, followed by unemployment -- with concerns for the economy a common link. Read More |
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