Determined

New York, My Hometown’s State Elections (Updated Nov 15 2018)

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Debra29

“The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.” Walt Whitman

Inform

The Status of State Elections Nationwide

Democrats are working hard to gain back statehouses across the country during next week’s elections.Republicans have consistently gained seats and control at the state level. They control both the House and Senate chambers in 31 states, while the Democrats are in control of only 14. Republicans control 66 of the 99 state level legislatures, while the Democrats have control of 31.

The present focus is on the five divided state legislatures where just a few seats in once chamber can give them the majority: Colorado, New York, Michigan, Maine and New Hampshire. Other states to watch include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Florida.

The State of New York Elections 2018

Your state representatives have offices within the community so they can represent your concerns and needs. Here is a sampling of issues (in alphabetical order) from New York State Senate and Assembly sites that are important to fellow New York residents :

affordable health care, NY Health Act, prescription price fixing
cleaning up corruption
combating sexual harassment
disability rights
environment protection for air, water and soil, renewable energy, opposition to offshore drilling, protecting aquifers, clean energy that creates local jobs and protects the environment, wastewater treatment
gun laws, protection from gun violence
incentivizing homegrown industries
infrastructure improvements including public transportation like LIRR
LGBTQ rights
local development
lower property taxes, SALT relief
medical marijuana
opioid crisis
overdevelopment
public education
reproductive rights
senior citizen protection and support
skilled manufacturing and advanced technology jobs
small business investments
sustaining small farms
veteran support
voting procedures

The New York State Senate

There are 63 seats in the New York Senate and all are up for re-election. Sixty-three Assembly districts are divided among 62 New York counties. Each of the senate districts have an average population of 307,500. The New York State Senate will help you confirm your State Senate district and its candidates for office.

Republicans control the New York State Senate with a narrow 32-31 majority with the support of Democrat State Senator Simcha Felder who caucuses with them. Flipping a single net seat from red to blue in November would put Democrats in control of the entire state government for the first time since 2010.

Election Results: Democrats have won 37 seats. Three seats leaning Democrat but still undecided. Republicans won 21 seats. Two seats leaning Republican, but still undecided.

Respond

Volunteer if a Democratic candidate is local, or within driving distance. This can take the form of phone banking (can be done at home), canvasing, and/or fundraising. Participate in activities to Get Out The Vote.

Donate to all or a few critical senate and assembly races. Many of us have donated to races outside of our own state. No amount is too small. Find the blank section of the donation section and add your own amount.

LIKELY DEMOCRAT (1)
District 9 County: Nassau Election Results: Democrat (62 vs 38)
+ Support State Senator Todd Kaminsky (D)

TOSS UP (4)

District 5 Counties: Nassau & Suffolk Election Results: Democrat (54 vs 46)
^, ^^, + Support Democrat Candidate James Gaughran

District 7 County: Nassau Support Election Results: Democrat (55 vs 45)
^Support Democrat Candidate Anna Kaplan

District 8 Counties: Nassau & Suffolk Election Results: Democrat (55 vs 45)
^, ^^, + Support State Senator John E. Brooks (D)

District 39 Counties: Orange, Rockland, and Ulster
Election Results: Democrat (54 vs 47)
^^Support Democrat Candidate James Skoufis

LEAN REPUBLICAN (3)

District 22 County: Kings Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
^^Support Democrat Candidate Andrew Gounardes

District 42 Counties: Delaware, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster
Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
^Support Democrat Candidate Jen Metzger

District 50 Counties: Cayuga and Onondaga
Election Results: Republican (51 vs 49)
^Support Democrat Candidate John Mannion

LIKELY REPUBLICAN (5)

District 3 County: Suffolk
Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
+ Support Democrat Candidate Monica Martinez

District 4 County: Suffolk
Election Results: Republican (52 vs 48)
+ ^ Support Democrat Candidate Lou D’Amaro

District 6 County: Nassau
Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Candidate Kevin Thomas

District 40 Counties: Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester
Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Candidate Peter Harckham

District 41 Counties: Dutchess and Putnam
Election Results: Republican (51 vs 49)
^Support Democrat Candidate Karen Smythe

District 43 Counties: Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington
Election Results: Republican (54 vs 46)
Support Democrat Candidate Aaron Gladd

SAFE DEMOCRAT (29)
State Senator James Sanders, District 10 County: Queens
Democrat Candidate John Liu , District 11 County: Queens
State Senator Michael Gianaris, District 12 County: Queens
Democrat Candidate Jessica Ramos, District 13 County: Queens
State Senator Leroy Comrie, District 14 County: Queens
State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. District 15 County: Queens
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, District 16 County: Queens
Democrat Candidate Julia Salazar, District 18 County: Kings
State Senator Roxanne Persaud, District 19 County: Kings
Democrat Candidate Zellnor Myrie, District 20 County: Kings
State Senator Kevin Parker, District 21 County: Kings
State Senator Diane Savino, District 23 Counties: Kings, Richmond
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, District 25 County: Kings
State Senator Brian Kavanagh, District 26 Counties: Kings, New York
State Senator Brad Hoylman, District 27 County: New York
State Senator Liz Krueger,District 28 County: New York
State Senator Jose Serrano, District 29 Counties: Bronx, New York
State Senator Brian Benjamin,District 30 County: New York
Democrat Candidate Robert Jackson, District 31 County: New York
State Senator Luis Sepulveda District 32 County: Bronx
State Senator Gustavo Rivera, District 33 County: Bronx
Democrat Candidate Alessandra Biaggi, District 34 Counties: Bronx, Westchester
State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, District 35 County: Westchester
State Senator Jamaal Bailey, District 36 Counties: Bronx, Westchester
State Senator Shelley Mayer, District 37 County: Westchester
State Senator David Carlucci, District 38, Counties: Rockland, Westchester
State Senator Neil Breslin, District 44 Counties: Albany, Rensselaer
^Democrat Candidate Rachel May, District 53 Counties: Madison, Oneida, Onandoga
State Senator Timothy Kennedy, District 63 County: Erie

SAFE REPUBLICAN (19)
State Senator Kenneth LaValle (R) District 1 County: Suffolk
State Senator John Flanagan (R) District 2 County: Suffolk
State Senator Andrew Lanza (R) District 24 County: Richmond
State Senator Betty Little (R) District 45 Counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Warren Washington
State Senator George Amedore, District 46 Counties: Albany, Greene, Montgomery, Schenectady, Ulster,
Joseph Griffo,District 47 Counties: Lewis, Oneida, St. Lawrence
Patty Ritchie, District 48 Counties: Jefferson, Oswego, St. Lawrence
James Tedisco, District 49, Counties: Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Saratoga, Schenectady
James Seward, District 51 Counties: Cayuga, Chenengo, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Ostego, Schoharie, Tompkins, Ulster
Fred Akshar, District 52 Counties: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Tioga
Pamela Helming, District 54 Counties: Cayoga, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Tompkins, Wayne
Rich Funke, District 55, Counties: Monroe, Ontario
Joseph Robach, District 56, County: Monroe
Cathy Young, District 57 County: Alleghany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqual, Livingston
Patrick Gallivan, District 59 Counties: Erie, Livingston, Monroe, Wyoming
Chris Jacobs, District 60 County: Erie
Michael Ranzenhofer, District 61 Counties: Erie, Genesee, Monroe
Robert Ortt , District 62 Counties: Monroe, Niagara, Orleans

The New York State Senate Races above have been rated by City and State New York’s Updated Guide to the 2018 State Elections.

^Former President Barack Obama has added support to candidates and incumbents at the Executive Level, in addition to State Legislative Races.
^^Endorsed by The New York Times Vote For Real Change In Albany
+Endorsed by Newsday.

The New York State Assembly

There are 150 seats in the Assembly and all are up for re-election. One hundred fifty Assembly districts are divided among 62 New York counties, .Each district has an average population of 128,652. Democrats have a 104-41 majority in the New York State Assembly.

Election Results: Democrats won 107 seats, Republicans won 42. One still undecided.

The New York State Assembly will help you confirm your Assembly district, and its candidates for office. . Here are all 150 New York Assembly District Candidates. Find out where your Democratic candidate stands on the issues that are concerning your community the most. It can be found on their campaign website, i.e. Mary Smith For Assembly.

This Land Is Your Land post delves into the importance of state elections throughout the United States. As stated, Incumbent Governor Mario Cuomo’s re-election seems to be secure.

Reflect

“My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.” Abraham Lincoln

Posted in Local and State Elections, Midterm Elections, State Elections, The House Race, Uncategorized | Tagged State Assembly Member, State Senator | Comments Off

How States Can, and Will, Suppress The Vote

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Debra29

Voter suppression is the discouragement or prevention of citizens from voting and is a strategy often used to influence the outcome of an election.

Inform

One of the root causes of low turnout for midterm and general elections is the prevalence of restrictive voting laws. The modern GOP generally tries to make it harder to vote, because obstacles to voting tend to hit key Democratic constituencies—young people, low-income people, minorities—the hardest.

In 2013, the high court struck down a key section of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. No longer would areas of the country with a history of discrimination in voting be required to pre-clear all changes in voting laws and procedures.

“Our country has changed,” wrote Chief Justice John Roberts for the conservative five-justice majority. Nearly 50 years after the Voting Rights Act became law, he said, instances of blatant race-based discrimination were rare. And now we are here.

Ten Ways to Suppress Voting

1.”Exact Match” Registration:

The “exact match” law requires election officials to flag and pause any voter registration application if the identifying information doesn’t precisely match the voter’s information in existing records, even because of something as small as a missing hyphen or a transposed number. Although voters are not barred from casting a ballot, they must take extra steps to verify their identities.

Legal Response:

A coalition of civil rights groups sued Brian Kemp, Georgia’s secretary of state and Republican gubernatorial candidate, in his official capacity Thursday over a 2017 voting law that has hampered the registrations of more than 50,000 people — of whom approximately 80 percent are black, Latino or Asian American, according to the lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Atlanta.

2. Voter ID

Voter ID is when a registered voter must show ID in order to vote.

States with No Voter ID Laws

California, Oregon, Nevada, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Vermont, New Jersey,
DC, Pennsylvania, North Carolina

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), 34 states have voter ID laws, which will be in force for the 2018 mid-term elections.

Examples of ID:

Photo ID: Voter ID card, driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, hunting or fishing license or other current or valid photo ID.
No-photo ID: current utility bill or paycheck, government check or bank statement or other government issued document.

If a voter fails to show the photo ID that is asked for by law, states provide alternatives. These laws fit two categories, non-strict and strict.

States with Strict Voter ID Laws

Requiring photo ID: Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin
Requiring a no-photo ID: Arizona, North Dakota, Ohio

States with Non-strict Voter ID Laws

Requiring photo ID: Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas
Requiring a no-photo ID: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, Washington, West Virginia

Who do these laws affect the most?

Poor and Minority Communities

Minorities are less likely to have driver’s licenses because they are more likely to be poor and to live in urban areas. If you can’t afford a car, or if you don’t need one because you take the bus or subway, you are less likely to have a driver’s license. Nor will they have the other forms of ID: passports, military IDs, concealed gun permits. In addition, each person is less likely to be listed on a utility bill.

Native American Voters

When Democrat Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota narrowly won her seat in North Dakota, Republicans changed a voter identification law in the state. They stopped allowing any voter identification that lists a post office box as an address. The reason for the change is that her support base was Native Americans and they use post office boxes as the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver to their communities.

Young student voters

Young student voters are not likely to have a drivers license as a smaller portion of students have a drivers license today than in the 1980s. They are also less likely to be listed on a utility bill.

Students attending out of state colleges are also less likely to have other forms of ID commonly required by state laws. Some states accept a student ID on its own, but several do not — even when it is issued by a public university and includes a photo. In addition, states including Texas don’t allow student IDs, a policy that clearly hinders younger voters.

Elderly voters over 85

Elderly voters — like black and Latino voters — are more likely to lack photo ID than the voting population overall as they have stopped driving.

Legal Responses:

On October 9, 2018, the Supreme Court decided 6 to 2 to leave in place a North Dakota law that requires residents to provide an ID displaying a residential address rather than a P.O. box number to vote.

In response, Native American voting rights activists in North Dakota have launched an audacious plan aimed at pushing back against a Supreme Court ruling that threatens the reelection of Sen. Heidi Heitkamp — and that could decide the fate of the Senate in the process.

The biggest win for voting rights advocates was in North Carolina in 2016, where a federal appeals court panel unanimously threw out not only the voter ID requirements, but numerous other provisions that the court said were enacted with the intent of making it harder for minorities to vote. The judges pointedly observed that Republican leaders drew up the new laws in North Carolina only after receiving data showing that African-American voters would be the most significantly and adversely affected. “We cannot ignore the record evidence that, because of race, the legislature enacted one of the largest restrictions of the franchise in modern North Carolina history,” the panel wrote.

Similar rulings followed in Wisconsin, Ohio and South Dakota. And in Kansas, a state with a foreign-born population of 6.8 percent, courts have repeatedly rejected efforts by the Republican secretary of state to require voters to provide proof of citizenship to vote.

In July 2016 a federal court ruled that Wisconsin’s strict voter ID law was unconstitutional, and that an alternative to showing an ID, such as signing an affidavit attesting to identity, must be permitted.

A 2011 Texas strict photo ID laws has been in the courts since its passage. On April 10, 2017 a federal judge ruled, for the second time, that the law discriminated against minority voters. On June 2, 2017 SB 5 enacted non-strict, photo voter ID requirement.

3 . Early Voting Cuts:

Ohio cut a whole week from early voting, eliminating the “golden week” in which voters could register and vote on the same day. And Nebraska cut its early voting period from 35 days to no more than 30 days.

Who does this affect? Parents with full-time jobs who cannot afford to take unpaid time off work to vote. For many working parents, the ability to vote by mail or through early in-person voting on weekends is critical. However, a number of states, give residents neither the option to vote early in person nor the option to vote by mail (without satisfying certain requirements).

4. New requirements to register to vote:

Kansas passed a law that requires new voters to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. Virginia also required groups submitting 25 or more voter registration forms to register with the state, and reduced the amount of time to deliver the forms from 15 days to 10 days.

5. Limits on mail-in ballots:

Arizona made it a felony to collect and turn in someone else’s mail-in ballot, even with that voter’s permission.

6. Provisional and absentee voting changes:

Ohio passed strict rules that can invalidate absentee and provisional ballots if forms accompanying those ballots aren’t filled out in a very specific way.

7. Polling place closures:

Southern states, from Arizona to North Carolina, have closed down at least 868 polling places since the US Supreme Court struck down part of the Voting Rights Act in 2013. (The Voting Rights Act could have allowed the Department of Justice to stop these closures before, but not anymore.) These are only the closures tracked in about half the counties that were once covered by the Voting Rights Act due to their long histories of racial discrimination, so there have likely been hundreds or even thousands more closures nationwide.

8. Voter roll purges:

Several states have attempted to conduct sweeping purges of voter rolls, potentially undoing voters’ registration without their knowledge. Some of these purges — such as North Carolina’s and Florida’s — have been overturned by courts, but not all are even known to the public until it’s too late. In June 2018, a divided U.S. Supreme Court upheld Ohio’s method for removing ineligible voters from its rolls, saying it does not violate any part of the National Voter Registration Act.

9. Reduction in state services:

When Alabama, for example, was required to offer a free alternative to a driver’s license, it responded by closing Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices in areas with large black populations.

These are just some examples of an organized effort toward voter suppression in the United States. Others include disinformation about voting procedures, transgender disenfranchisement, and inequality in Election Day resources. Many Americans who have been convicted of a felony but are now out of prison, on parole or on probation may want to vote, but many states have laws that expressly limit their voting rights.

10. Gerrymandering

The nation’s 435 House districts are adjusted after each decennial census. The goal, as required by the U.S. Supreme Court, is to make sure that, in states with more than one House member, the congressional districts have roughly the same number of people. (State legislative districts are redrawn as well.)

At present, Republicans control 67 of the 99 chambers and control both chambers in 32 states. The party that controls two branches of state government can steer the direction of elections for a decade. Gerrymandering works by Party A “packing,” or cramming many of Party B’s voters into a few districts that it will win overwhelmingly, with many (wasted) votes to spare. The other technique, “cracking,” splinters Party B’s voters among multiple districts so that it can’t prevail in any of them. To counter the influence of politics, Some states have have shifted redistricting responsibility to an independent or bipartisan board or commission. Others have not.

Legal Responses:

This past February, Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has redrawn the map of the state’s congressional districts, overturning a Republican gerrymander that’s been used in the past three congressional elections.

Yet in June, the Supreme Court favored Republicans in other states accused of gerrymandering.

RESPOND

Take action through the League of Women Voters :” We actively oppose discriminatory voter photo ID laws, fight against attacks voter registration process and hold lawmakers accountable when they try to institute last-minute Election Day barriers. We work year-round to combat voter suppression through advocacy, grassroots organizing, legal action and public education. Our efforts have resulted in the protection of voting rights and ballot access for millions of Americans.”

Dissent, an online magazine published by the University of Pennsylvania Press, offers concrete straggles in How To Fight Voter Suppression in 2018.

Donate to ACLU. “Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU is fighting back against attempts to curtail an essential right in our democracy, the right to vote. ”

State lawmakers have had more latitude than ever to enact laws affecting whether, how and when one can vote in a federal election. Become involved in state elections. My prior post This Land Is Your Land tells you how.

REFLECT

“My story is a freedom song of struggle. It is about finding one’s purpose, how to overcome fear and to stand up for causes bigger than one’s self.”

Coretta Scott King

Posted in Midterm Elections, Voter Suppression, Voting | Tagged Voter ID, Voter Suppression | Comments Off

Vote Now – Absentee, Vote by Mail, Early Voting and Voter Registration

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Debra29

“Our collective self-rule is established and fostered through free, fair, accessible, and secure elections through which the voice of every eligible American is heard.”

Election Day Tuesday November 6

Inform

The structure and complexity of voting in America varies widely. States have moved past limiting your ability to vote on the day of the election. Take advantage of these choices and vote now. I’ve posted how in each of the 51 states. Please forward to friends and family members living in any of the states below.

Military Families and Overseas Citizen Voters

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure Service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so – from anywhere in the world. It provides these citizens with the tools for registration and absentee voting for each and every state.

Register To Vote

The deadlines are upon us. Volunteer for a registration drive in your church, neighborhood or community center. Encourage and support children, grandchildren, and other young adults 18 or older to do the same. You must register if you’ve moved to a new state. The traditional way is in-person or by mail. The National Voter Registration Form can be completed and mailed to your local election office. Specific state directions are included for voter registration by mail. Many states offer other choices:

Online voter registration is used by multiple states in which a voter fills out a form via an Internet site, and that paperless form is submitted electronically to election officials.

Same-day voter registration enables voters to register and vote at the same time. Same-day registration is sometimes referred to as Election Day registration.

Automatic voter registration Eligible voters are automatically registered to vote whenever they interact with government agencies (e.g., departments of motor vehicles). Eligible voters are registered by default, although they may request not to be registered.

Vote Now

Absentee Voting: All states will mail an absentee ballot to certain voters who request one. The voter may return the ballot by mail or in person. In 20 states, an excuse is required, Some states offer a permanent absentee ballot list: once a voter asks to be added to the list, s/he will automatically receive an absentee ballot for all future elections. New Jersey is doing this presently.

Vote By Mail: Twenty seven states and the District of Columbia permit any qualified voter to vote absentee without offering an excuse. Some states call this vote by mail, while others still refer to it as absentee ballot.

In Person Absentee Voting: These states allow a voter to apply in person for an absentee ballot , and cast that ballot in one trip to an election official’s office.

Early In-Person Voting Period: Any qualified voter may cast a ballot in person during a designated period prior to Election Day. No excuse or justification is required

Mail Voting: A ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter (no request or application is necessary). In-person voting sites may also be available for voters who would like to vote in-person and to provide additional services to voters. Three states mail ballots to all eligible voters for every election. Other states may provide this option for some types of elections.

Online Resources

One-stop websites include Vote.org whose toolset currently includes a voter registration tool, an absentee ballot tool, and tool that helps you verify your voter registration status, and a stand-alone election reminders too. Ballotpedia is an bottomless resource of voting and elections in America. VoteRiders is a non-partisan, non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote. It informs and helps citizens to secure their voter ID. Nonprofit VOTE provides official voting information directly from your state’s elections website. Lastly, the National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan nongovernmental organization (NGO) which provides absentee and early voting information.

Respond

Alabama

Register To Vote:
Has online registration ,in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 15 days before Election Day (Oct 22) or up to and including Election Day at your County Elections office.

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required Also has In Person Absentee Voting

Alaska

Register To Vote:
Has online registration. , in addition to by mail or in person. It also offers automatic voter registration. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day. (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early In-Person Voting Period: 15 days before Election Day: about Oct 22.

Arizona

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 29 days before Election Day (Oct 8)

Vote Now:
Ballot by Mail No Excuse Necessary
Early In-Person Voting Period: begins 26 days before Election Day : about Oct 11.

Arkansas

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (October 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required
Early In-Person Voting Period: begins 15 days before Election Day: about Oct 22.

California

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration. Deadline: 15 days before Election Day (Oct 22) or up to and including Election Day at your County Elections office.

Vote Now:
Vote by MailNo Excuse Necessary
Early in-Person Voting Period: varies by county

Colorado

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration. Deadline: In person up to Election Day. Mail and online deadline: 8 days before Election Day. (Oct 29)

Vote Now:

Mail Voting: A ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter (no request or application is necessary). The 22 day voting period starts October 15
Early In-Person Voting Period: 7 days before Election Day: about Oct 30.

Connecticut

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration. Deadline: 7 days before Election Day. (Oct 30)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Delaware

Register To Vote:
Has online registration in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: Fourth Saturday before Election Day

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

District of Columbia

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail and in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration. In Person: Election Day . Mail and online deadline: Received by 4:45 pm on the 21st day before Election Day. (Oct 16)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early In-Person Voting Period: begins 15 days before Election Day: about Oct 22.

Florida

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 29 days before Election Day (Oct 8)

Vote Now:
Vote By MailNo Excuse Necessary
Early In-Person Voting Period: begins 10 days before Election Day: about Oct 27.

Georgia

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has automatic voter registration. Deadline: the fifth Monday before Election Day (Oct 8)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early In Person Voting Period: begins the 4th Monday before Election Day: about Monday Oct 15

Hawaii

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day voter registration. Deadline: 29 days before Election Day. (Oct 8) In person: up to Election Day

Vote Now
Vote By MailNo Excuse Necessary

Early In-Person Voting Period: begins two Tuesdays before Election Day: about Oct 23.

Idaho

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day voter registration. Deadline: In person: up to Election Day. By mail and online: 25 days before Election Day. (Oct 12)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early In-Person Voting Period: begins the 3rd Monday before Election Day: October 22 or earlier based on county

Illinois

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration. Deadline: In person: up to Election Day. By mail and online: 28 days before Election Day. (Oct 9)

Vote Now:

Vote by Mail No Excuse Necessary In Person Absentee Voting
Early In-Person Voting Period: Begins 15 days before Election Day: about Oct 22.

Indiana

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 29 days before Election Day (Oct 8)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required
Early In-Person Voting Period: begins 28 days before Election Day or later based on county

Iowa

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day voter registration. Deadline: In Person and Online: 10 days before Election Day (Oct 27) and by mail 15 days before Election Day. (Oct 22) If you miss these deadlines, you can also register to vote on Election Day

Vote Now:
Absentee Voting By Mail Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Kansas

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 21 days before Election Day. (Oct 16)

Vote Now:
Advance Voting Ballot No Excuse Necessary

Early In Person Voting Period: varies by county from one week to 20 days before Election Day: from about Oct 17-30.

Kentucky

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 29 days before Election Day.(Oct 8)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Louisiana

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day. (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required
Early In Person Voting Period: begins 14 days before Election Day: about Oct 23 or later depending on county

Maine

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Has same day voter registration. Deadline: 21 days before Election Day (Oct 16)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Maryland

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration Deadline: 21 Days before Election Day (Oct 16)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early In-Person Voting Period: begins the second Thursday before Election Day: about Oct 25

Massachusetts

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has automatic voter registration. Deadline: 20 days before Election Day (Oct 17)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required
Early In-Person Voting Period: Begins11 business days before Election Day: about October 22

Michigan

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required

Minnesota

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day voter registration. Deadline: 21 days before Election Day (Oct 16) or in person on Election Day

Vote Now:
Vote By Mail No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Mississippi

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required

Missouri

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: the 4th Wednesday before Election Day

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required

Montana

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Has same day voter registration. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7) or by Election Day if in person.

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Nebraska

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: In Person 11 days before Election Day, (Oct 26) By mail and online: 18 days before Election Day (Oct 19)

Vote Now:
Early Voting Ballot Has In Person Absentee Voting

Nevada

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: In Person and Online: 21 days before Election Day (Oct 16) By Mail: 31 days before Election Day (Oct 6)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early in-Person Voting Period: October 20 – November 2

New Hampshire

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person Has same day voter registration. Deadline: In Person: Election Day, by Mail: 10 days before Election Day (Oct 27)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required

New Jersey

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Has automatic voter registration. Deadline: 21 days before Election Day (Oct 16)

Vote Now:
Vote By Mail Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

New Mexico

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 28 days before Election Day (Oct 9)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early in-Person Voting: Third Saturday before Election Day: October 20

New York

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 25 days before Election Day (Oct 12)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

North Carolina

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Has same day voter registration. Deadline: 25 days before Election Day (Oct 12) or register and vote at the same time during Early Voting

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary. Also offersIn Person Absentee Voting

North Dakota

Register To Vote:
North Dakota is the only state without a formal voter registration procedure. You just need to bring proof of ID and residency to the polls.

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early in-Person Voting Period: October 29 – Nov 2 but varies by county

Ohio

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Oklahoma

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Deadline: 25 days before Election Day (Oct 12)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Oregon

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has automatic voter registration. Deadline: 21 days before Election Day. (Oct 16)

Vote Now:
Mail Voting: A ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter (no request or application is necessary).

Pennsylvania

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day.(Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required

Rhode Island

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Has automatic voter registration. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Mail Ballot , No Excuse Necessary

South Carolina

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day. (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

South Dakota

Register To Vote: Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Deadline: 15 days before Election Day (Oct 22)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Tennessee

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required
Early in-Person Voting Period: begins 20 days before Election Day: about October 17

Texas

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Deadline: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Ballot by Mail , Excuse Required
Early in-Person Voting Period: begins 17 days before Election Day: about October 20

Utah

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day voter registration. Deadline: In Person and Online: 7 days before Election Day (Oct 30) By Mail: 30 days before Election Day (Oct 7)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary
Early in-Person Voting Period: begins 14 days before Election Day: about October 23

Vermont

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration. Deadline: Election Day

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Virginia

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Deadline: 22 days before Election Day (Oct 15)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Washington

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day and automatic voter registration. Deadline: In Person: 8 days before Election Day By Mail (Oct 29) or Online: 29 days before Election Day.(Oct 8)

Vote Now:
Mail Voting: A ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter (no request or application is necessary). The 18 day voting period starts October 19.

West Virginia

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Has automatic voter registration Deadline: 21 days before Election Day (Oct 16)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, Excuse Required (a third party link as state site link is down)
Early in Person Voting 13 days before Election Day: about October 24.

Wisconsin

Register To Vote:
Has online registration, in addition to by mail or in person. Also has same day voter registration. Deadline: In Person: Election Day, By Mail or Online: 20 days before Election Day (Oct 17)

Vote Now:
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Wyoming

Register To Vote:
Citizens must register to vote by mail or in person. Has same day voter registration. Deadline: In Person: Election Day, by Mail: 14 days before Election Day (Oct 23)

Vote Now
Absentee Ballot, No Excuse Necessary Also offers In Person Absentee Voting

Reflect

“We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny.

But what we put into it is ours”

Dag Hammarskjold

Posted in Voting | Tagged absentee voting, early in-person voting, in-person absentee voting, mail voting, online registration, register to vote | Comments Off

The New York State Primary Perfecta

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Debra29

New York

“There is no place like it, no place with an atom of its glory, pride, and exultancy.” – Walt Whitman

We are on the eve of the New York State Primary elections, Thursday September 13, 6am – 9pm.

Inform

Your governor and state legislature make policy decisions affecting health care, education, infrastructure, immigration, Medicaid, job training, criminal justice reform, gun safety, family leave, sexual harassment and assault policy, income inequality, a woman’s right to choose, marriage equality, discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and protecting the environment to name a few. This Land Is Your Land

Which New York State Democratic candidate will represent your interests, values and beliefs for the upcoming crucial November 6th elections?

Governor

A governor is the chief executive officer and commander-in-chief of the state. He/she implements state laws and advances new policies and programs through executive orders, budgets and legislative proposals and vetoes.

The Democratic Candidates for Governor are:

Incumbent Andrew Cuomo……… endorsed by these Public Figures, Unions, Organizations and Political Clubs

Democratic candidate Cynthia Nixon………..endorsed by other Public Figures, Organizations and Political Clubs

Lieutenant Governor

Official duties under the New York State Constitution is to serve as President of the State Senate, serve as Acting Governor if the Governor is out of state or has a disability, or become Governor in the event of the Governor’s death, resignation or removal of office. The person takes on other responsibilities assigned to them including duties concerning business, technology, environment and more.

The Democratic Candidates for Lieutenant Governor are:

Incumbent Kathy Hochul ………endorsed by The Post and Newsday

Democratic candidate Jumaane Williams ……..endorsed by The New York Times and Bernie Sanders

New York Attorney General

An attorney general’s job is to serve as counselors to their legislatures and state agencies and also as the “People’s Lawyer” for all citizens. There are a multitude of responsibilities including having to act as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation; propose legislation; enforce federal and state environmental laws; represent the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts; and handle criminal appeals and serious statewide criminal prosecutions.

It’s important to note it would also be the responsibility of the Attorney General to investigate Trump’s businesses and foundation.

The Democratic Candidates for Attorney General are :

Leecia Eve … endorsed by The Queens Tribune and The Times Union

Letitia James ….. endorsed by Andrew Cuomo and Newsday

Representative Sean Patrick Maloney, running for both his Congressional District and Attorney General.

Zephyr Teachout …… endorsed by The Buffalo News and The New York Times

The New York State Legislature

The legislature’s primary purpose is to draft and approve changes to the laws of New York. These changes are driven by a multitude of complex public policy issues including aging, agriculture, banking, children and families, corrections, economic development, education, energy, environment, health, housing, insurance, redistricting , small business, social services, transportation and veterans’ affairs .

New York State Senate

All 63 New York State Senate seats are up for election.

Who are the Democratic candidates for your State Senate district? The New York State Senate provides a quick and easy search engine to confirm your state senator’s name and district. Ballotpedia provides a a synopsis of the present state of the races, and a chart that lists the New York State Primary Candidates in each of the 63 districts.

The key Democrat primary challenges are occurring against eight Democratic senators originally of the IDC (Indpendent Democratic Conference) who helped keep Republicans in control of the state Senate. The ten New York State battleground races are State Senate Districts 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 23, 31, 34, 38 and 53.

The New York State Assembly

The Democratic dominated Assembly has 150 seats, all up for election.

Who are the Democratic candidates for your Assembly district? The New York State Assembly will confirm your Assembly district and your Assembly Member’s name.

The 2018 New York State Assembly Primary Candidates have Democratic challenges in districts 18, 20, 30, 33, 39, 42, 46, 53, 60, 61, 68, 69, 71, 72, 74, 84, 85, 87, 90, 104, 107, 119, 121, 124, 136, and 137. Be sure to research your choices if you live in one of these districts.

Looking Forward: The Trifecta Effect

A party that has control of the governorship and state legislature is much more effective at both lawmaking and redistricting of congressional and state legislative seats after the 2020 Census. The Republicans have come into the midterm elections with 26 trifectas, and the Democrats have 8. There are 9 states where Democrats can win back legislative control from the Republicans in November: Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Arizona, Florida, Michigan and New York.

The Republicans of the New York State Senate now hold a one seat majority. Flipping just one Republican state senate seat in November would put Democrats in control of the entire state government for the first time in eight years. The Democratic Legislative Committee is focusing on Nassau’s Senate District 7 in November where Democrat Candidate Anna Kaplan is challenging incumbent Republican Elaine Phillips.

The New York State Assembly is and has long been controlled by the Democrats.

Respond

Make an informed decision. Research the candidates for New York Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Senator and Assembly Member.

Vote this Thursday, September 13 in the New York State Primary, 6am – 9pm. The New York State Board of Elections provides a link to find out if you are registered and where to vote.

Reflect

“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”
Franklin D Roosevelt

Posted in Governorships, Local and State Elections, State Elections | Tagged Attorney General, Governors, Lieutenant Governor, New York State, State Assembly Member, State Representatives, State Senator | Comments Off

Cutting The Federal Safety Net – Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Debra29

“Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members. ”

Pearl S. Buck

Inform

In The Cross Hairs

Last year, Congress and President Trump made clear their fiscal priorities: Cut taxes, grow defense spending and don’t worry for now about the rising federal budget deficit. The House GOP plan last spring would have cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to balance the budget. These three programs will continue to be in the cross hairs of cost cutting and budget balancing in the face of rising deficits.

The Power and Influence of Older Voters

According to the Census Bureau the baby boomers began turning 65 in 2011 and are now driving growth at the older ages of the population. By 2029, when all of the baby boomers will be 65 years and over, more than 20 percent of the total U.S. population will be over the age of 65.

“Candidates of both parties need to think about—and talk to—older voters in their states and districts,” says Nancy LeaMond, AARP chief advocacy and engagement officer. “They are the nation’s most reliable voters. They are informed and engaged, and they make up their minds early. “

“Both parties have to do well with the senior vote if they are going to do well in the general election,” says Stephen Ansolabehere, a Harvard University professor of government who has studied voter turnout for decades. Many of the most competitive House races will be in states with high senior populations, such as Florida, Arizona and Pennsylvania.

While older people care about a broad range of issues, proposed changes in these three programs will drastically change their lives, and the lives of their families.

Will Social Security be cut?

Cuts to Social Security and Medicare are a reason to worry. Unless something is done to shore up Social Security, monthly checks could be cut by 23% by 2034. A report by Treasure Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated that Medicare’s hospital insurance fund will be depleted in 2026, three years earlier than it forecast a year ago.

The most immediate way Congress could make cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is through the funding it provides in federal spending bills. Eventually, Congress will need to address Social Security’s long-term fiscal health.

What’s less clear is when the legislature might tackle that debate, and which policies it might consider. A GOP proposal to balance the budget included preventing people on Social Security Disability insurance from getting unemployment benefits. In the past, options have ranged from privatizing parts of the program — a proposal that was rejected during the George W. Bush administration — to raising the age to become eligible for retirement benefits. Whatever path Congress ultimately pursues, Social Security advocates urge voters to make sure they get real answers from politicians.

Will Medicare be restructured?

Washington always comes back to worrying about the deficit. And when it does, Medicare, which accounts for 15 percent of the federal budget, inevitably comes to mind. So when trimming the deficit again becomes an issue, “It’s quite possible that Medicare will be back on the chopping block,” says Tricia Neuman, Medicare expert at the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

One future possibility is Medicare beneficiaries will have to pick up a larger share of health costs. That means higher premiums, copays and cost sharing. Another alternative would be a voucher program where each beneficiary would receive a flat amount of money each year to buy health insurance. Others are promoting increasing age of eligibility to 67 or higher. This administration has proposed short term limited benefit insurance policies. But insurance companies can charge much higher premiums for seniors and don’t have to cover pre-existing conditions.

Will Medicaid Be Severed?

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for people with limited income and resources. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the survival of Medicaid will be in the hands of the state and federal officials we elect this fall.

Who is on Medicaid might surprise you. It could be your grandmother—one-quarter of Medicaid enrollees are elderly people or disabled adults.It could be the child next door. About half of Medicaid enrollees are children, many of them with special needs. The rest are adults without disabilities who earn too little to afford health insurance otherwise. Many of them are working: Six in 10 able-bodied adults on Medicaid have a job. And 78 percent of Medicaid recipients are part of a household with at least one person working full time. Many of those who don’t work are caregivers for other people.

The most persistent federal suggestion for reforming Medicaid is to turn it into a block grant program. Right now, as long as someone qualifies for the program, he or she is entitled to all the benefits covered. Under a block grant, states would get a fixed amount of money from the federal government. If Medicaid enrollees needed more care than the block grant paid for, states would have to make up the difference — or cut benefits or scale back who is eligible.

Supporters of block grants say it would get the entitlement program under control. Opponents counter that it would lead to millions of people being left without the care they need.

Respond

Volunteer if a Democratic candidate is local, or within driving distance. This can take the form of phone banking (can be done at home), canvasing, fundraising, and/or attending public events, rallies, debates, and organizing.

Another option is to donate. To all. To a few. No amount is too small. Find the blank section of the donation section and add your own amount. My prior A State By State Sizzling Hot Season post has been updated August 29 to include all primary results.

Contact your candidate at his or her campaign headquarters. Ask the following questions regarding proposed changes to our Federal Safety Net:

On Social Security

Will you continue to fund Social Security and improve service?
Are you committed to having annual cost-of-living adjustments keep up with inflation?
Would you raise the age for full retirement benefits?
Would you raise the cap on payroll taxes? (Workers pay into Social Security for the first $128,400 earned in 2018. Raising the cap would boost funding.)

On Medicare

Do you believe Medicare benefits should be cut as a way to reduce the budget deficit?
Do you favor converting Medicare to a voucher program?
What changes would you make to insure that individuals continue to get promised benefits?
Do you support expanding coverage to include hearing, vision, and dental care?

On Medicaid

Will you promise not to cut Medicaid to pay for tax cuts or other spending?
Will you oppose making Medicaid a block grant program?
Will you support Medicaid guaranteeing long-term care services at home?
Should Medicaid recipients be subject to work requirements?

Reflect

“It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. ”

Hubert Humphrey

Posted in Midterm Elections, Social Security Medicare Medicaid, State Elections, Uncategorized | Tagged Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security | Comments Off

This Land Is Your Land – The Power of State Elections (Updated Nov 15)

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Debra29

“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in State governments are numerous and indefinite.” – James Madison

Inform

The State’s Power

In addition, these races will have national implications with the next Census coming in 2020. In most states, the legislature redraws congressional districts, while the governor has veto power. Past Republican gerrymandering manipulated the boundaries of an electoral constituency to favor their party in future Congressional elections.

2018 Gubernatorial Elections

A Democratic Deficit I: Heading into the elections there are 16 Democratic governors, 33 Republican governors and 1 Independent governor.

There will be 36 gubernatorial elections in 2018. 9 are Democrat (7 are not up for re-election) , 1 is an Independent and 26 are Republican (7 are not up for re-election).

I’ve added the Democratic candidates for the governor races that are considered competitive to the prior post A State By State Sizzling Hot Season.

2018 State Legislature Elections

Eighty-seven of 99 state legislative chambers are holding general elections for 6,070 seats—roughly 82 percent of the 7,383 state legislative seats in the country this year.

A Democratic Deficit II: At present, Republicans control 67 of the 99 chambers and control both chambers in 32 states. Democrats control 32 chambers, and both chambers in 14 states. Only four states have divided control of their legislatures.

For purposes of both lawmaking and redistricting of congressional and state legislative seats, both parties strive for “trifecta” (a run of 3) control of governorships and state legislatures. Right now, Republicans have 26 trifectas, an extremely high number, while Democrats enjoy only 8.

Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia hold legislative elections in odd-numbered years. Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, and South Carolina hold elections this year only for their lower chambers.

If you are not a citizen of the 4 states above, you can become involved in electing a Democratic candidate for the upper and lower chamber of your statehouse this year. Find out who represents you in your state legislature, along with the district you live in. Ballotpedia offers information on the incumbents and candidates running this year.

Competitive Gubernatorial Races 2018

Cook 2018 Governor Race ratings, updated Oct 26..

Sabato’s Crystal Ball 2018 Governor updated Nov 5.

Cook Solidly Democrat (3):
California Democrat Gavin Newsom(D), Hawaii Incumbent Gov. David Ige (D), New York Incumbent Gov. Mario Cuomo (D)
Election Results: All Democrat

Sabatos Safe Democrat (4:)
California (D), Hawaii (D), New York (D), Pennsylvania Incumbent Democratic Governor Tom Wolf (D)
Election Results: All Democrat

*Cook Likely Democrat (3):
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner (R), Minnesota Open (D), Pennsylvania (D)
Election Results: All Democrat

*Sabatos Likely Democrat (3) :
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner (R), Michigan Open (R), Rhode Island Incumbent Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo
Election Results: All Democrat

*Cook Leans Democrat (4):
Colorado Open (D), Michigan Open (R), New Mexico Open (R)
Election Results: All Democrat

*Sabatos Leans Democrat (12) :
Colorado Open (D), Connecticut Open (D), Florida Open (R),Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R), Kansas, Open (R), Maine Open (R), Minnesota Open (D), Ohio Open (R), Nevada Open (R), New Mexico Open (R), Oregon Incumbent Democratic Governor Kate Brown, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R)
Election Results: All Democrat except for Florida (to be determined), Iowa, and Ohio

*Cook Toss Up (12):
Connecticut Open (D), Florida Open (R), Georgia Open (R), Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R), Kansas, Open (R), Maine Open (R), Nevada Open (R), Ohio Open (R), Oklahoma,Open (R), Oregon Incumbent Democratic Governor Kate Brown (D), South Dakota Open (R), Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R)
Election Results: All Democrat except for Florida (to be determined), Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Dakota

*Sabatos Toss Up (1)
Georgia Open (R),
Election Results: To Be Determined.

*Cook Leans Republican (2):
Alaska Governor Bill Walker (I), New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R)
Election Results: All Republican

*Sabatos Leans Republican (3):
Alaska Governor Bill Walker (I), New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R), Oklahoma,Open (R),South Dakota Open (R)
Election Results: All Republican

**Cook Likely Republican (4): Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R), Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R), South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R), Tennessee Open (R)
Election Results: All Republican

**Sabatos Likely Republican (2):
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R), Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R)
Election Results: All Republican

Cook Solidly Republican (8):
Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming
Election Results:All Republican

Sabatos Safe Republican (10) :
Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Massachusetts, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming
Election Results:All Republican

Key

*Focus Group One: If you need to limit your time or financial donation, these are the Democrat candidates who can use it.

** Focus Group Two: These seats among the likeliest to come into play if there is a surge in Democratic voting.

Respond

What can we do if limited with time? Donate No amount is too small. Find the blank section of the donation section and add your own amount

Reflect

“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country. ”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Posted in Governorships, Local and State Elections, Uncategorized | Tagged Governors, State Representatives, State Senators | Comments Off

A State by State Sizzling Hot Season (updated Nov 13)

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Debra29

The crucial Congressional and State races are days away. Herein lies a succinct list of Democratic Candidates for Senator, Congressional Representative and Governor who need your help in competitive races across our nation.

Inform

Navigate to the prior updated posts of Flipping The House , The Battle For The Senate and This Land Is Your Land – The Power of State Elections for more specific details of the races for Governor, Senator and Congressional Representatives.

The Democrats and candidates not listed below are presently considered Solidly Republican or Solidly Democrat according to the Cook 2018 House Race Ratings updated Oct 30 , Cook 2018 Senate Race Ratings updated Oct 26, and the Cook 2018 Governor Races updated Oct 26. Another political analyst cited was Sabatos Crystal Ball’s Senate Race Ratings Table (updated Oct 31), and Gubernatorial Ratings (updated Oct 31). Lastly, the Five Thirty Eight 2018 House Forecast (updated Nov 1) was also cited.

Respond

Attend fall events for each candidate in your neighborhood, county, and/or state. Meet the candidate or incumbent and share your concerns. Their website will provide information on where and when. Each can be found at county fairs, celebrations, and picnics.

Share this list with friends and family living throughout this great nation. Post this list or blog on any group site you belong to, and get the word out.

Donate to all or a few crucial House, Senate and Governor races. Many of us have donated to races outside of our own state. No amount is too small. Find the blank section of the donation section and add your own amount. Remember to make it a one-time donation. A one-time campaign donation might institute a flurry of emails from that candidate. If you don’t want that, just “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the email to remove your name from their list.

Positive and Negative Motion

Many races have shown marked improvement as a result of your donations and the hard work of volunteers. This means they have moved from being considered a solid or likely Republican district to a Toss Up or became more a Democratic leaning or likely district. Despite this improvement, nothing is definite. It’s important to note that many many races still remain a “toss up” and your participation and/or donation can make a difference.

Negative Motion Updated Oct 12: North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp needs your help now. Her race is leaning Republican as a result of her vote against Kavanaugh.

The Asterisk Key:

*Focus Group I If you need to limit your time or financial donation, these are the Democratic candidates who can use it.

**Focus Group II These seats among the likeliest to come into play if there is a surge in Democratic voting. Support if you can.

Alaska

The House Race

**Don Young, Alaska (Lone Seat)
Support Democrat Alyse Galvin

The Race For Governor

*Governor Bill Walker (I)
Support Democrat Mark Begich

Arizona

The Senate Race

*Open
Support Democrat Kristen Sinema

The House Race

* O’Halleran, Ariz. 1
Support Democrat Tom O’Halleran

*Open Ariz. 2
Support Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick

*David Schweikert, Ariz. 6
Support Democrat Anita Malik

The Race For Governor

**Governor Doug Ducey (R)
Support Democrat David Garcia

Arkansas

The House Race

*French Hill, Ark. 2
Support Democrat Clarke Tucker

California

The House Race

*Tom McClintock, Calif. 4
Support Democrat Jessica Morse

*Ami Beri, Calif. 7
Support Democrat Ami Bera

*Jeff Denham, Calif. 10
Support Democrat Josh Harder

*David Valadao, Calif. 21
Support Democrat TJ Cox

*Steve Knight, Calif. 25
Support Democrat Katie Hill

*Open, Calif. 39
Support Democrat Gil Cisneros

*Mimi Walters, Calif. 45
Support Democrat Katie Porter

*Dana Rohrabacher, Calif. 48
Support Democrat Harley Rouda

*Open, Calif. 49
Support Democrat Mike Levin

*Hunter, Calif. 50
Support Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar

Colorado

The House Race

*Scott Tipton, Colo. 3
Support Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush

*Mike Coffman, Colo. 6
Support Democrat Jason Crow

The Race For Governor

*Open (D)
Support Democrat Jared Polis

Connecticut

The Race For Governor

*Open (D)
Support Democrat Ned Lamont

Florida

The Senate Race

*Support Democrat Senator Bill Nelson

The House Race

**Open , Fla. 6
Support Democrat Nancy Soderberg

*Murphy Fla.7
Support Democrat Stephanie Murphy

**Open, Fla. 15
Support Democrat Kristen Carlson

**Vern Buchanan, Fla 16
Support Democrat David Shapiro

*Brian Mast, Fla. 18
Support Democrat Lauren Baer

*Mario Diaz-Balart, Fla. 25
Support Democrat Mary Barzee Flores

*Carlos Curbelo, Fla. 26
Support Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

*Open, Fla. 27
Support Democrat Donna Shalala

The Race For Governor

*Open (R)
Support Democrat Andrew Gillum

Georgia

The House Race

*Karen Handel, Ga. 6
Support Democrat Lucy McBath

**Rob Woodall, Ga. 7
Support Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux

The Race For Governor

*Open (R)
Support Democrat Stacey Abrams

Illinois

The House Race

*Peter Roskam, Ill. 6
Support Democrat Sean Casten

*Mike Bost, Ill. 12
Support Democrat Brendan Kelly

*Rodney Davis, Ill. 13
Support Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londriga

*Randy Hultgren, Ill. 14
Support Democrat Lauren Underwood

The Race For Governor

*Governor Bruce Rauner (R)
Support Democrat JB Pritzger

Indiana

The Senate Race

*Support DemocratSenator Joe Donnely

*Open, Kan. 2
Support Democrat Paul Davis

*Kevin Yoder, Kan. 3
Support Democrat Sharice Davids

The Race For Governor

*Governor Jeff Coyler (R)
Support Democrat Laura Kelly

Kentucky

The House Race

*Andy Barr, Ky. 6
Support Democrat Amy McGrath

Maine

The House Race

*Bruce Poliquin, Me. 2
Support Democrat Jared Golden

The Race For Governor

*Open (R)
Support Democrat Janet Mills

Maryland

The Race For Governor

**Governor Larry Hogan (R)
Support Democrat Ben Jealous

Michigan

The House Race

* Jack Bergman, Mi 1
Support Democrat Matthew Morgan

**Fred Upton, Mich. 6
Support Democrat Matt Longjohn

*Tim Walberg, Mich. 7
Support Democrat Gretchen Driskell

*Mike Bishop, Mich. 8
Support Democrat Elissa Slotkin

*Open, Mich. 11
Support Democrat Haley Stevens

The Race For Governor

*Open (R)
Support Democrat Gretchen Whitmer

Minnesota

The House Race

*Open, Minn. 1
Support Democrat Dan Feehan

*Jason Lewis, Minn. 2
Support Democrat Angie Craig

*Erik Paulsen, Minn. 3
Support Democrat Dean Phillips

*Peterson, Minn.7
Support Democrat Collin Peterson

*Open, Minn. 8
Support Democrat Joe Radinovich

The Race For Governor

*Open (D)
Support Democrat Tim Walz

Mississippi

New Hampshire

The House Race

*Open , NH 1
Support Democrat Chris Pappas

The Race For Governor

**Governor Chris Sununu (R)
Support Democrat Molly Kelly

New Jersey

The House Race

*Open, N.J. 2
Support Democrat Jeff Van Drew

*Tom MacArthur, N.J. 3
Support Democrat Andy Kim

*Gottheimer, N.J. 5
Support Democrat Josh Gottheimer

*Leonard Lance, N.J. 7
Support Democrat Tom Malinowski. An exceptional candidate representing my family, friends, and colleagues in New Jersey.

*Rodney Frelinghuysen, N.J. 11
Support Democrat Mikie Sherrill

New Mexico

The House Race

The Race For Governor

*Open (R)
Support Democrat Richard Cordray

Oklahoma

The Race For Governor

**Open (R)
Support Democrat Drew Edmonson

Oregon

The Race For Governor

*Support Incumbent Democratic Governor Kate Brown

Pennsylvania

The House Race

**Brian Fitzpatrick, Pa. 1
Support Democrat Scott Wallace

* Vacant, Pa. 5
Support Democrat Mary Gay Scanlon

*Open Pa. 6
Support Democrat Chrissy Houlaham

*Vacant, Pa. 7
Support Democrat Susan Wild

*John Chrin , Pa. 8
Support Democrat Matt Cartwright

# Perry, Pa10
Support Democrat George Scott

** Open, Pa 14
Support Democrat Bibiana Boerio

*Mike Kelly, Pa. 16
Support Democrat Ronald Di Nicola

*Keith Rothfus, Pa 17
Support Democrat Conor Lamb

The Race For Governor

*Support Incumbent Democratic Governor Tom Wolf

Rhode Island

The House Race

**Open, Tex 2
Support Democrat Todd Litton

*John Culberson, Tex. 7
Support Democrat Lizzy Pannill Fletcher

*Lamar Smith, Tex. 21
Support Democrat Joseph Kopser

**Pete Olsen, Tex 22
Support Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni

*Will Hurd, Tex. 23
Support Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones

**Marchant, Tex 24
Support Democrat Jan McDowell

**John Carter, Tex. 31
Support Democrat M.J. Heger

*Pete Sessions, Tex. 32
Support Democrat Collin Allred

Utah

The House Race

*Mia Love, Utah 4
Support Democrat Ben McAdams

Virginia

The House Race

*Scott Taylor, Va. 2
Support Democrat Elaine Luria

**Open, Va. 5
Support Democrat Leslie Cockburn

*Dave Brat, Va. 7
Support Democrat Abigail Spanberger

*Barbara Comstock, Va. 10
Support Democrat Jennifer Wexton

Washington

The House Race

*Jaime Herrera Beutler, Wash. 3
Support Democrat Carolyn Long

*Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Wash. 5
Support Democrat Lisa Brown

*Open, Wash. 8
Support Democrat Kim Schrier

West Virginia

The House Race

**Open, W.Va 3
Support Democrat Richard Ojeda

Wisconsin

The House Race

**Open, Wis. 1
Support Democrat Randy Bryce

*Glenn Grothman, Wis. 6
Support Democrat Dan Kohl

The Race For Governor

*Governor Scott Walker (R)
Support Democrat Tony Evers

It will also focus on the Solidly Republican Congressional District races of Alabama 2 and 5, California 1 and 22, Florida 12, Indiana 9, Maryland 1, Michigan 1, New Jersey 4, New York 21 and 23, Ohio 2, 7 and 15, Pennsylvania 9, 11 and 15, West Virginia 2, and Wisconsin 7.

Posted in Congress, Governorships, Midterm Elections, The House Race, The Senate Race, Uncategorized | Tagged Governorships, House of Representatives, Senate | Comments Off

The Battle For The Senate (updated November 15)

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Debra29

Inform

Republicans currently have a 51-49 majority in the Senate, with two independents caucusing with Democrats. With Vice President Pence as the tie-breaker in the Senate, Democrats need to flip a net of two seats in 2018 to win back the majority.

The Battle is Formidable

Democrats are defending 26 seats — 10 of which are in states that President Trump carried — while Republicans have nine seats on the ballot, and only one (Nevada) in a state that Hillary Clinton carried.

In 2018, the numbers clearly work for the Republicans in Senate elections to retain and even expand their majority.

Five Thirty Eight, Nate Silver’s Political Calculus (updated Nov 1 ) estimates that Democrats have a 14.6% chance of winning control of the Senate .

Its Theatre

Democrats need to keep 26 seats.

If you analyze the data below, 15 Senate seats are considered to be safely or solidly Democrat. That means 11 seats are in play.

Six Democratic Senators are fighting for their seats: Florida*, Indiana*, Missouri*, Montana*, North Dakota* and West Virginia*.

Five additional seats were not considered solid or safe originally. But now polls show that Democratic support is surging in 4 of the 5: Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin*. Recently, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has slipped down to a toss up by the Cook Rating.

Democrats need to flip 2 seats, while keeping all of the above.

Republicans are striving to keep 9 seats. Four Republican seats are considered to be safely or solidly Republican.

This has left 5 Republican Senators fighting for their seats: Arizona*, Mississippi*, Nevada*, Tennessee* and Texas*.

*Though there are 35 Senate seats up for re-election, the bulk of so-called outside spending is being deployed in the most competitive races. The pace of spending is on track to set a record, in part because of recent changes in campaign finance rules that allow for unlimited spending by hundreds of political groups and a handful of wealthy individuals.

In the end, Democrats would have to keep all of the seats above and flip 2 Republican seats to win back Senate control.

The latest Cook Political Report 2018 Senate Race Ratings (updated Oct 26) codes the Senate seats’ vulnerability. The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.

Sabatos is a comprehensive, nonpartisan political analysis and handicapping newsletter run by the University of Virginia Center For Politics. Sabatos Crystal Ball’s Senate Race Ratings Table (updated Nov 5) was another way to analyze each seat’s risk.

Respond

What can we do from afar? Donate. To all. To a few. No amount is too small. Find the blank section of the donation section and add your own amount

Forward this list to friends and family across the country. Don’t exclude citizens over 60 who accounted for 39.4 percent of all voters- the largest single voting bloc in the last midterm election. Second were people between 45 and 59, who made up 30.3 percent of voters. Offer to support an online donation on anyone’s behalf who is technology shy. They can send you a check.

The Democratic Front

5 Endangered Republican Seats The objective is to flip each seat from Republican to Democrat in each of these states. I’ve provided a link to each Democratic candidate’s website where you can gather information about his or her priorities, values, and beliefs. These five Democratic candidates need all the support you can give to get them elected:

Nevada
Senator Dean Heller
*, + Support Democrat Jacky Rosen
Election Results: Democrat (50.4 vs 45.4)

Arizona
Open
*, + Support Democrat Kristen Sinema
Election Results: Democrat (50 vs 48)

Tennessee
Open
*, # Support Democrat Phil Bredesen
Election Results: Republican (54.7 vs 43.9)

Mississippi
Open (appointed Senator Cindy Hyde Smith)
#, ## Support Democrat Mike Epsy

Election Results: To Be Determined Runoff Nov 27

Texas
Senator Ted Cruz, Texas
*, # Support Democrat Betto O’Rourke

Election Results: Republican (50.9 vs 48.3)

The Democrats’ Defensive Position

Three Endangered Democrats who might lose their seat Republicans are focusing on flipping these districts. We must support these 3 endangered, incumbent Democrats.

Florida
*, + Support Senator Bill Nelson
Election Results: To Be Determined

Indiana
*, # Support Senator Joe Donnely
Election Results: Republican (51 vs 45.1)

Missouri
*, # Support Senator Claire McCaskill

Election Results: Republican (51.5 vs 45.5)

Three Democrats who are vulnerable, as Trump won by 20 points in that state. We must reinforce the campaigns of these incumbent Democrats:

Montana
*, + Support Senator John Tester

Election Results: Democrat (50.1 vs 47)

North Dakota
#, # Support Senator Heidi Heitkamp

Election Results: Republican (55.4 vs 44.6)

West Virginia
+, + Senator Joe Manchin
Election Results: Democrat (49.5 vs 46.3)

KEY

Cook 2018 Senate Race Ratings, updated Oct 26. This will be followed by the score given by University of Virginia Center For Politics’s Sabato’s Crystal Ball updated Nov 5.

Solid Democrat SD
Likely Democrat ++
Leans Democrat +
Toss Up *
Leans Republican #
Likely Republican ##
Solid Republican SR

Five Democrats who are not as solid or safe as they can be. Yet, Republicans have struggled to attract strong candidates. Continue to support these candidates in your local state by attending town halls, public events, rallies, and debates:

Michigan
++, SD Senator Debbie Stabenow Election Results: Democrat (52.2 vs 45.8)
New Jersey
*, ++ Senator Bob Menendez Election Results: Democrat (53.7 vs 43.1)
Ohio
++, ++ Senator Sherrod Brown Election Results: Democrat (53.2 vs 46.8)
Pennsylvania
++, SD Senator Bob Casey Election Results: Democrat (55.6 vs 42.7)
Wisconsin
+ +, ++ Senator Tammy Baldwin Election Results: Democrat (49.6 vs 48.4)

Fifteen Democratic seats that are considered “Solidly Democrat” by Cook and “Safely Democrat” by University of Virginia’s Center For Politics Sabato’s Crystal Ball .

California – Senator Dianne Feinstein
Connecticut – Senator Chris Murphy
Delaware – Senator Tom Carper
Hawaii – Senator Mazie Hirono
Maine – Senator Angus King
Maryland – Senator Ben Cardin
Massachusetts – Senator Elizabeth Warren
Minnesota – Senator Amy Klobuchar
New Mexico – Senator Martin Heinrich
New York – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Pennsylvania – Senator Bob Casey (considered Safely Democrat by Crystal Ball)
Rhode Island – Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Vermont – Senator Bernie Sanders (I)
Virginia – Senator Tim Kaine
Washington – Senator Maria Cantwell

Four Republican seats that are considered “Solidly Republican” by The Cook Political Report and “Safely Republican’ by University of Virginia’s Center For Politics Sabato’s Crystal Ball

While these seats seem secure, still choose to volunteer if a Democratic candidate campaign headquarters is local, or within driving distance. This can take the form of phone banking (can be done at home), canvasing, fundraising, and/or attending public events, rallies, debates, and organizing.

Mississippi – Senator Roger Wicker
Support Democrat David Baria

Election Results: Republican (58.8 vs 39)

Nebraska
Senator Deb Fisher, Nebraska
Support Democrat Jane Raybould

Election Results: Republican (58.1 vs 38.3)

Utah – Senator Orrin Hatch – retiring Mitt Romney, Republican Primary Winner
Support Democrat Jenny Wilson

Election Results: Republican (62.6 vs 31.2)

Wyoming – Senator John Barrasso
Support Democrat Gary Trauner

Election Results: Republican (67.1 vs 30.1)

Reflect

“ I worked for the troops my entire time in the United States Armed Forces because we know in the United States Armed Forces that it’s not the generals and the colonels that win battles, it’s the soldiers: it’s the people at the front, the mechanics with their wrenches, the drivers moving the logistics back in the rear. “
Wesley Clark , Retired General , U.S. Army

We are the people at the front, the mechanics with their wrenches, and the drivers moving the logistics who must fight the Battle for the Senate 2018.

Practical Tips

You can “follow” this blog by clicking on the “Follow” pop up. WordPress will then email you when the next post publishes.

A one-time campaign donation might institute a flurry of emails from that candidate. If you don’t want that, just “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the email to remove your name from their list.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Flipping The House 2018 (Updated Nov 15)

Posted on July 15, 2018 by Debra29

Inform

Democrats, who have been sidelined as the House minority party since 2010, need to flip 24 Republican seats while keeping the 194 seats they currently hold. How can we help from afar? Donate. Here is to whom.

My friends and family reside in the states of Arizona, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania,South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Germany. In turn, you each have your own extensive network.

Respond

This post profiles over fifty Democratic candidates who are trying to flip a Republican District. I’ve provided a link to each candidate’s website where you can gather information about his or her priorities, values, and beliefs.

Another option is to donate. To all. To a few. No amount is too small. Find the blank section of the donation section and add your own amount.

Forward this list to friends and family across the nation. Don’t exclude citizens over 60 who accounted for 39.4 percent of all voters- the largest single voting bloc in the last midterm election. Second were people between 45 and 59, who made up 30.3 percent of voters. Offer to support an online donation on anyone’s behalf who is technology shy. They can send you a check

If your state has yet to have a Primary, volunteer for the candidate that best reflects your beliefs, and get that person elected.

The list below was created from the DCCC Target List, the Cook Political Report Competitive Races list, and New York Times The Upshot. I coded each Republican Seat with ratings from these three.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is the Democratic Hill committee for the United States House of Representatives, working to elect Democrats to that body. The DCCC recruit candidates, raise funds, and organize races in districts that are expected to yield politically notable or close elections. I’ve noted if the race is on their Target List

The Upshot, is a New York Times data driven venture, focusing on politics, policy and economic analysis. Back in June, it used various variables to describe vulnerable Republic districts; 8 Types of GOP Districts To Watch This included the following groups: Well Educated Sunbelt, Diverse Sun Belt, Suburban Stragglers, Suburban Survivors, White Working Class, Weaker Than They Should Be, Gerrymander Breakdown, and Perhaps Still Vulnerable.

All 435 House Seats are up for re-election. I’ve used two political reports to analyze how the races are progressing. Cook Political Report publishes the 2018 House Race Ratings. (updated Nov 5). The races not listed below are presently considered Solidly Republican or Solidly Democrat. The election results concurred.

The first symbol is their rating.The second symbol, ~, indicates the race is on the DCCTarget List Nat Silver’s Five Thirty Eight (updated Nov. 6) uses statistical analysis to forecast election results. Their score will be the third and last symbol.

House Focus Group I

These are the Democratic candidates who can use your time and/or financial support.

Arizona
+, ++ O’Halleran, Ariz. 1 Election Results: Democrat (54 vs 46)
Support Democrat Tom O’Halleran

+, ~, SD Open Ariz. 2 Election Results: Democrat (54 vs 46)
Support Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick

##, ~ , ## David Schweikert, Ariz. 6 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Anita Malik

Arkansas
## , ~, ## French Hill, Ark. 2 Election Results: Republican (52 vs 46)
Support Democrat Clarke Tucker

California
##, ~, ## Tom McClintock, Calif. 4 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Jessica Morse

++ , SD Ami Bera, Calif. 7 Election Results: Democrat (54 vs 46)
Support Democrat Ami Bera

*, ~, ++ Jeff Denham, Calif. 10 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Josh Harder

##, ~ , ## David Valadao, Calif. 21 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat TJ Cox

*, ~, + Steve Knight, Calif. 25 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 48)
Support Democrat Katie Hill

*, ~ , * Open, Calif. 39 Election Results: To be determined
Support Democrat Gil Cisneros

*, ~ , + Mimi Walters, Calif. 45 Election Results: To be determined
Support Democrat Katie Porter

*, ~, * Dana Rohrabacher, Calif. 48 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 48)
Support Democrat Harley Rouda

++, ~, SD Open , Calif. 49} Election Results: Democrat (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Mike Levin

#, ~, ## Hunter, Calif. 50 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar

Colorado
##, ~, # #Scott Tipton, Colo. 3 Election Results: Republican (52 vs 43)
Support Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush

+, ~, ++ Mike Coffman, Colo. 6 Election Results: Democrat (54 vs 43)
Support Democrat Jason Crow

Florida

++, ++ Murphy Fla.7 Election Results: Democrat (58 vs 42)
Support Democrat Stephanie Murphy

#, ~ , ## Brian Mast, Fla. 18 Election Results: Republican (54 vs 46)
Support Democrat Lauren Baer

#, ~, # Mario Diaz-Balart, Fla. 25 Election Results: Republican (61 vs 40)
Support Democrat Mary Barzee Flores

*, ~ , * Carlos Curbelo, Fla. 26 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

+, ~, ++ Open, Fla. 27 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 46)
Support Democrat Donna Shalala

Georgia
#, ~, * Karen Handel, Ga. 6 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 50)
Support Democrat Lucy McBath

Illinois
+, ~ , * Peter Roskam, Ill. 6 Election Results: Democrat (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Sean Casten

#, # Mike Bost, Ill. 12 Election Results: Republican (52 vs 45)
Support Democrat Brendan Kelly

#, ~, # Rodney Davis, Ill. 13 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 50)
Support Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londriga

*, ~ , + Randy Hultgren, Ill. 14 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 48)
Support Democrat Lauren Underwood

Indiana

##, ~, SR Jackie Walorski, Ind. 2 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Mel Hall

Iowa
+, ~, SD Rod Blum, Iowa 1 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 46)
Support Democrat Abby Finkenauer

*, ~ , + David Young, Iowa 3 Election Results: Democrat (49 vs 48)
Support Democrat Cindy Axne

Kansas
*, ~, + Open, Kan. 2 Election Results: Republican (48 vs 46)
Support Democrat Paul Davis

+, ~, ++ Kevin Yoder, Kan. 3 Election Results: Democrat (53 vs 44)
Support Democrat Sharice Davids

Kentucky
*, ~ , * Andy Barr, Ky. 6 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 48)
Support Democrat Amy McGrath

Maine
*, ~ , + Bruce Poliquin, Me. 2 Election Results: Democrat (50.53 vs 49.47)
Support Democrat Jared Golden

Michigan
##, ~, ## Jack Bergman, Mich 1 Election Results: Republican (56 vs 44)
Support Democrat Matthew Morgan

##, ~ , * Tim Walberg, Mich. 7 Election Results: Republican (54 vs 46)
Support Democrat Gretchen Driskell

*, ~ , + Mike Bishop, Mich. 8 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 47)
Support Democrat Elissa Slotkin

+, ~, ++ Open, Mich. 11 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 45)
Support Democrat Haley Stevens

Minnesota
*, * Open, Minn. 1 Election Results: Republican (50.2 vs 49.8)
Support Democrat Dan Feehan

+, ~, ++ Jason Lewis, Minn. 2 Election Results: Democrat (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Angie Craig

+, ~ , ++ Erik Paulsen, Minn. 3 Election Results: Democrat (56 vs 44)
Support Democrat Dean Phillips

++, ++ Peterson, Minn.7 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 48)
Support Democrat Collin Peterson

#, ## Open, Minn. 8 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 45)
Support Democrat Joe Radinovich

Nebraska
#, ~, * Don Bacon, Neb. 2 Election Results: Republican (52 vs 48)
Support Democrat Kara Eastman

Nevada
+, ++ Danny Tarkanian, Nev 3 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 43)
Support Democrat Susie Lee

+, ++ Open, Nev 4 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 44)
Support Democrat Stephen Horsford

New Hampshire

++, ++ Open , NH 1 Election Results: Democrat (54 vs 45)
Support Democrat Chris Pappas

New Jersey

++, ~, SD Open, N.J. 2 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 46)
Support Democrat Jeff Van Drew

*, ~, * Tom MacArthur, N.J. 3 Election Results: Democrat (50 vs 49)
Support Democrat Andy Kim

++, SD Gottheimer, N.J. 5 Election Results: Democrat (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Josh Gottheimer

*, ~, ++ Leonard Lance, N.J. 7 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 47)
Support Democrat Tom Malinowski. An exceptional candidate representing my family, friends, and colleagues.

+, ~ , ++ Rodney Frelinghuysen, N.J. 11 Election Results: Democrat (56 vs 43)
Support Democrat Mikie Sherrill

New Mexico
* , * Open, N.M 2 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Xochitl Torres Small

New York
##, ~, ## Lee Zeldin, N.Y. 1 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 46)
Support Democrat Perry Gershon

##, ~, # Peter King, N.Y. 2 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Liuba Grechen Shirley An exceptional candidate representing my family and friends of Long Island. My sister Loretta is a campaign volunteer.

#, ~, ## Dan Donovan, N.Y. 11 Election Results: Democrat (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Max Rose

*, ~ , + John Faso, N.Y. 19 Election Results: Democrat (50 vs 47)
Support Democrat Antonio Delgado

*, ~, * Claudia Tenney, N.Y. 22 Election Results: To be determined
Support Democrat Anthony Brindisi

#, ~, ## John Katko, N.Y. 24 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Dana Balter

#, ~ , # # Chris Collins, N.Y. 27 Election Results: To be determined
Support Democrat Nate McMurray

North Carolina

##, ~ , ## Richard Hudson, N.C. 8 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Frank McNeill

*, ~, * Open, N.C. 9 Election Results: Republican (49.9 vs 48.8)
Support Democrat Dan McCready

*, ~, # Ted Budd, N.C. 13 Election Results: Republican (52 vs 46)
Support Democrat Kathy Manning

Ohio
#, ~ , ## Steve Chabot, Ohio 1Election Results: Republican (52 vs 46)
Support Democrat Aftab Pureval

## , ~ , ## Michael Turner, Ohio 10 Election Results: Republican (56 vs 42)
Support Democrat Theresa Gasper

*, ~, # Vacant, Ohio 12 Election Results: Republican (52 vs 47)
Support Democrat Danny O’Connor

Pennsylvania

*, * Brian Fitzpatrick, Pa. 1 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Scott Wallace

++, SD Vacant, Pa. 5 Election Results: Democrat (65 vs 35)
Support Democrat Mary Gay Scanlon

++, ~, SD Open Pa. 6 Election Results: Democrat (59 vs 41)
Support Democrat Chrissy Houlaham

+, ~, SD Vacant, Pa. 7 Election Results: Democrat (53 vs 44)
Support Democrat Susan Wild

++, ~, SD Incumbent Cartwright , Pa. 8 Election Results: Democrat (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Matt Cartwright

##, ~, SR Open, Pa 14 Election Results: Republican (58 vs 42)
Support Democrat Bibiana Boerio

#, ~, ## Mike Kelly, Pa. 16 Election Results: Republican (52 vs 47)
Support Democrat Ronald Di Nicola

++, SD Keith Rothfus, Pa 17 Election Results: Democrat (56 vs 44)
Support Democrat Conor Lamb

Texas

*, ~, * John Culberson, Tex. 7 Election Results: Democrat (53 vs 48)
Support Democrat Lizzy Pannill Fletcher

##, ~, ## Open, Tex. 21 Election Results: Republican (50 vs 48)
Support Democrat Joseph Kopser

#, ~, ## Will Hurd, Tex. 23 Election Results: To be determined
Support Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones

*, ~ , # Pete Sessions, Tex. 32 Election Results: Democrat (52 vs 46)
Support Democrat Collin Allred

Utah
*, ~ , + Mia Love, Utah 4 Election Results: To be determined
Support Democrat Ben McAdams

Virginia
*, ~, # Scott Taylor, Va. 2 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Elaine Luria

#, ~, * Open, Va. 5 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Leslie Cockburn

* , * Dave Brat, Va. 7 Election Results: Democrat (50 vs 49)
Support Democrat Abigail Spanberger

+, ~ , ++ Barbara Comstock, Va. 10 Election Results: Democrat (56 vs 44)
Support Democrat Jennifer Wexton

Washington
#, ~, # Jaime Herrera Beutler, Wash. 3 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Carolyn Long

#, ~, ## Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Wash. 5 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Lisa Brown

+, ~ , + Open, Wash. 8 Election Results: Democrat (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Kim Schrier

Wisconsin

##, ~, SR Glenn Grothman, Wis. 6 Election Results: Republican (56 vs 45)
Support Democrat Dan Kohl

Key

Cook’s 2018 House Race Ratings (Updated Oct 30) and Nat Silvers Five Thirty Eight House Forecast (Updated Nov 1)

SD Solidly Democrat
++ Likely Democrat
+ Leans Democrat
* Toss Up
# Leans Republican
## Likely Republican
SR Solidly Republican

~ On DCC Target List

House Focus Group II

The next three groups of Republican Districts are among the likeliest to come into play if there is a surge in Democratic voting. Be part of that wave. Volunteer if these are your local candidates. Donate. These districts are more challenging and hard to predict. It’s important to note that there is still a chance that Democrats can win.

Alaska

#, # Don Young, Alaska (Lone Seat) Election Results: Republican (54 vs 46)
Support Democrat Alyse Galvin

Florida

#, # Open , Fla. 6 Election Results: Republican (56 vs 44)
Support Democrat Nancy Soderberg

*, * Open, Fla. 15 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 47)
Support Democrat Kristen Carlson

#, ## Vern Buchanan, Fla 16 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat David Shapiro

Georgia
#, ## Rob Woodall, Ga. 7 Election Results: To Be Determined
Support Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux

Iowa
#, ## King, Ia 4 Election Results: Republican (50 vs 47)
Support Democrat JD Scholten

Michigan

#, ## Fred Upton, Mi 6 Election Results: Republican (50 vs 46)
Support Democrat Matt Longjohn

Missouri
#, ## Ann Wagner, Mo 2 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 47)
Support Democrat Cort VanOstran

Montana
#, ## Greg Gianforte, Mont. 1 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 46)
Support Democrat Kathleen Williams

North Carolina
#, ## George Holding, N.C. 2 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 46)
Support Democrat Linda Coleman

Ohio

##, ## David Joyce, Ohio 14 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 45)
Support Democrat Betsy Radar

Pennsylvania
#, # Perry, Pa10 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat George Scott

South Carolina
# , ## Open, S.C. 1 Election Results: Democrat (51 vs 49)
Support Democrat Joe Cunningham

Texas

##, ## Open, Tex 2 Election Results: Republican (53 vs 46)
Support Democrat Todd Litton

#, ## Pete Olsen, Tex 22 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 46)
Support Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni

##, SR Marchant, Tex 24 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 48)
Support Democrat Jan McDowell

## , ## John Carter, Tex. 31 Election Results: Republican (51 vs 48)
Support DemocratM.J. Heger

West Virginia
#, ## Open, W.Va 3 Election Results: Republican (56 vs 44)
Support Democrat Richard Ojeda

Wisconsin
#, ## Open, Wis. 1 Election Results: Republican (55 vs 42)
Support Democrat Randy Bryce

Key

Cook’s 2018 House Race Ratings (Updated Nov 5) and Nat Silvers Five Thirty Eight House Forecast (Updated Nov 6)

SD Solidly Democrat
++ Likely Democrat
+ Leans Democrat
* Toss Up
# Leans Republican
## Likely Republican
SR Solidly Republican

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) recently updated their focus to include the Solidly Democrat Congressional District races of Arizona 9, Colorado 2, Hawaii 1, Illinois 4, Maine 3, Maryland 6, Michigan 9 and 13, Minnesota 5, New Mexico 1, New York 25, Pennsylvania 4 and Texas 16 and 29. It will also focus on the Solidly Republican Congressional District races of Alabama 2 and 5, California 1 and 22, Florida 12, Indiana 9, Maryland 1, Michigan 1, New Jersey 4, New York 21 and 23, Ohio 2, 7 and 15, Pennsylvania 9, 11 and 15, West Virginia 2, and Wisconsin 7.

Reflect

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Robert F. Kennedy

Next Post: The Battle For The The Senate

Posted in Midterm Elections, Uncategorized | Tagged House of Representatives, Midterm Elections | Comments Off

Independence Day 2018

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Debra29

I dedicate this blog to my mom, Mariet Sagrestano Varban, who passed this past year. She gave my sisters and I the courage, spirit, and strength to advocate, defend, and support human rights.

This political blog was created as a central resource of civic response to the current administration’s policies and legislation. If there is a time to be involved in this Democracy, it is now. We are each responsible for molding the architecture of this nation’s purpose and values. There are no small actions. Let this Independence Day be the beginning of a ripple effect, one small pebble at a time.

This blog follows the structure of Inform, Respond, and Reflect

Inform: This section will have text or links to read regarding federal, state, and local issues, in addition to candidates in the State, Local and Congressional Midterm Elections.

Respond : Each post will provide information and/or links to actions. Responses vary by how much time you have available:

Minimum Time

Donations – Donate within your means. Fundraising will be crucial for 2018 Congressional, State, and Local candidates.

Moderate Time

Hold your 2018 Congressional, State, and Local incumbent and candidate accountable for each and every issue before the election.

- Call
- Email
- Attend meetings and public events and ask questions.

Participate in an organized march – I’ll give notice for scheduled marches but feel free to join any pop-up kinds. Handwritten signs are very effective. Have your children and grandchildren help with these, and join the march.

Abundant Time

Meet, organize and plan. Small locally based discussion groups are a powerful tool. They can have a big impact on the national debate.

Volunteer for a 2018 election campaign. I will provide information concerning the upcoming midterm elections, in addition to governor, state senators, and assembly members. Democrats are notorious for not showing up at midterm elections, and that’s one variable as to how Republicans have been successful at taking over statehouses, in addition to the Congress.

Help in getting out the vote through phone banking, canvassing, and voter registration drives.

Reflect: This Fourth of July Celebration

The Declaration of Independence was always our vision of who we wanted to be, our ideal of freedom and justice, how we were going to be different, and what the American experiment was going to be about. Marian Wright Edelman Founder and President of the Children’s Defense League

It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence. Abraham Lincoln, 16th US President

The Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the constitutions of the several states, and the organic laws of the territories all alike propose to protect the people in the exercise of their God-given rights. Not one of them pretends to bestow rights. Susan B Anthony, Social Reformer and Women Rights Activist

Our government leaders… have made many mistakes in the past when they have lost sight of the sacred American values rooted in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We are at the brink of even graver mistakes and assaults on these values. Samuel Dash, Chief Counsel, Senate Watergate Committee

We have had in our nation a well-celebrated Declaration of Independence. But our success as a country will depend upon a new ‘Declaration of Inter-dependence.’ A belief in how much we need each other, how much we share one common destiny. Cory Booker, NJ Senator

Posted in Local and State Elections, Midterm Elections, Uncategorized | Comments Off

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Ten Ways to Suppress Voting

1.”Exact Match” Registration:

2. Voter ID

Who do these laws affect the most?

3 . Early Voting Cuts:

4. New requirements to register to vote:

5. Limits on mail-in ballots:

6. Provisional and absentee voting changes:

7. Polling place closures:

8. Voter roll purges:

9. Reduction in state services:

10. Gerrymandering

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New York

“There is no place like it, no place with an atom of its glory, pride, and exultancy.” – Walt Whitman

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