Political State Report: State News Straight Up

John McCain has an interesting choice to make as to who should be his vice presidential running mate. In the most basic of terms the considerations are wide. It’s not even clear the so-called “Maverick” would pick a Republican, though it would be a pretty craven Democrat who would accept his request. What’s that, Joe Lieberman?

A woman? Someone in a wheelchair? A general?

How about Colin Powell? Woah, that one is worth a long, considering pause isn’t it?

Regionally does it matter? Likely not another southwest presence but what about Arnold Schwarzenegger to help drag California to his side? I think it is technically constitutionally legal for a naturalized American to be vice president. National media would shine the biggest spotlight on this campaign.

Laura Ingraham? McCain likes the blondes.

Would he want to strengthen his hawkish (to put it mildly) positions or push someone who would balance where he is perceived as weak.

Does he accept that he is not conservative enough and that being more conservative would actually help with the general electorate?

Would he bring Jonah Goldberg aboard so the right-leaning blogosphere would finally come aboard?

Michael Bloomberg is a serious consideration. What say you?

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (2)

With his own confetti strewn picture atop his Web site, Independent candidate Ralph Nader wants people to not only listen to his views but to vote for him and send him money to become the 44th President of America.

Currently there sure do seem to be a lot of potential defectors from the Democratic Party if their preferred candidate doesn’t get the nomination. From the right, it’s hard to think Nader’s anti-corporate stance - not a bad thing - will draw many Republican defectors unhappy with John McCain. After all, they don’t like him because of McCain-Feingold’s attempted stripping of money power from corporations. McCain isn’t right enough.

Nader lays down 12 major issues he says are “off the table” of the other candidates. They are:

• Adopt single payer national health insurance

• Cut the huge, bloated, wasteful military budget

• No to nuclear power, solar energy first

• Aggressive crackdown on corporate crime and corporate welfare

• Open up the Presidential debates

• Adopt a carbon pollution tax

• Reverse U.S. policy in the Middle East

• Impeach Bush/Cheney

• Repeal the Taft-Hartley anti-union law

• Adopt a Wall Street securities speculation tax

• Put an end to ballot access obstructionism

• Work to end corporate personhood

Here Nader makes the pitch why he’s a better choice than McCain or Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton:

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (3)

After a sweep of the states tonight, In what was a fairly substantial - and conservative speech - John McCain accepts the Republican nomination for the 2008 presidential race. This is a big deal for McCain who has been trying for so long.

Because he wrapped up the campaign, in all but math weeks ago, this speech has been prepared for a while.

In Austin, Texas, speech below:

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (0)

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both made it clear they are serious contenders for the Democratic race, and they both likely personally earned each other’s respect tonight.

Mitt Romney, though he has pledged to go on, had a dismal day, where Mike Huckabee earned more delegates. John McCain should easily make the nomination for Republican primary candidate, excluding a possible revolt of delegates at the Republican convention.

States won:

Obama:Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Utah (totaling approx. 137 delegates tonight, 306 tally so far)***

Clinton: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee (totaling approx. 130 delegates tonight, 371 tally so far)***

John McCain: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma (won 363 delegates tonight, 474 tally so far)

Mike Huckabee: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia (won 76 delegates tonight, 105 tally so far)

Mitt Romney: Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Utah (won 57 delegates tonight, 151 tally so far)

*** NOTE: The final winning margins in the Democratic results will show how the delegates will split for the candidates, so these are approximate numbers so far, without the final vote counts in the counties and congressional districts.

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (5)

It’s a close match up in Connecticut that currently, with 11 percent of precincts reporting shows a 2% and 1,000 vote lead for Barack Obama. Delaware shows a similar percentage spread though with only about a 100 votes of separation.

That, so far is the closest race with Huckabee enjoying a 4% lead in Georgia.

Arkansas it appears has gone big for former first lady and first state lady, Hillary Clinton and McCain. Another Southern state, Tennessee is leaning her way. Though weirdly it’s not being called, yet, Obama took a landslide in Alabama, with about 70 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary with 6% of precincts reporting. That equals Clinton’s landslide in Arkansas.

Called races, so far, include:

Arkansas, Clinton ~71% —- Huckabee ~53%

Connecticut, McCain ~52%

Georgia, Obama, ~ 59%

Illinois, Obama ~ 54% —- McCain ~51%

Massachusetts, Romney ~ 51%

New Jersey, McCain, ~52%

Oklahoma, Clinton, ~54%

Tennessee, Clinton ~54%

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (0)

(UPDATE: Obama takes Illinois. Mitt Romney wins Massachusetts)

Today has the distinction of having four of the five major candidates except Mike Huckabee - and we now must include him in the mix.

The only one absolutely certain to take his home state, at the moment, is Barack Obama in Illinois. A few days ago, that certainty was also bestowed on Hillary Clinton in New York - which has seen her elected senator in very high numbers. Her other home state, Arkansas has also leaned favorably her way. John McCain has rarely enjoyed enthusiastic support from his “home team” but Arizona was caught up in the surge of support for the survivor candidate.

Only Mitt Romney of the group, with a strong (yes that’s an understatement) Mormon vote could rest easy - in Utah, but not Massachusetts.

Al Gore, famously, in the general election lost his home state of Tennessee, and its hard to ignore the people that often know them best. If they don’t like the person, it’s an eye-opener.

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (2)

Share yours please because mine was rather boring.

I went and voted with my girlfriend at our new place which I found out a few weeks ago but forgot so had to look it up again. It’s a few blocks from where we live and if I wasn’t voting in the middle of my lunch hour, I could have walked there.

I thanked all the volunteers at the polling place for volunteering, which happened to be the Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped. A person in front of us did not have his name in the books, despite, he said never missing an election. I’m not sure how that was resolved except he was allowed to vote, so I have to assume he received a provisional ballot. That’s it. It was a small line. I went about 1:30 p.m.

There was a list of 24 names, mostly ones I have never heard. I voted for Hillary Clinton, having been denied the chance to vote for John Edwards. I’ll explain further in comments if anybody asks. For anyone who voted for any party, thank you for doing so.

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (1)

I moved months ago, registered to vote on the last possible day to do so in Arizona and I am now in a new place, in the big city of Phoenix. I had no idea where to physically go and vote and had a fairly easy time of looking it up. I typed up my address and it gave me the place. But not all state elections Web sites are as friendly and it takes some time to even find out that they aren’t going to give you what you want.

Calls may still have to be made to your county recorder (or similar office) to find out where you need to vote. If in a final panic, go anywhere you know ballots are being accepted and you’ll be able to get a provisional ballot. you’re vote won’t be counted for days in most cases, but it will count.

The following Web links are the shortest path to getting what you need to help you. (Hint it helps if you know what county you live in before starting):

* Alabama - Board of Registrars for county phone numbers. See also frequently asked questions about voting in Alabama. (PDF)

* Alaska - Polling place locator. Need to know your Congressional District but the Web site helps you find that, too. Also, to find your polling place, call 888-383-8683, or 269-8683, with your voter ID or Social Security number ready.

* Arizona - County Clerks, some you can enter information online, some you will have to call.

* California - County Clerks, immediate phone numbers at this page and links where some will allow you to typwe in address and some you will have to call anyway.

* Colorado - Interactive statewide map of county clerk phone numbers and Web sites. You can also verify your voting information here

* Connecticut - Registrars of voters list, will need to call. Alos could call the overall election department phone number, 860-509-6100. More election information but some is outdated.

* Delaware - Maps and exact locations for where to vote.

More at the flip of the page …

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (1)

(UPDATED: Check the rest of the PolState site and this post for today’s results)
The tradition of Super Tuesday has, obviously been one of winners. By that time in the race, usually, the self-winnowing has occurred.
This time around is somewhat different. Twenty-two states will hold elections today, 22 for Democrats and 19 for Republicans. Sadly, the […]

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (0)

Edward Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg have put their support behind Barack Obama. Any word trumpeted about that other Kennedy endorsement?

Ted Kennedy, an experienced Senate colleague of Hillary Clinton is scheduled to officially endorse Obama later today, with an appearance at the American University in Washington DC, with Obama and his niece, Caroline.

Caroline Kennedy (Schlossberg) wrote a NY Times editorial Sunday, A President Like My Father, which ended with these fine words:

“I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.

I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.”

Kennedy also said that policy differences were minor so other factors of leadership mean more.

But, indeed, what about that other Kennedy endorsement?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who carries environment nurture as an important issue, endorsed Hillary Clinton a while back, in November:

“Hillary Clinton has the strength and experience to bring the war in Iraq to an end and reverse the potentially devastating effects of global warming. I watched proudly as Hillary won over New Yorkers across the state in her race for the Senate seat my father once held. Since then, she’s been reelected in a landslide victory and proven that she is ready to lead this nation from her first day in office. Hillary will inspire the real change America needs.”

And how can we forget Kennedy cousin Bobby Shriver’s support of Christopher Dodd.

It is John Edwards, who has the look and the populist message down - he gets no Kennedy endorsements. (Said with a sardonic tone.)

Other endorsements listed at USA Today’s OnPolitics blog and at The Hill.

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (5)

A month from now, on January 3 Iowa is the first occasion voters get to mark their preference for the next leader of the United States. Five months later on June 3, Montana, South Dakota, New Mexico (for Republicans close out the hunting season.

That’s first date is a month away, and that date,unfortunately marks the gunshot start of a race to the bottom of the rhetorical barrel.

Who can possibly disagree?

It would be nice if there was more hope for an intelligent discussion about the future of the country. Instead, it’s not only going to be horrible it’s going to be embarassing to all thinking people in the country. The usual suspects will enjoy all kinds of gotcha and on the other side we’ll all feel a little stupider.

But, the winner and his or her supporters will feel great. Can we the people really have hope that this country’s politicians solve anything rather than just tread water to do the bare minimum of care and due dilegence?

The National Association of Secretaries of State actually has a decent plan to hold four regional primary election days in the first weeks of March, April May & June.

Maybe that will come to pass in 2009. Meanwhile, Feb. 5 is when the fit hits the shan as 23 states hold primaries, 20 for both parties. Iowa and Kansas, this year, are holding caucuses. Hawaii Republicans are choosing delegates during the first week of February.

Several other, local and congressional primary elections will take place the same days. More on that at PolState.com later.

JANUARY - 13 primary elections in 7 states:

Jan. 3 Iowa (caucus) - R & D
Jan. 5 Wyoming - R only
Jan. 8 New Hamshire - R & D
Jan. 15 Michigan - R & D
Jan. 19 Nevada - R & D
Jan. 19 South Carolina - R only
Jan. 26 South Carolina - D only
Jan. 29 Florida - R & D

FEBRUARY - 57 primary elections in 30 states:

Feb. 1: Maine - R only
Feb. 5: Alabama - R & D
Feb. 5: Alaska - R & D
Feb. 5: Arizona - R & D
Feb. 5: Arkansas - R & D
Feb. 5: California - R & D
Feb. 5: Colorado - R & D
Feb. 5: Connecticut - R & D
Feb. 5: Delaware - R & D
Feb. 5: Georgia - R & D
Feb. 5: Idaho - D only
Feb. 5: Illinois - R & D
Feb. 5: Kansas - D only
Feb. 5: Massachusetts - R & D
Feb. 5: Minnesota - R & D
Feb. 5: Missouri - R & D
Feb. 5: New Jersey - R & D
Feb. 5: New Mexico - D only
Feb. 5: New York - R & D
Feb. 5: North Dakota - R & D
Feb. 5: Oklahoma - R & D
Feb. 5: Tennessee - R & D
Feb. 5: Utah - R & D
Feb. 9: Kansas - R only
Feb. 9: Louisiana - R & D
Feb. 10: Maine - D only
Feb. 12: D.C. - R & D
Feb. 12: Maryland - R & D
Feb. 12: Virginia - R & D
Feb. 19: Hawaii - D only
Feb. 19: Washington - R & D
Feb. 19: Wisconsin - R & D

- and the rest who were sane enough not to care because it’s a primary and they’ll likely get the candidates who have a chance of winning, anyway.

MARCH - 11 primary elections in 6 states:

Mar. 4: Ohio - R & D
Mar. 4: Rhode Island - R & D
Mar. 4: Texas - R & D
Mar. 4: Vermont - R & D
Mar. 8: Wyoming - D only
Mar. 11: Mississippi - R & D

APRIL - 2 primary elections in 1 states:

Apr. 22: Pennsylvania - R & D

MAY - 13 primary elections in 7 states:

May 6: Indiana - R & D
May 6: North Carolina - R & D
May 13: Nebraska - R & D
May 13: West Virginia - R & D
May 20: Kentucky - R & D
May 20: Oregon - R & D
May 27: Idaho - R only

JUNE - 5 primary elections in 3 states:

Jun. 3: Montana - R & D
Jun. 3: South Dakota - R & D
Jun. 3: New Mexico - R only

New Mexico’s Republican primary has the distinction of being the last primary poll to close for the season.

Then when all that’s over, the uselessness of the conventions where scripts are read and very poor theater is played out on garish stages:

Democratic Party, Aug 25-28 in Denver
Republican Party, Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis-St. Paul

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BY: Temple Stark | Comments and Links (3)