WUNC: “These days, U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn probably is focused on his crowded GOP primary in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. The freshman congressman has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump but also must navigate missteps like his citation for driving with a revoked license and calling the universally admired Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky…
Southern Dems Pioneering New Organizing Tactic
Politico: “A group of Democratic strategists is trying to spread a novel organizing tactic in this year’s election. Technically, it’s called “paid relational organizing,” but it boils down to this: paying people to talk to their friends about politics. Democrats think it helped them win the Senate in 2020 — and are hoping the get-out-the-vote…
Whatever Happened to That Story Ginni Thomas Was Plotting to Overthrow the American Way of Life?
Slate: “A few short weeks ago we learned, while in the throes of an historic Supreme Court confirmation hearing, that a sitting Supreme Court justice had participated in at least one case in which his wife was (at minimum) an interested party. When news dropped that Virginia “Ginni” Thomas has been texting strategic advice to…
“Mississippi governor signs state’s largest income tax cut”
AP: “Mississippi residents will pay lower income taxes in coming years as the state enacts its largest-ever tax cut. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday signed a bill that will reduce the state income tax over four years, beginning in 2023. Mississippi, one of the poorest states in the nation, has struggling rural hospitals and perpetually…
“Texas Rejected 25,000 Ballots In Primary”
Political Wire: “The Texas Secretary of State issued a report Wednesday indicating that nearly 25,000 mail-in ballots were rejected during the March 1 primary, sharply higher than rejections recorded in prior elections,” the Dallas Morning News reports.“ The major increase in the number of rejected ballots stems almost entirely from new mail-in ballot identification rules from a…
“Alabama man with arsenal of weapons at U.S. Capitol sentenced to nearly four years”
AL Political Reporter: “Alabama man Lonnie Coffman on Friday was sentenced to nearly four years in prison, the third-longest sentence thus far for those convicted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Coffman, 70, of Falkville, was arrested on the day of the Capitol attack attempting to return to his…
“It’s time for Alabama workers to take a stand — for themselves”
AL Political Reporter: “There has always been one aspect of unionization efforts that confused me: Why do workers – particularly those who vote against unionizing – think the company is fighting so hard against the union? … Nationally, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union employees make nearly 20 percent more than non-union…
“UAB doctor: No Legislature should be any child’s first or worst bully”
AL Political Reporter: ““The bill passes with a favorable report.” House Judiciary Chairman Hill’s voice showed no enthusiasm. The air was heavy. I put my head in my hands, felt the brief warmth of my escaping tears and willed the remainder to stay away. Again, the Alabama Legislature may soon send a truly painful piece…
“Tennessee GOP Proposes Bill Eliminating Age Requirements for Marriage”
Newsweek: “Tennessee Republicans are moving forward with a bill that would eliminate age requirements for marriage in the state. The bill, HB 233, is scheduled to be heard in the House Civil Justice Committee on Wednesday and would establish common-law marriage between “one man” and “one woman,” but it does not include a minimum age requirement. Opponents…
“Stacey Abrams reaches millionaire status before 2nd campaign”
AP: “When Democrat Stacey Abrams first ran for Georgia governor in 2018, her lackluster personal finances and a hefty bill from the IRS gave Republicans fodder to question how she could manage a state budget when she struggled with her own debts. As she launches a second bid this year, that’s no longer an issue. Abrams now…