ENID, OK On Saturday, August 8 at 11:30am, protesters are gathering in the first nationwide #LetHerSpeak convoy protest in counties all across the nation. Regional leaders will lead a group of local community members in a COVID-safe demonstration, driving convoy style down Owen K. Garriott and Willow. Many will go live together on their social media channels.RSVP at http://www.Let-her-speak.org and select going to this event. Participants can start gathering at 10:45am. The convoy will start and end at Garfield County Courthouse at 114 W. Broadway Ave. Enid, OK 73701. Drivers are encouraged to decorate their cars.This is a coordinated effort across the nation to protest the Commission on Presidential Debates continued decision to silence the Libertarian Nominee for the United States President, Dr. Jo Jorgensen, and all third parties who are listed on the presidential ballot.The main goal of this coordinated effort is to get Jo Jorgensen (and all third parties whose names are listed on the ballots) on the debate stage to challenge the Republicans and the Democrats.One hundred years ago this year, women were taking to the streets to protest the government to recognize their rights as sovereign citizens, and their right to be heard in elections, led by the Women Voters Coalition. The WVC also created the first presidential debates to give American voters a greater understanding of all their presidential candidates. In 1987, the Commission on Presidential Debates was formed to take over sponsorship of the debate and boxed the WVC out.The CPD created polling restrictions to not allow third-parties in the debate by selecting random polls to determine who is polling above 15%. The catch? Most of these polls do not even mention a 3rd party candidate. In 2012, the minimum to participate was 10%, but when Gary Johnson got 12%, the CPD raised the polling requirement to 15%. Voters are being left in the dark with systemic voter manipulation.Its been 100 years since the 19th amendment was passed, and Dr. Jo Jorgensen, the only female candidate (who is highly qualified), is still being silenced by the CPD. The Libertarian Party is one of the only parties in the U.S. that has secured ballot access for presidential candidates in all 50 states.

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#LetHerSpeak Convoy Protest to Take Place Saturday - Curtis Tucker

Frank Landon, Letter to the Editor Published 6:25 a.m. CT Aug. 7, 2020

To subscribe to The Times go to https://help.shreveporttimes.com/subscription-services Shreveport Times

Responseto Jerry Harkness Where is a persons heart?

I said, despicable the way the Democrats questioned Barr and would no longer vote Democratic. I also said thank goodness this is a free country and we can vote our hearts.

Quotes (...) are statements by Harkness.

Landon says ... he will vote with his heart which apparently means voting for Republicans. I could vote Independent, Libertarian, etc. In the future, maybe Democrat.

Where is a persons heart who finds no fault with an attorney general?

I didn't say I didn't fault Barr, only the way he was questioned.

Where is a persons heart who votes for a political party ... former KKK leader David Duke?

I voted for Edwards, not Duke. Duke's actions were inexcusable.

Where is a persons heart who votes for a political party that refuses to raise the minimum wage?

You don't know where my heart is regarding minimum wage.

Where is a persons heart who supports a political party whose only health care plan is a plan to kill the Affordable Care Act?

The promise of lower insurance and keeping doctors was a lie. The Supreme Court ruled it was a tax. Rep. Nancy Pelosi said the bill had to pass to see what was in it. Why would I want that?

Where is a persons heart who supports a political party that passed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package wont extend unemployment benefits for poor working people who are unemployed?

I voted for a party that passed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package (cheer). What party recently refused to extend the $600 benefit while the issue was resolved?

Supporting a political party whose president is a congenital liar, who dodged the draft, committed adultery, etc

Aren't you talking about a former Democratic president?

You don't know where my, or other people's hearts are. You shouldn't imply that you do. You are probably a fine person, but please don't make assumptions, or implications.

Stick to facts. Use uniting, not divisive words. Although your opinions may differ from mine, vote what is in your heart. It is your right.

Frank Landon

Keithville

Read or Share this story: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/opinion/readers/2020/08/07/letter-vote-whats-your-heart/3311521001/

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Letter: Vote what's in your heart; it's your right - Shreveport Times

PEORIA (WEEK) - This might be the year independent political parties find more support now that several of them are on the November ballot.

A federal court ruling from northern Illinois, issued back in April, reduced the number of signatures needed.

Locally, five Libertarians are ready to compete against major party candidates. They're also arguing in a Peoria courtroom this week, hoping to get nine Libertarians cleared for the November 3 balloting.

"Our people are strong candidates, and they're going to be taking on people that have created the mess that we're sitting in here today," said Donny Henry, Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Greater Peoria.

"So, I'm very proud of what we've put together and I cannot wait to see this through. I think when the dust settles, we will be on the ballot and we will have candidates that will make this city and this county proud," Henry said.

Henry expects even greater ballot access going forward, after this election cycle, in which Libertarian Chad Grimm expects to face Democratic incumbent State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth in the 92nd District. Fellow Libertarian Ken Allison and Democrat Karla Bailey-Smith are trying to unseat incumbent GOP Rep. Keith Sommer in the 88th District.

"I'm all for more parties," said Henry.

"I think the two party system both nationally and in Illinois has caused a lot of conflict of us versus them."

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Libertarians say they're ready to take on major party candidates - HOI ABC

Flanked by plexiglass partitions and wearing masks, (from left) Rodney Beard, Myra Bond, Carol Shotts, and Sue Rich greet voters at the Osage Prairie YMCA Tuesday. Sanitation methods were in place to help combat the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Voting booths were being sanitized with Lysol between voters and hand sanitizer was available as well.

Photo by Sarah Haney | Daily Mail Editor

With voter turnout at 40 percent, Vernon County residents went to the polls Tuesday to cast their votes in the primary election. There were a total of 5,015 ballots cast 4,323 Republican (86.2 percent); 675 Democratic (13.46 percent); eight Libertarian (.16 percent); one Constitution (.02 percent); and eight nonpartisan (.16 percent).

The county's results are as follow:

County Sheriff

(Republican)

Jason Mosher 2,216 votes (51.74 percent)

David "Tiny" Johnson 2,067 votes (48.26 percent)

Northern Commissioner

(Republican)

Cindy Thompson 945 votes (53.09 percent)

Jason Claspill 835 votes (46.91 percent)

Northern Commissioner

(Democratic)

Neal F. Gerster 268 votes (100 percent)

Southern Commissioner

(Republican)

Everett L. Wolfe 1,488 votes (62.94 percent)

Jim Melton 876 votes (37.06 percent)

County Assessor

(Republican)

Lena Kleeman 3,771 votes (100 percent)

County Collector/Treasurer

(Republican)

Brent Banes 3,907 votes (100 percent)

County Public Administrator

(Republican)

Kelsey Westerhold 2,201 votes (53.4 percent)

Brett Dawn 1,058 votes (25.67 percent)

Beverly Beaty 863 votes (20.94 percent)

County Coroner

(Democratic)

David Ferry 645 votes (100 percent)

State-wide offices

Governor

(Republican)

Mike Parson 3,064 votes (74.03 percent)

Saundra McDowell 530 votes (12.81 percent)

James W. (Jim) Neely 337 votes (8.14 percent)

Governor

(Democratic)

Nicole Galloway 509 votes (78.07 percent)

Eric Morrison 63 votes (9.66 percent)

Jimmie Matthews 39 votes (5.98 percent)

Antoin Johnson 27 votes (4.14 percent)

Robin John Daniel Van Quaethem 14 votes (2.15 percent)

Governor

(Libertarian)

Rik Combs eight votes (100 percent)

Lieutenant Governor

(Republican)

Mike Kehoe 1,914 votes (51.8 percent)

Mike Carter 1,158 votes (31.34 percent)

Aaron T. Wisdom 375 votes (10.15 percent)

Arnie C. AC Dienoff 248 votes (6.71 percent)

Lieutenant Governor

(Democratic)

Alissia Canady 485 votes (75.9 percent)

Gregory A. Upchurch 154 votes (24.10 percent)

Lieutenant Governor

(Libertarian)

Bill Slantz seven votes (100 percent)

State Secretary of State

(Republican)

John R. (Jay) Ashcroft 3,898 votes (100 percent)

State Secretary of State

(Democratic)

Yinka Faleti 614 votes (100 percent)

State Secretary of State

(Libertarian)

Carl Herman Freese eight votes (100 percent)

State Treasurer

(Republican)

Scott Fitzpatrick 3,798 votes (100 percent)

State Treasurer

(Democratic)

Vicki Lorenz Englund 619 votes (100 percent)

State Treasurer

(Libertarian)

Nicholas (Nick) Kasoff eight votes (100 percent)

Attorney General

(Republican)

Eric Schmitt 3,762 votes (100 percent)

Attorney General

(Democratic)

Rich Finneran 384 votes (62.64 percent)

Elad Gross 229 votes (37.36 percent)

Attorney General

(Libertarian)

Kevin C. Babcock eight votes (100 percent)

United States Representative

(Republican)

Vicky Hartzler 2,936 votes (70.66 percent)

Neal Gist 1,219 votes (29.34 percent)

United States Representative

(Democratic)

Lindsey Simmons 615 votes (100 percent)

United States Representative

(Libertarian)

Robert E. Smith six votes (85.71 percent)

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Primary election results: Hotly contested local Sheriff's race and more - Nevada Herald

DES MOINES In Iowa, Republican President Donald Trump and Sen. Joni Ernst are leading, but their races for re-election are within the margin of error in a new poll of registered voters.

Both the presidential and U.S. Senate race are essentially up for grabs, Monmouth University found in a live poll of 401 registered voters July 30 to Aug. 3.

In the presidential race, Trump is leading Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden, 48 percent to 45 percent, with 3 percent supporting Libertarian Jo Jorgensen and 3 percent undecided. The polls margin of error is 4.9 percent plus or minus.

Iowa looks to be more competitive than four years ago, said Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute in New Jersey. There is a lot of parity between Trump and Biden in both the strength of their support and the preferences of key demographic groups.

Trump won Iowa by 9 percentage points in 2016.

Although Trump leads statewide, Biden has the edge in 13 swing counties, including Linn, where the 2016 vote margin between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton was less than 10 percent. Biden has a 52 percent to 45 percent lead in those counties, which Clinton carried by a combined 1 percentage point margin.

In Johnson, Polk and Story, which Clinton carried by 17 points, Biden has a 62 percent to 31 percent lead in the Monmouth poll.

Trump has a 59 percent to 34 percent lead in counties he won by a combined 30 points four years ago.

Trump has a 51 percent to 41 percent advantage among white voters without college degrees. Biden leads among white voters with college degrees, 48 percent to 46 percent.

The race remains tight when different likely voter models are applied.

A model based on a higher turnout than 2016 puts the race at 48 percent Trump and 46 percent Biden.

A model reflecting lower voter turnout produces a similar 47 percent Trump and 47 percent Biden result.

Republicans (36 percent) are somewhat more likely than Democrats (28 percent) to feel very optimistic about the 2020 presidential election. But a larger number of Democrats (46 percent) than Republicans (34 percent) say they are more enthusiastic about voting this year compared to past elections.

One of the reasons Biden may do nominally better in a lower turnout scenario is that his voters are slightly more motivated, Murray said. Its not a statistically significant difference, though, and this race is currently up for grabs, no matter how you slice it.

Both Biden and Trump are upside down in favorability ratings.

While 45 percent have a favorable opinion of Trump, 50 percent have an unfavorable opinion. Bidens rating is 43 percent favorable against 49 percent unfavorable.

In the Senate race, unlike previous polls, Ernst, who is seeking re-election to a second term, is leading her Democratic challenger, Theresa Greenfield, by the same margin 48 percent to 45 percent.

Libertarian Rick Stewart gets support from 2 percent; independent Suzanne Herzog, 1 percent; and undecided, 3 percent.

When likely voters are asked, the race gets tighter, with Ernst leading 48 percent to 47 percent, according to Monmouth.

Previous polls over the spring and summer have shown a tight Senate race. The polls produced margins similar to Monmouths, but with Greenfield holding a lead within the margin of error.

Ernst won a competitive open seat contest six years ago. Greenfield is giving the incumbent a run for her money to hold onto it, Murray said.

According to FiveThirtyEight.coms rating of pollsters, the Monmouth poll earned an A-plus with a slight Democratic bias.

The poll also found 40 percent of Iowa voters say it is very likely they will vote by mail rather than in person in the Nov. 3 election. Another 1 percent are somewhat likely to do this, 12 percent are not too likely, and 30 percent are not at all likely.

In many Iowa counties, active voters will receive an absentee ballot application for the 2020 general election. Just 20 percent reported they had regularly voted by mail in past elections.

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Trump, Ernst have slight leads in poll of Iowa voters - The Audubon County Advocate Journal

Randolph County voters will cast their ballots in Tuesdays primary election, which will feature candidates running for county positions, such as sheriff, commissioner and coroner, as well state and federal positions and a proposed ballot initiative to expand Medicaid in Missouri.

Among the local elections, the races for sheriff and western district county commissioner are the most contested. Sample primary ballots are now available through the Randolph County Clerks Office.

Sheriff candidates Aaron Wilson and Chris Wertz, Randolph County Sheriffs office employees, and Will Barger, a Randolph County resident and Vandalia police officer, are vying for the Republican nomination for the November election. Michael Hopper will appear alone the Democratic primary ballot for the sheriff race.

Incumbent John Hobbs, Huntsville Mayor Frank Miller and Artis Sumpter are competing for the Republican nomination for the western district commission seat. John Tracy and Steve Barnes will each appear alone on the Republican and Democratic primary ballots, respectively, for the eastern district commission seat.

Randolph County Coroner candidates Sid Conklin and Charlie Peel will compete for the Republican nomination in Tuesdays primary. Kevin Stone, Republican candidate for Randolph County assessor, and Mary Colley, Republican candidate for Randolph County public administrator, will each appear alone on the ballot in their respective races.

Raleigh Ritter, Mike Parson, James Neely and Saundra McDowell will appear on the Republican primary ballot as candidates for governor. Nichole Galloway, Jimmie Matthews, Antoin Johson, Eric Morrison and Robin Van Quaethem will appear on the Democratic ballot for governor race. Rik Combs and Jerome Bauer will appear as candidates for the Libertarian and Green parties, respectively.

Arnie Dienoff, Mike Kehoe, Aaron Wisdom and Mike Carter will appear on the Republican ballot as candidates for lieutenant governor. Democratic candidates Gregory Upchurch and Alissa Canady will vie for their partys lieutenant governor nomination. Bill Slantz and Kelley Dragoo will appear alone on ballots for the Libertarian and Green parties, respectively.

Two candidates, Neal Gist and incumbent Vicky Hartzler, will compete for the U.S. representative for District 4 Republican nomination. Lindsey Simmons will appear alone on the Democratic ballot for the same seat. Two Libertarian candidates, Robert Smith and Steven Koonse, will vie for their partys nomination as well.

Each party will only have one candidate listed for secretary of state. The candidates are: Republican John Ashcroft, Democrat Tinka Faleti, Libertarian Carl Freese, Green Party candidate Paul Lehmann and Constitution Party candidate Paul Venable.

Incumbent Eric Schmitt will appear alone on the Republican ballot for the attorney general race. Two Democratic candidates, Rich Finneran and Elad Gross, will compete for the partys nomination for the attorney general seat.

Republican Scott Fitzpatrick, Democrat Vicki Englund, Libertarian Nicholas Kasoff and Green Party candidate Joseph Civettini will appear as candidates for state treasurer on ballots for their respective parties.

Republican Ed Lewis and Democrat Terrence Fiala will appear on their partys respective ballots for state representative District 6.

Republican Cheri Toalson-Reisch and Democrat Jacque Sample will appear on their respective ballots for state representative District 44

Republican Chuck Basye and Democrat Adrian Plank will appar on their respective ballots for state representative District 47.

Two Republican candidates, Don Baragary and Tim Taylor, will compete for their partys nomination for state representative District 48. William Betteridge will appear alone on the Democratic ballot for District 48.

A non-partisan ballot initiative will also appear on all primary voters ballots Tuesday. State constitutional amendment 2 is a proposed ballot initiative for the November general election.

The initiative proposes that the state adopt Medicaid Expansion for Missourians between 19 and 64 years old with an income level at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, as set forth in the Affordable Care Act. If approved, the amendment would prohibit the state from placing additional burdens on Medicaid eligibility and enrollment standards. It would also require state agencies to take all necessary actions to maximize federal financial participation in funding medical assistance through Medicaid expansion.

State government entities are estimated to have one-time costs of approximately $6.4 million and an unknown annual net fiscal impact by 2026 ranging from increased costs of at least $200 million to savings of $1 billion.

Voters will have a yes or no choice for the proposed ballot initiative.

ecliburn@moberlymonitor.com

Continued here:

Aug. 4 election nears - Moberly Monitor Index

In Iowa, Republican President Donald Trump and Republican Sen. Joni Ernst are leading, but their races for re-election are within the margin of error in a new poll of registered voters.

Both the presidential and U.S. Senate race are essentially up for grabs, Monmouth University found in a live poll of 401 registered voters July 30 to Aug. 3.

In the presidential race, Trump is leading Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden, 48 percent to 45 percent, with 3 percent supporting Libertarian Jo Jorgensen and 3 percent undecided. The polls margin of error is 4.9 percent plus or minus.

Iowa looks to be more competitive than four years ago, said Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute in New Jersey. There is a lot of parity between Trump and Biden in both the strength of their support and the preferences of key demographic groups.

Trump won Iowa by 9 percentage points in 2016.

Although Trump leads statewide, Biden has the edge in 13 swing counties, including Linn, where the 2016 vote margin between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton was less than 10 percent. Biden has a 52 percent to 45 percent lead in those counties, which Clinton carried by a combined 1 percentage point margin.

In Johnson, Polk and Story, which Clinton carried by 17 points, Biden has a 62 percent to 31 percent lead in the Monmouth poll.

Trump has a 59 percent to 34 percent lead in counties he won by a combined 30 points four years ago.

Trump has a 51 percent to 41 percent advantage among white voters without college degrees. Biden leads among white voters with college degrees, 48 percent to 46 percent.

The race remains tight when different likely voter models are applied.

A model based on a higher turnout than 2016 puts the race at 48 percent Trump and 46 percent Biden.

A model reflecting lower voter turnout produces a similar 47 percent Trump and 47 percent Biden result.

Republicans (36 percent) are somewhat more likely than Democrats (28 percent) to feel very optimistic about the 2020 presidential election. But a larger number of Democrats (46 percent) than Republicans (34 percent) say they are more enthusiastic about voting this year compared to past elections.

One of the reasons Biden may do nominally better in a lower turnout scenario is that his voters are slightly more motivated, Murray said. Its not a statistically significant difference, though, and this race is currently up for grabs, no matter how you slice it.

Both Biden and Trump are upside down in favorability ratings.

While 45 percent have a favorable opinion of Trump, 50 percent have an unfavorable opinion. Bidens rating is 43 percent favorable against 49 percent unfavorable.

In the Senate race, unlike previous polls, Ernst, who is seeking re-election to a second term, is leading her Democratic challenger, Theresa Greenfield, by the same margin 48 percent to 45 percent.

Libertarian Rick Stewart gets support from 2 percent; independent Suzanne Herzog, 1 percent; and undecided, 3 percent.

When likely voters are asked, the race gets tighter, with Ernst leading 48 percent to 47 percent, according to Monmouth.

Previous polls over the spring and summer have shown a tight Senate race. The polls produced margins similar to Monmouths, but with Greenfield holding a lead within the margin of error.

Ernst won a competitive open seat contest six years ago. Greenfield is giving the incumbent a run for her money to hold onto it, Murray said.

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According to FiveThirtyEight.coms rating of pollsters, the Monmouth poll earned an A-plus with a slight Democratic bias.

The poll also found 40 percent of Iowa voters say it is very likely they will vote by mail rather than in person in the Nov. 3 election. Another 1 percent are somewhat likely to do this, 12 percent are not too likely, and 30 percent are not at all likely.

In many Iowa counties, active voters will receive an absentee ballot application for the 2020 general election. Just 20 percent reported they had regularly voted by mail in past elections.

Comments: (319) 398-8375; james.lynch@thegazette.com

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Donald Trump, Joni Ernst have slight leads in poll of Iowa voters - The Gazette

The seat is open after incumbent Cyrus Habib decided to join the clergy.

Democrats Denny Heck and Marko Liias will advance to the general election for the Lieutenant Governor seat, which is being vacated by Cyrus Habib.

As of Wednesday afternoon., Heck had received 28% of the vote and Liias received 17%. Republican Ann Davison Sattler was in third place with 12% of the vote.

The two candidates with the most votes will advance to the November general election, regardless of party.

Nearly a dozen candidates lined up to take Habib's seat, after the Democrat announced earlier this year that he would vacate it.

Habib, an up-and-coming politician who had served in the state Legislature and served one term as lieutenant governor, said he was shifting gears and planned to join the clergy.

The higher-profile candidates for the seat include:

The complete list of candidates as they appear on the ballot, and to their information in the state voters' guide, follows:

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Democrats Heck, Liias advance in race for Washington lieutenant governor - KING5.com

A pro-charter school group brought some 75 parents, teachers and a couple of Orange County Board of Education members together Tuesday evening to rally for the reopening of schools that were closed because of coronavirus concerns.

Parents, they said, should be making the choice of whether their children learn on campus or online.

Open up the schools, the crowd briefly chanted.

Jeff Barke, right, leads a rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally calling for the reopening of schools was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Cecilia Iglesias, left, and Orange County Board of Education member Mari Barke, right, join others outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office during a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union, a pro-charter school group. Iglesias, a former Santa Ana councilwoman and school board member, works for the center and organized the meeting with Barkes help. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Rhonda Furin, center, joins others during a reopen the schools rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by a group called Parent Union. Its a pro-charter school group under the libertarian California Policy Center. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A man holds up a sign during a reopen the schools rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by aParent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

About 75 protesters gathered outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office for a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Cecilia Iglesias protests outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office during a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Iglesias, a former Santa Ana councilwoman and former School Board member, organized the rally as the head of the Parent Union, a pro-charter school group under the libertarian California Policy Center. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Jeff Barke, a physician who advocates for the reopening of schools without social distancing or face masks, leads a reopen the schools rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by the California Police Centers Parent Union group, a pro-charter group that said parents should have the choice of whether their children can return to campus for in-person learning or continue with online education. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Protestors gather outside the Santa Ana Educators Association for a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Jeff Barke, right, leads a rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally calling for the reopening of schools was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Flanked by American flags and punctuated with religious references and prayer, the rally was organized by the Orange County-based California Policy Centers Parent Union, which pointedly chose to host its event in front of the offices of the Santa Ana teachers union.

Thats why were here, said Jeff Barke, an Orange County physician who regularly advocates for reopening schools without face masks or social distancing but mentioned neither safety precaution during the rally. Instead, he and others focused attention on teacher unions, which have advocated for resuming school online for now.

Were here to let them know were sick and tired of the schools being closed. Its not based on science. Its not based on statistics. Its not based on facts. Its based on union power, said Barke, co-founder and board chairman of a new conservative-leaning charter school, Orange County Classical Academy.

Barbara Pearson, president of the Santa Ana teachers union the Santa Ana Educators Association called the protest another desperate grab for attention in their struggle to stay relevant.

It has nothing to do with the reopening of schools or the students of Santa Ana. Governor Newsom made the decision to close schools, not the unions. Our priority is the safety of staff and students, Pearson wrote in an e-mail Tuesday night.

On July 17, Newsom ordered that all public and private schools in counties seeing a spike in coronavirus cases could not reopen for in-person learning in the new academic year. That affected all of Orange Countys schools, except for those elementary schools that are applying for a waiver. (State officials unveiled the waiver application process Monday night; its likely to impact mostly private and parochial schools.)

During the rally Tuesday, a few teachers spoke about the detrimental effects of online learning on students, especially those who need special services. Students have regressed academically since schools shut down mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, they noted. And many who are in vulnerable situations, some speakers said, have been made even more vulnerable, exposing them to abuse and even suicide, because they dont have their safe haven school to turn to.

Mari Barke, an elected member of the Orange County Board of Education and Jeff Barkes wife, told the crowd, to keep fighting to reopen schools.

Parents are in the best position to make decisions for their children, Mari Barke said.

Last week, her board voted to file a lawsuit against Newsom to force a reopening of schools. Fellow Trustee Ken Williams also addressed the crowd, invoking God and talking about the fight for the children.

The rally was organized by Cecilia Iglesias, a former Santa Ana councilwoman and former School Board member who works for the California Policy Center, a libertarian think tank that focuses on issues like pension reform and charter schools. The Center runs four chapters of the Parent Union in Southern California. Iglesias said she hopes to hold similar rallies in other counties.

Our call is a call to action, to let parents choose, Iglesias said prior to the rally. Were suggesting: open up the schools, following safety guidelines, and give parents the choice.

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These O.C. parents have a message for Gov. Newsom, teachers unions: Open up the schools - OCRegister

Voters casting ballots in Republican or Democratic party primaries at county, state, federal (U.S. House) levels, as well as one statewide issue

By PAUL STURM, C-T Staff Writer

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. With Livingston County Clerk Sherry Parks having projected, only days before election day, that 40-45% of registered county voters would participate in today's (Aug. 4, 2020) Missouri party primaries and one-issue election, virtually-ideal weather and an envigorated electorate anecdotally seemed to have morning balloting on a brisk pace which would make the clerk's "prediction" attainable.

With the polls at the nine county voting locations (serving 19 precincts) having opened at 6 a.m. and remaining open until 7 p.m., local (Livingston County) voters are deciding only four contested county office races eastern district commissioner, sheriff, collector-treasurer, public administrator that will set the November 3 general election ballot. All four of those contested primaries are on the Republican ballot.

Additionally, there are contested races in both the Democratic and Republican parties for the nominations for U.S. House of Representatives sixth district representative, as well as the statewide offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The Democrats also have a two-person contest for Attorney General, while each of those parties, along with the Green and Libertarian parties, have only one candidate each for the State Treasurer and Secretary of State posts. One statewide-office (Secretary of State) candidate appears under the Constitution Park banner.

Additionally, the Republicans and Libertarians each have a single candidate for the 21st district seat in the Missouri Senate.

On the county level, Democrats J. Scott Lindley (coroner), Teresa Sykes (collector-treasurer), and Steve Ripley (assessor) are unopposed today, as is Republican Josh Daniel (coroner). With no Republican running for assessor, veteran incumbent Ripley is assured of reelection in the November vote, barring unforeseen developments affecting his candidacy in the interim.

In addition to the office elections being conducted today, all Missouri voters have the opportunity to decide whether to amend the state constitution to adopt Medicaid Expansion, as set forth in the federal Affordable Care Act.

The candidates involved in the four contested Livingston County office races are:

Eastern District Commissioner Alvin Thompson (incumbent), Roger Barnes

Sheriff Steve Cox (incumbent), Richard "Rick" Knouse

Collector-Treasurer Diana Havens, Kaley Holmes

Public Administrator Geri Curtis, Whitney Ballard

The Constitution-Tribune will be at the Livingston County Courthouse as official election results are released this evening and will be posting them online as time and opportunity permit on this http://www.chillicothenews.com website and on Twitter via reporter Paul Sturm's@CTSportsPSturm account.

Continued here:

Morning Missouri Primary Election Voting Pace in Livingston County Brisk - Chillicothe Constitution Tribune

A pro-charter school group brought some 75 parents, teachers and a couple of Orange County Board of Education members together Tuesday evening to rally for the reopening of schools that were closed because of coronavirus concerns.

Parents, they said, should be making the choice of whether their children learn on campus or online.

Open up the schools, the crowd briefly chanted.

Jeff Barke, right, leads a rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally calling for the reopening of schools was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Cecilia Iglesias, left, and Orange County Board of Education member Mari Barke, right, join others outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office during a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union, a pro-charter school group. Iglesias, a former Santa Ana councilwoman and school board member, works for the center and organized the meeting with Barkes help. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Rhonda Furin, center, joins others during a reopen the schools rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by a group called Parent Union. Its a pro-charter school group under the libertarian California Policy Center. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A man holds up a sign during a reopen the schools rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by aParent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

About 75 protesters gathered outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office for a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Cecilia Iglesias protests outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office during a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Iglesias, a former Santa Ana councilwoman and former School Board member, organized the rally as the head of the Parent Union, a pro-charter school group under the libertarian California Policy Center. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Jeff Barke, a physician who advocates for the reopening of schools without social distancing or face masks, leads a reopen the schools rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by the California Police Centers Parent Union group, a pro-charter group that said parents should have the choice of whether their children can return to campus for in-person learning or continue with online education. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Protestors gather outside the Santa Ana Educators Association for a reopen the schools rally in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Jeff Barke, right, leads a rally outside the Santa Ana Educators Association office in Santa Ana on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The rally calling for the reopening of schools was organized by the California Policy Centers Parent Union. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Flanked by American flags and punctuated with religious references and prayer, the rally was organized by the Orange County-based California Policy Centers Parent Union, which pointedly chose to host its event in front of the offices of the Santa Ana teachers union.

Thats why were here, said Jeff Barke, an Orange County physician who regularly advocates for reopening schools without face masks or social distancing but mentioned neither safety precaution during the rally. Instead, he and others focused attention on teacher unions, which have advocated for resuming school online for now.

Were here to let them know were sick and tired of the schools being closed. Its not based on science. Its not based on statistics. Its not based on facts. Its based on union power.

Barbara Pearson, president of the Santa Ana teachers union the Santa Ana Educators Association called the protest another desperate grab for attention in their struggle to stay relevant.

It has nothing to do with the reopening of schools or the students of Santa Ana. Governor Newsom made the decision to close schools, not the unions. Our priority is the safety of staff and students, Pearson wrote in an e-mail Tuesday night.

On July 17, Newsom ordered that all public and private schools in counties seeing a spike in coronavirus cases could not reopen for in-person learning in the new academic year. That affected all of Orange Countys schools, except for those elementary schools that are applying for a waiver. (State officials unveiled the waiver application process Monday night; its likely to impact mostly private and parochial schools.)

During the rally Tuesday, a few teachers spoke about the detrimental effects of online learning on all students, but especially those who need special services. Students have regressed academically since schools shut down mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, they noted. And many who are in vulnerable situations, some speakers said, have been made even more vulnerable, exposing them to abuse and even suicide, because they dont have their safe haven school to turn to.

Mari Barke, an elected member of the Orange County Board of Education and Jeff Barkes wife, told the crowd, to keep fighting to reopen schools.

Parents are in the best position to make decisions for their children, Mari Barke said.

Last week, her board voted to file a lawsuit against Newsom to force a reopening of schools. Fellow Trustee Ken Williams also addressed the crowd, invoking God and talking about the fight for the children.

The rally was organized by Cecilia Iglesias, a former Santa Ana councilwoman and former School Board member who works for the California Policy Center, a libertarian think tank that focuses on issues like pension reform and charter schools. The Center runs four chapters of the Parent Union in Southern California. Iglesias said she hopes to hold similar rallies in other counties.

Our call is a call to action, to let parents choose, Iglesias said prior to the rally. Were suggesting: open up the schools, following safety guidelines, and give parents the choice.

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These O.C. parents have a message for Gov. Newsom, teachers unions: Open up the schools. - OCRegister

Five Democrats, an independent and a Libertarian have thrown their hats into the ring to fill the unexpired term of the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis in the 5th Congressional District, which includes southern sections of Brookhaven and Buckhead.

July 31 was the deadline to qualify for the Sept. 29 special election, which will select one of the seven to take the seat until the end of the year.

The seven contenders include Robert Franklin, a Democrat and former president of Morehouse College; Kwanza Hall, a Democrat and former Atlanta City Council member; Barrington Martin II, an educator and former unsuccessful challenger to Lewis in the June primary; Steven Muhammad, an independent and minister from East Point; Chase Oliver, a Libertarian and customer service specialist; state Rep. Able Mable Thomas, a Democrat who has served nearly 22 years in office; and Keisha Waites, a Democrat and former state legislator.

If none of the candidates get a majority, a runoff will be held Dec. 1.

The election to succeed Lewis, who died July 17, for a full two-year term will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. State Sen. Nikema Williams is the Democratic appoint to replace Lewis on that ballot. The other candidate on the ballot is Republican Angela Stanton-King.

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Seven qualify to fill U.S. Rep. Lewis's unexpired term in 5th Congressional District - Reporter Newspapers

From Mark Glogowski, Ph.D., Libertarian candidate for NY State 139thAssembly District:

One of the most important issues I believe we face is the unconstitutional tyranny of our current taxation situation. Having an ally in your Assembly is crucial to correcting this. Being realistic, it will take time to unweave the tangled interrelations between government agencies and departments that have been created since the 16th Amendment was ratified, but it is doable. It will take time to get our obese government trimmed down to be lean and efficient, and with a lower appetite for taxes, but it is achievable.

There are several ways we can begin this process. The first is to get the state to operate within a balanced budget by cutting spending, not increasing taxes. We need a legislature that is aware of and pursues nongovernmental options when issues are being considered. A legislature that is willing to hear and apply Libertarian solutions, thus eliminating the need for the wealth of the people to support the governments involvement.

Here are just a few places and activities we could proactively begin:

Lets put a stop to government wasting your hard-earned money. If we are successful we will see more activity by private enterprise to help spur the economy and build a better community, such as the grant program set up by Heritage Wind.

All these barriers were placed by generations of Democrat and Republican politicians. You cannot employ the same thinking to change as was used to create this mess.

Support my efforts to become your NYS Assemblyman and I assure you, restructuring our financial (tax) structure, rescinding the 16thAmendment, and restoring financial barriers to taxing will be among my top objectives. As your Assemblyman, I will work to initiate a call to rescind the 16thAmendment and will seek the support of the Assemblies in 35 other States. I will work to give you back control over your wealth and possessions.

Vote Libertarian

Vote for Mark Glogowski for Assembly, District 139

Read more about my positions on other important issues at: http://www.glogowskiforassembly.com

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Libertarian Assembly candidate calls for line item veto to rein in spending, elimination of property taxes and more to get rid of 'tyranny' and bloat...

Restrictions to fight the spread of COVID-19 have some people saying government has overstepped its bounds. A group of law professors has written an essay that says the highest law in the land defines the issue differently.

The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787 and does not discuss global pandemics, but University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law professor Toni Massaro and her colleagues write that the document can drive public health decisions made by government at all levels in the country.

The Constitution actually only constrains government actors. It doesnt constrain a private business, per se. But we think the norms that you can pull out of the due process clause and equality and basic liberties really should inform all health care or pandemic policy planners, said Massaro

The essay explains that the Constitution offers a blueprint when it comes to how people should think about the limits on their liberty. For example, being required to wear a mask, something opponents say is unconstitutional.

So, the mask plays a role here that is based on science. Its a rational limit on our liberty. Justice [Robert] Jackson once said the Constitution is not a suicide pact. There isnt one fundamental liberty that is absolute. Its a balancing test, it has to be.

"Way back in 1905, the court decided a case. It was a mandatory vaccination case during a smallpox outbreak. A vaccination is a bodily intrusion I would say is a bigger burden on liberty than a mask would be. But the court recognized the authority of a state to enact quarantine laws and health laws of every description. So, the constitutional law is that these laws can be imposed on us to protect the whole, said Massaro.

Massaro said the guiding principal when it comes to liberty is we are not alone in our liberty and there are times when your liberty may collide with someone elses liberty.

The Constitution says 'life, liberty and property.' Life matters. And a life well lived in a social world of collaboration means respect for your fellow citizen and your fellow people, and that means giving some things up so that you can go jogging and I can go walking; you can swing your arm, but not where it hits my nose; you cant cry 'fire' falsely in a crowded theater on and on.

"Justice Jackson once said the Constitution is not a suicide pact. There isnt one fundamental liberty that is absolute. Its a balancing test, it has to be."

To understand the intersection of the Constitution and the global pandemic, Massaro said you have to look to the earliest history of the U.S.

The United States was not formed under strict libertarian principals. Civic republicanism was the order of the day. In other words, we come together, we share responsibilities not just autonomy, she said.

Rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court dealing with public health issues are not all from the early 1900s, according to Massaro. She said the current court recently upheld a California rule keeping churches to 25% building capacity to limit the spread of COVID-19.

A majority of the United States Supreme Court upheld the California rule because looking at it more closely they saw, yes, its crunching liberties, but it did so in a way that was rational, and the religious institutions were treated the same as similarly situated places of congregation, she explained.

Massaro said people should think of government attempts to get control of the spread of the novel coronavirus as the government waging a war.

Full conversation about the Constitution and COVID-19

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Where the Constitution and COVID-19 intersect - AZPM - Arizona Public Media

Jay Conrad voted for Larry Householder just two years ago.

Now, Conrad wants to replace him.

I was angry, he said about Householders recent arrest for alleged involvement in a bribery scheme. I was frustrated. Super disappointed. I voted for Larry personally in 2018. To me, it was almost like a slap in the face.

Robert Leist too wants to represent the district, saying voters deserve an alternative choice from the incumbent.

Conrad and Leist have both filed as write-in candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives 72nd District, which includes Perry, Licking and Coshocton counties east of Columbus.

It will take an unusual set of circumstances for either to have a shot at the seat this November, but it is possible.

Despite his arrest, Householder remains on track to be elected to his third-consecutive term. He was unopposed in the Republican primary this spring and no Democrat filed to run against him in November.

The FBI investigation has complicated things. Householder was voted out of the speakers chair in a unanimous vote Thursday morning, but he remains in office as a state representative. House members could separately vote to expel him from the legislative chamber, but the Republican majority chose not to Thursday and do not appear willing to do so.

Even if they did expel Householder, that would not necessarily impact his status as the unopposed candidate on the 2020 ballot.

Householder would have to choose to withdraw himself from electoral contention.

The first date to watch is Aug. 10. That is the last day a political party can choose a replacement candidate to fill a vacancy from withdrawal or disqualification of the partys primary winner.

If Householder withdraws from the race before Aug. 10, the Republican Party can choose a replacement to appear on the ballot thus effectively rendering the write-in candidacies moot.

Should Householder withdraw after Aug. 10, that would leave no Republican or Democrat on the ballot thus giving eligible write-in candidates a shot.

The deadline for write-ins to file is Aug. 24.

Conrad had intended to campaign for an open state senate seat in 2022. Those plans changed on July 21 when he learned of the Householder arrest.

Conrad, a Lancaster native now living in Perry County, served for two years at the Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia. He later worked for a chemical plant in Columbus and is set to begin a job in Heath as an aerospace product technician for Boeing.

He described feeling outraged that Householder would betray the publics trust after having taken an oath of office.

I was a Marine, Ive taken that oath before, Conrad said. To some people that doesnt mean anything. Its just words. But to me, it means everything.

If elected, Conrad said he would caucus with the Republican Party.

Leist, a Libertarian, has also filed for the seat as a write-in.

2020 has been chaotic enough without having uncertainty regarding our state representation, Leist said in a news release announcing his candidacy put out by the Libertarian Party of Ohio. I have listened to voters concerns regarding this matter and am honored to give our district another solid option.

Leist is a lifelong resident of Coshocton and previously campaigned for the local city council in 2019. Hes worked for Kraft Heinz in Coshocton for three decades and currently serves as a maintenance coordinator.

He described having worked closely with the National Libertarian Party and has served on the Libertarian Party of Ohios Central Committee.

Excerpt from:

These two write-in candidates want to replace Larry Householder - The Bryan Times

ATLANTA We now know who will be among the candidates to (briefly) fill Rep. John Lewis' seat in Congress.

The Sept. 29 special election called by Gov. Brian Kemp will elect someone to fill the remainder of Lewis' term, until whoever is elected in the Fifth District in November is inaugurated in January.

The deadline to file as a candidate for the special election was this afternoon, and it appears there will be seven contenders for the seat.

Those candidates include:

If none of the candidates reaches a 50% threshold on Sept. 29, a runoff would be held on Dec. 1, at which point they would hold the seat for a few weeks until the Jan. 20 inauguration day for November election winners.

It does not appear whoever wins would be able to run in the November general election, with the deadline for a candidate to get on that ballot having long since passed in early March.

Originally posted here:

Here's who qualified to run in the special election to fill John Lewis' seat - 11Alive.com WXIA

Hear the League of Women Voters' forum featuring 10 of the 11 candidates for Washington lieutenant governor.

Washington voters will narrow the fields in the races for nine statewide elected officials, from governor to state school superintendent. In eight of those races, incumbents are on the ballot.

The outlier is lieutenant governor, where Cyrus Habib is leaving office to enter the Society of Jesus.

Eleven people hope to replace him. Here are thumbnail sketches of the candidates.

The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate while its in session. That person makes parliamentary rulings and votes to break ties. Otherwise, its an office where the person who holds it can work on projects important to them.

Among the 11 candidates are five Republicans, four Democrats and two Libertarian Party members. Here they are in alphabetical order.

Joseph Brumbles: Republican from Yelm. Hes a single father and business leader who calls himself an oath keeper on his website. He ran for Congress in 2018 against Democrat Denny Heck, who is also running for this office. Brumbles vows to work to reform the family court system, take a stand for Liberty and protect our constitutional rights and to help ensure A United Washington. He calls for lower taxes, a balanced budget, a strong state economy, school safety, taking care of veterans and clean and affordable energy.

Jared Frerichs: Libertarian from Spokane. Hes a small business owner and Coast Guard combat veteran. He says he will work to eliminate poverty, decriminalize sex work and replace all state taxes with something he calls a single land value tax. He writes in his blog Urban Survival Cooperative that Our system of governance is broken and I am here to fix it.

Denny Heck: Democrat from Olympia. Hes the current congressman in Washingtons 10th District, serving his fourth term. Heck is a former state representative for five terms who also served as House Majority Leader. Hes a former chief of staff to former Governor Booth Gardner. He founded the TVW cable TV public affairs network. Hes a former business agent for a union that represented classified public school employees. He says he will fight for policies to combat climate change and sponsored a bill in Congress to impose a carbon fee and dividend. He vows to fight for a more progressive state tax system and fight for access to reproductive health care.

Michelle Jasmer: Democrat from Puyallup. She bills herself as a teacher, entrepreneur, financial ethics expert, author, CEO, artist and many other things. She vows to advocate for what she calls fair policing. She supports believes police officers should wear body cameras and that abusive officers should be removed from the force. She wants students to be required to take more career and technical education courses and she wants state government to have a comprehensive plan for combating homelessness.

Marko Liias: Democrat from Mukilteo. Hes a state senator in the 21st Legislative District, representing Snohomish County. He was a former city council member who helped to create a small family business. He vows to work for what he calls a more progressive state tax system and a universal, single-payer health care system. He also plans to work to increase the price of carbon emissions and to push for new sources of energy and to work to make the policing system in the state less abusive to people of color. He has the endorsement of Cyris Habib, the man who is leaving the office.

Marty McLendon: Republican from Gig Harbor. Hes a real estate broker, former pastor, conservative radio talk show host, former chairman of the Pierce County Republican Party. He ran for lieutenant governor in 2016. He grew up in central Washington and formerly worked as an anesthesia technician in several Seattle-area hospitals. He takes positions on a variety of issues, including making state government more accountable. He vows to reduce traffic congestion and to work to increase the supply of housing and make it more affordable.

Dick Muri: Republican from Steilacoom. Hes a former state representative, Pierce County Council member and GOP precinct committee officer. Muri is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, including serving at Joint Base Lewis McChord. My decisions are based on common sense conservatism, science based environmental stewardship, and the belief in local control of decisions and resources is usually best.

Bill Penor: Republican from Lake Stevens. He has worked a variety of jobs, most recently as an airport manager, including aircraft rescue firefighter. He vows to reduce the state transportation system to reduce cost overruns.

James Rafferty: Democrat from Milton. Hes a machinist and laser operator and former union steward for the machinists union.

Ann Davison Sattler: Republican from Seattle. Shes an attorney and occasional teacher who ran for Seattle City Council as a Democrat but writes on her blog that she felt ostracized by local Democrats who accused her of being a Republican. She said she feels Seattle Democrats were an intolerant group and that she found herself more comfortable with the problem-solving approach espoused by Republicans.

Matt Seymour: Libertarian from Bothell. He has worked much of his career in property management, also as a corporate accountant, pest management professional and substitute teacher. He vows to serve as an impartial referee who facilitates discussion in the state Senate.

Original post:

Meet The Candidates For Washington Lieutenant Governor - Spokane Public Radio

Two judges were in the news last week. One made a decision on a ballot access issue. The other died after a long life of public service.

The late Norman Champagne was the definition of a public servant. Many in Manchester knew him as a district (now circuit court) judge whose quiet temperament was a balance for his boisterous colleague, Armand Capistran.

Champagne held the post for nearly three decades but still found the time for worthy causes such as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Proud of his Franco-American heritage and his Catholic faith, he was a member and officer of the Richelieu Club and of the Knights of Columbus. Champagne also served in the state Senate, including being Democratic leader for a time. Our condolences to his family.

There must be some connection between serving the law and serving the sport of boxing. Norm Champagne was a judge of fisticuffs, serving as such for many amateur fights.

U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante has been even closer to the action, serving as a boxing referee of amateur and professional bouts.

Last week, the Nashua native did a good job refereeing the fight between the state and the Libertarian Party. The party wanted a blanket waiver from the required signatures needed to put its candidates on the November general election ballot. It said the COVID-19 virus made it impossible to collect signatures. The state, worried about a bad precedent, said nothing doing.

Enter Judge Laplante, who sent the parties to their corners while he pondered. He ended with what we would call a split decision.

The Libertarians will need signatures, but not as many as the state normally requires.

Unlike political parties that pop up and then disappear, the Libertarians have a credible history in New Hampshire and have presented voters with valid alternatives in some races. Allowing them to try to gain ballot access is a good thing. Good call, ref.

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In and out of the ring: Two judges in the news - The Union Leader

On Wednesday, Representative David Cicilline, Democrat of Rhode Island and chairman of the House Judiciary Committees antitrust subcommittee, opened a half-virtual hearing on Online Platforms and Market Power with a combative opening statement: Our founders would not bow before a king. Nor should we bow before the emperors of the online economy.

That set the tone for the hours of sharp questioning of four of the wealthiest people on the planet: Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Tim Cook of Apple, Sundar Pichai of Google and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, whose companies have a combined market value roughly equivalent to the G.D.P. of Japan.

Given the history of Silicon Valleys relationship with Washington, the intensity and precision of some subcommittee members questions were remarkable. It is a sign that significant tech regulation may be closer than we think.

Despite its techno-libertarian image, the tech industry has had close political ties for decades and remarkable success in getting what it wants.

In the late 1970s, venture capitalists and semiconductor chief executives got Capitol Hill and the Carter White House to agree to tax cuts and looser financial regulations. In the 1980s, a group of young legislators became such boosters of the industry that they were known as Atari Democrats. Ronald Reagan extolled Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and helped tech companies fend off Japanese competition.

The bipartisan love affair intensified in the 1990s as Bill Clinton and Al Gore invited tech executives to shape early internet-era policymaking. Newt Gingrich, then the Republican speaker of the House, talked up cyberspace and formed close alliances with libertarian-minded tech thinkers. His partys leaders convened high-tech summits on Capitol Hill.

The lightly regulated online economy we have today is a product of that decade, when Silicon Valley leaders persuaded starry-eyed lawmakers that young, scrappy internet companies could regulate themselves.

Washingtons embrace of tech continued even as questions emerged about the industrys wealth and power. A 2013 Senate hearing to interrogate Mr. Cook about Apples tax avoidance quickly was sidetracked by lawmakers gushing to the chief executive about his companys innovative products. Mr. Pichai faced tough questions at a 2018 House Judiciary hearing, but also was showered with praise.

Google is still the story of the American dream, declared Representative Robert W. Goodlatte of Virginia, the committees chairman at the time.

Those days seemed a dim memory Wednesday. Instead, the mood recalled the traffic safety debates of the mid-1960s that helped catalyze significantly more regulation for the auto industry. After a steady drumbeat of studies and some short-lived congressional inquiries, traffic safety exploded into the public consciousness starting with Senate hearings in the summer of 1965, where top auto executives faced sharp questions about their lax approach to safety.

The evening network news programs showed Robert F. Kennedy, a newly elected senator from New York, grilling the leaders of General Motors about the tiny amount the company spent on safety research. Later that year a young lawyer advising the Senate committee, Ralph Nader, published a blockbuster expos of the industry, Unsafe at Any Speed.

This combination of political and media scrutiny led to passage of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, which mandated seatbelts and additional car safety features, as well as road improvements like guardrails and traffic barriers.

Wednesday felt like Big Techs Ralph Nader moment: the pointed questioning by committee members, notably its Democratic women like Representatives Val Demings of Florida, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Lucy McBath of Georgia and Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania; the crescendo of investigative journalism that, in part, led to this weeks hearing by shining a critical light on Big Techs practices. And now, this House subcommittee is merely one of several legislative or regulatory bodies considering limits on Big Techs power.

There are of course many reasons tech regulation may not come to pass. The issues at stake are wickedly complex, and quite different for each of these companies, something chief executives sought to underscore in the hearing.

It appears to me, Mr. Bezos observed, that social media is a nuance-destruction machine, and I dont think thats helpful for a democracy. (Mr. Zuckerbergs reaction to that statement sadly was not visible to the audience.)

Large tech companies also have prepared for the regulatory onslaught by starting some of the most well-funded lobbying operations in Washington. They learned a lesson from Microsoft, whose presence in the capital before its antitrust case in 1998 consisted of one employee who worked out of the back of his car because he lacked proper office space.

Although the trial didnt end with Microsoft being ordered to break itself apart, it taught the company that government regulators needed to be taken seriously. And as a result Microsoft tamped down its most aggressive market practices, and escaped much of the yearslong policy scrutiny now facing its peers.

Then there is the sticky problem of public opinion. During other seminal moments carmakers in the 1960s, tobacco in the 1990s the problems posed by unregulated bigness were clear-cut. Cigarettes killed people. Cars were unsafe.

Techs consumer dangers are harder to see and acutely feel on an average day: misinformation, an incomplete search result, an unfairly promoted link, privacy erosion, a skewed algorithm. We may wish we used our smartphones less, or worry about what overuse of social media is doing to our communities and brains.

But we still routinely check our Facebook pages, buy apps via Apple, and click buy on Amazon Prime. Even if, as some representatives noted, we do so because we have little alternative.

What happens next will depend on many things, including the November election. But this week marks the end of Washingtons great love affair with tech, one that helped make these companies bigness possible in the first place.

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The Last Days of the Tech Emperors? - The New York Times

Name: Sam Graves

Residence: Tarkio, Missouri

Party: Republican

Background: University of Missouri (agronomy); farmer; Missouri Senate; U.S. House since 2001.

Platform: Supports gun rights, strong national defense, reduction of federal regulations to create jobs, strengthening the nation's infrastructure, replacing income tax with a national sales tax.

Name: Chris Ryan

Residence: Liberty, Missouri

Party: Republican

Background: Park University degree in public administration; served in U.S. Marines; candidate for 6th District seat in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Platform: National debt, securing the nations borders, taking care of veterans and self-imposition of term limits.

Name: Henry Martin

Residence: Kansas City, Missouri

Party: Democrat

Background: Army veteran, served in Iraq; National Guard; math teacher, coach and school administrator.

Platform: Justice reform, infrastructure, health care and expansion of internet broadband.

Name: Dr. Gena Ross

Residence: Platte City, Missouri

Party: Democrat

Background: Minneapolis native; doctorate in public policy and administration from Walden University; teaches at Kansas City, Kansas, Community College.

Platform: Infrastructure, health care, education, expansion of internet broadband, public engagement, increase in federal minimum wage.

Name: Charles West

Residence: Canton, Missouri

Party: Democrat

Background: Culver-Stockton College; account manager for electrical contracting company; member Clark County school board.

Platform: Education, health care, infrastructure, jobs and working together for the common good regardless of partisan ties.

Name: Donald Robert Sartain

Residence: St. Joseph, Missouri

Party: Democrat

Background: Army veteran and National Guard, lifelong Missourian who has lived in the 6th District since 1980.

Platform: Reduce the national debt, balance the federal budget, institute a progressive tax structure, limit congressional terms.

Name: Jim Higgins

Residence: St. Louis, Missouri

Party: Libertarian

Background: Ohio University; retired civil engineer and systems analyst; candidate for office dating back to the 1990s, most recently for St. Louis County Council in 2019.

Platform: Follows the Libertarian playbook of reducing the size and interference of government and belief that government's primary responsibility is "protecting people from force and fraud."

Read more here:

US House of Representatives Missouri District 6 | News - Southernminn.com