Politics - Parties, Candidates
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties - covering the U.S. political arena including state and national political parties.
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The Speaker Has Hijacked the Intelligence Committee
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Ripon Society issued the following news:
In remarks yesterday morning before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (WY-At Large) discussed the current debate over impeachment and how it may impact the ability of the Intelligence Committee - and Congress - to focus on national security in the weeks and months ahead.
"The House Intelligence Committee is one of the most important committees in Congress when it comes to the security of our nation," Cheney stated. "When you take the Intelligence Committee and consume it with
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Ripon Society issued the following news:
In remarks yesterday morning before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society, House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (WY-At Large) discussed the current debate over impeachment and how it may impact the ability of the Intelligence Committee - and Congress - to focus on national security in the weeks and months ahead.
"The House Intelligence Committee is one of the most important committees in Congress when it comes to the security of our nation," Cheney stated. "When you take the Intelligence Committee and consume it withimpeachment, that means the Committee's members are not spending their time getting briefings on what's happening around the world, whether it's in Syria or North Korea or China or Russia.
"These are areas that matter deeply to our security, and areas in which the Committee has direct oversight. But for whatever reason, Speaker Pelosi decided not to have an impeachment process go through the Judiciary Committee, as is the norm and has always been the case. Instead, the Speaker has hijacked the Intelligence Committee. It's a really serious thing."
Cheney was elected to the House in 2016 and was selected by her colleagues to be GOP Conference Chair in November of last year. As Chair of the Conference, she is the third-ranking Republican in the House. She is also a member of the Armed Services Committee.
In both of these positions, she has proven to be a leading voice for ensuring military strength and projecting U.S. leadership in a volatile world.
"When I look around the globe," she said, "I am concerned that we have members of both parties, frankly, who don't understand the important role America has played and needs to continue to play. You can be sure that there are those of us who are going to continue to make sure that we get that message out and continue to fight hard on behalf of our own security here at home."
The Wyoming lawmaker has also shown herself to be a smart hawk who's not afraid to buck the party line.
"I've been pretty public about my opposition to the decision the Administration made to withdraw our forces from the border," Cheney said in response to a question about Turkey's recent invasion of Syria and President Erdogan's visit to the White House this week.
"I have had many conversations with representatives from the Administration about this. This idea that somehow the Turks were coming and that we couldn't leave our forces there because they would be caught in a crossfire is fundamentally wrong. I think that if we had been very clear and we had said to the Turks, 'Do not come, and if you do come, you will face consequences. We have air superiority and will strike if you come across the border and put our troops at risk.' If we had said that, the Turks would not have engaged in an effort to essentially go to war with the United States."
"I think the Turks have demonstrated they are not our ally, and I think the extent to which that kind of behavior is something that the Administration seems willing to accept and live with puts America at risk. It's good the President has decided he's going to actually leave some additional forces there. From my perspective, the key thing is to make sure we're countering ISIS. I think that's crucial. We need forces on the ground in order to counter ISIS. We can't rely on the Turks to do it for us."
In addition to her comments on the impeachment debate and U.S. security around the world, Cheney was also asked for her thoughts on the upcoming election and the effort to increase the number of Republican women running for office next year.
Right now," she stated, "we have a record number of Republican women candidates who've declared for office in districts around the country. It's fascinating to me as I travel around the country the number of Republican women who are inspired to run by 'the Squad.' They are inspired both from the perspective of how radical the socialists are, saying, 'You know, we've got to stand up and fight. We can't let the country go that direction.' But they're also inspired into believing, 'If they can do it, I can do it.' And so I think the Squad has had a really positive impact for us in terms of Republican women choosing to run."
Cheney was also asked for her thoughts on the effort by both parties to win the support of voters in the political center next year.
"I think the announcement that Deval Patrick is going to get into the race for the Democrats is a pretty interesting indicator of the dynamics with respect to who's going to be able to get the independent vote," she observed. "People knew Elizabeth Warren was pretty radical. But when she put out the actual price tag for the health care plan, I think that was sort of like a bridge too far even for some socialists. There is concern among the Democrats about making sure they nominate somebody who isn't completely radical.
"From our perspective, I think what that means is making sure we remind people that it really doesn't matter what the candidate is saying to you when they're at home in your district. If they are going to go to Washington and if they are going to vote for the Democrat for Speaker in the House of Representatives, the dynamic in the Democratic Party is that the radicals are in control. We see that in the House, we see it among the presidential candidates, and we see it in the whole mix of policy prescriptions that the vast majority of the American people do not want."
Contrast these far left policy prescriptions, Cheney added, with the commonsense conservative policies Republicans have been able to put in place in such areas as tax reform and regulatory relief.
"If we can get through on substance, there's simply no contest," she declared. "And I do think that the Democrats know that too. I think that's why you see the jockeying that's going on their side. So we'll see what happens. It is a long shot to see somebody like Deval Patrick or Michael Bloomberg effectively jump in. But I think the fact that they're even contemplating it is an indication that Democrats are not satisfied with that current crop of candidates on their side."
The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 - Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP's success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people.
Texas Democratic Party Issues Statement on Houston Mayoral Runoff
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15 -- The Texas Democratic Party issued the following statement by Chair Gilberto Hinojosa:
"The Texas Democratic Party proudly endorses Mayor Sylvester Turner for re-election. Mayor Turner has spent a lifetime of service fighting so that every single person has a fair shot to get ahead.
"There are people in this world, who despite all odds, persevere. Then, they look down the ladder they climbed and do everything in their power to help others climb up too. That is the kind of person, and more importantly the kind of mayor, Sylvester Turner is.
"Under Mayor Turner's leadership,
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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15 -- The Texas Democratic Party issued the following statement by Chair Gilberto Hinojosa:
"The Texas Democratic Party proudly endorses Mayor Sylvester Turner for re-election. Mayor Turner has spent a lifetime of service fighting so that every single person has a fair shot to get ahead.
"There are people in this world, who despite all odds, persevere. Then, they look down the ladder they climbed and do everything in their power to help others climb up too. That is the kind of person, and more importantly the kind of mayor, Sylvester Turner is.
"Under Mayor Turner's leadership,the city of Houston is strong, and opportunity is reaching every corner of the most diverse city in America. Mayor Turner has built a city where students excel, workers thrive, and families grow. When tragedy struck following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Mayor Turner brought the community together and took on Trump Republicans in Austin and Washington, D.C. to make sure the people of Houston could rebuild.
"There could be no greater contrast in this race. Trump-style politics have no place in Houston. The Texas Democratic Party will work day and night to make sure it stays that way."
South Dakota GOP Governor Kristi Noem Pledge to Improve Internet Connectivity is Off to a High-Speed Start
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Republican Governors Association issued the following news release:
Expanding internet access was a priority and promise Governor Kristi Noem made to the people of South Dakota. After less than a year in office, the governor has already made major strides, working with industry leaders, elected officials throughout the state, and federal partners to improve internet connectivity in the Mount Rushmore State.
This past week, thanks to Governor Noem's leadership, South Dakota celebrated an impressive feat - 100% of K-12 school districts in South Dakota now have access
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Republican Governors Association issued the following news release:
Expanding internet access was a priority and promise Governor Kristi Noem made to the people of South Dakota. After less than a year in office, the governor has already made major strides, working with industry leaders, elected officials throughout the state, and federal partners to improve internet connectivity in the Mount Rushmore State.
This past week, thanks to Governor Noem's leadership, South Dakota celebrated an impressive feat - 100% of K-12 school districts in South Dakota now have accessto high-speed internet. Internet speeds in classrooms across the state are now 3.5 times faster than they were just a year ago. By providing reliable, high-speed internet to classrooms around the state, South Dakota students are properly equipped to further advance their education as they prepare for the jobs of the 21st century economy.
Through Governor Noem's Connect South Dakota initiative, the state has aggressively pursued an all-hands-on-deck approach to close the broadband gap and deliver high speed internet access to the 88,000 South Dakotans who are lacking it. This past legislative session, the governor committed $5 million in grant funding for public-private partnerships to deliver high-speed internet access to nearly 5,000 households and 100 businesses. The program is also improving affordability - in the last year, the average cost of broadband in the state has decreased by over 58 percent.
Governor Noem is committed on building on of these accomplishments and delivering on her promise to expand broadband access to as many South Dakotans as possible.
RGA Policy Spotlight: Republican Governors are Honoring America's Veterans
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Republican Governors Association issued the following news release:
This month, Americans across the country recognize and honor veterans of the United States Armed Forces for their selfless sacrifice and dedication to defending our freedoms and way of life.
With over 18.2 million veterans living in the United States, Republican governors have been instrumental in leading initiatives to improve their quality of life. Republican governors have been focused on addressing the healthcare needs of veterans, reducing economic burdens, and expanding opportunities so that veterans
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Republican Governors Association issued the following news release:
This month, Americans across the country recognize and honor veterans of the United States Armed Forces for their selfless sacrifice and dedication to defending our freedoms and way of life.
With over 18.2 million veterans living in the United States, Republican governors have been instrumental in leading initiatives to improve their quality of life. Republican governors have been focused on addressing the healthcare needs of veterans, reducing economic burdens, and expanding opportunities so that veteransand their families can better transition into civilian life and thrive.
Policies enacted by Republican governors are making a positive difference in the lives of our nation's veterans. For those who have sacrificed so much for this country, making efforts to improve their quality of life is the least that our public servants can do.
ALABAMA:
* In 2018, Governor Kay Ivey enacted legislation aimed at helping veterans attain employment. Through the Veterans Employment Act, employers would be rewarded with tax credits for hiring veterans, while additional legislation gives preference in competitive bids on state contracts to businesses owned by veterans.
* Governor Ivey signed an executive order expanding the Alabama Executive Veterans Network (AlaVetNet). The purpose of AlaVetNet is to identify issues facing service members, veterans, and their families and to find ways to address those issues in communities across Alabama. Priorities include tackling the opioid epidemic and reducing the suicide rate among veterans.
ALASKA:
* Governor Mike Dunleavy signed an administrative order that streamlined and increased accountability of budget and policy administration within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. The administrative order centralized all significant administrative services oversight within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within the Office of the Governor.
ARIZONA:
* Governor Ducey has been focused on curbing suicide rates among veterans. Through the Be Connected Program, which has been recognized as a national model for success, service members and veterans are connected with support groups and resources. In 2018, the program assisted over 2,000 individuals.
* The Veteran Toolkit Program was launched through Governor Ducey's Department of Veterans' Services. This program helps provide unemployed veterans with the supplies and services they need to start a job, from clothing, to transportation, to the appropriate tools and equipment needed. 62 percent of veterans in Arizona stated that had this program been in place previously they would have been able to find a job immediately.
ARKANSAS:
* To make Arkansas a more attractive place for military retirees, Governor Asa Hutchinson signed legislation to exempt military retirement and survivor benefits from state income tax. The governor's action cut taxes for the state's 22,000 military retirees.
* To support businesses owned by disabled veterans, Governor Hutchinson expanded Arkansas' Minority Business Enterprise Certification Program to include service-disabled veterans. By doing so, businesses owned by disabled veterans are provided with more opportunities in the state contracting and procurement process.
FLORIDA:
* Through the Governor's Initiative on Lawyers Assisting Warriors (GILAW), Governor Ron DeSantis has made it possible for active duty service members to receive pro bono legal services for a variety of civil manners.
* Governor DeSantis signed legislation creating a pilot program to help treat veterans affected by post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. Under the pilot program, available therapies for veterans have been expanded to include accelerated resolution therapy, service animal therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
GEORGIA:
* Governor Kemp signed legislation providing civil relief to military service members concerning certain contractual obligations due to circumstances of active duty.
IDAHO:
* Governor Brad Little signed legislation extending the disabled veterans residential property tax exemption to occupancy taxes.
* Governor Little's Division of Veterans Services successfully secured a federal grant to establish a fourth State Veterans Home to help improve the quality of life for veterans in the state.
INDIANA:
* This summer, Governor Eric Holcomb enacted legislation exempting veterans and their spouses from paying state income tax on military retirement income.
* Governor Holcomb launched the Next Level Veterans initiative to help recruit and employ looking for employment, training, or housing in Indiana. The governor's office established a website to provide veterans with information about job opportunities in the state, as well as educational and training opportunities that they can take advantage of.
IOWA:
* Governor Kim Reynolds signed legislation expanding grant funding to allow for family members to be with injured veterans during their recovery. The legislation also allows for military spouses to receive expedited professional licensing if the license requirements from their previous state are substantially the same.
* Enhancements by Governor Reynolds to Iowa's Targeted Small Business (TSB) allows for the simplification and streamlining of the certification process. The enhancements included the development of an online application portal and upgrades to the online directory, all which will benefit TSB's owned by service-disabled veterans.
KENTUCKY:
* This past summer, Governor Matt Bevin signed legislation granting occupational licensure reciprocity to members of the reserve, the National Guard, veterans and their spouses.
* Governor Bevin created the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Certification Program to support service-disabled military veterans who own a business and live in Kentucky. The program's priorities include promoting growth among SDVOSBs and encouraging these businesses to locate and expand in Kentucky. This certification program will also allow service-disabled veteran-owned businesses to compete for work in other states that require certification by a statewide body.
MARYLAND:
* Through the Hire Our Heroes Act, signed by Governor Larry Hogan, small businesses are encouraged to hire honorably discharged veterans in exchange for tax incentives.
* Working to provide tax relief for veterans has been a priority for Governor Hogan. In his first year in office the governor enacted legislation exempting the first $10,000 of military retirement income for military retirees 65 and over from state taxes; in 2018 the governor increased the exemption by $5,000.
MASSACHUSETTS:
* Through the HOME Act, Governor Charlie Baker provided additional support for members of the armed services, veterans, and gold star families. Under the HOME Act the aforementioned groups are entitled to certain scholarships, tax exemptions, and housing benefits.
* Governor Baker signed the BRAVE Act, an omnibus package of benefits for veterans. A provision directs the Office of Health and Human Services and Office of Public Safety and Security to partner with institutes of higher education to study veterans and military members suffering from mental health or substance abuse related to their service, as well as their needs within the criminal justice system.
MISSISSIPPI:
* Legislation signed by Governor Phil Bryant to encourage the employment of veterans, offers employers a tax credit of up to $2,000 for hiring a veteran who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
* Governor Bryant signed into law a measure to lower the cost of college tuition for military veterans and their eligible spouses and dependents. Under the law out-of-state tuition is waived for veterans, active duty military, the National Guard or Reserve forces who are eligible for federal Veterans Education Benefits and who either live in another state and attend school in Mississippi or who live in the state but are not residents.
MISSOURI:
* Governor Mike Parson enacted legislation requiring judicial circuits to establish a veterans' treatment court. Veterans' treatment courts are similar to drug courts.
NEBRASKA:
* Under Governor Pete Ricketts' leadership, Nebraska constructed a new, state-of-the-art veterans' home. The 330,000 square feet home has 225 beds and contains rehabilitation centers, a pharmacy, medical clinic, and public gathering spaces.
* Governor Ricketts signed legislation allowing veterans, their spouses, or dependents to qualify for residents for post-secondary tuition purposes if the veteran is receiving vocational rehabilitation.
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
* An executive order signed by Governor Chris Sununu ensures that all former and current members of the New Hampshire National Guard are guaranteed a job interview with the state for most publicly posted job opportunities for which a member meets the minimum qualifications.
* Legislation enacted by Governor Sununu expands medical care for veterans, by allowing doctors at the Manchester Veterans Affairs Medical Center to treat veterans at private hospitals.
NORTH DAKOTA:
* Governor Doug Burgum signed legislation exempting military retirement pay from state income tax. The deduction is available to individuals or their survivors who receive military retirement pay and is effective for the 2019 tax year.
* Governor Burgum created the Task Force for Veterans Affairs. The task force will review the state's Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure that the agency is working as efficiently as possible to serve the state's veterans.
OHIO:
* Since taking office, Governor DeWine appointed the first female director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
OKLAHOMA:
* Governor Kevin Stitt signed legislation creating the Veterans Volunteer Guardianship Act, which allows volunteer guardians appointed by Oklahoma courts to represent veterans who are incapacitated or partially incapacitated to act as fiduciaries for their financial affairs.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
* Governor Henry McMaster continued to build on South Carolina's veteran-friendly legacy by elevating the state's Division of Veteran Affairs into a full-fledged cabinet agency, so that the state's 400,000 veterans could be better served.
* Governor McMaster signed the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide protections to active servicemembers who entered contracts with the state of South Carolina.
SOUTH DAKOTA:
* Governor Kristi Noem signed legislation to expedite the issuance of licenses, permits, certificates or registrations for military spouses.
* After securing funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Noem and the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs announced the groundbreaking for the first-ever state military cemetery in Sioux Falls.
TENNESSEE:
* Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services began construction on a new veterans' home in Bradley County. The 108-bed intermediate and skilled care nursing facility is scheduled to be completed in 2021.
* Through executive order, Governor Lee expanded the state's anti-discrimination policy in government hiring to include veteran's status.
TEXAS:
* Governor Greg Abbott established the Texas Transition Alliance to help military members and their families transition to civilian life. Goals of the Alliance are to expand employment and training opportunities for military members and their families.
* Legislation signed by Governor Abbott exempts certain businesses owned by veterans from the franchise tax and certain filing fees during an initial period of operation in Texas.
UTAH:
* To increase opportunities for veterans, Governor Gary Herbert signed an executive order directing the Department of Human Resource Management to develop a plan to increase veteran employment.
* Governor Herbert launched a program allowing veterans to qualify for licenses and work certification based on their military experience. The program is run by the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
VERMONT
* Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order establishing the Governor's Veterans Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to advise the Governor on the full spectrum of veterans' needs and how State government can best address the interests of veterans.
* Legislation signed by Governor Scott makes it easier for veterans and service members to transition back into society by expanding skills and training that servicemembers receive while enlisted.
WEST VIRGINIA:
* To better ensure that veterans receive the medical care they deserve, Governor Jim Justice launched a plan to transport disabled or injured veterans to appointments at VA facilities across the state.
* Governor Justice offered a 50 percent discount to veterans for lodging at West Virginia state parks and forests during Veterans Appreciation weeks.
Ohio Republican Lawmakers Attacking Reproductive Freedom
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 15 -- The Ohio Democratic Party issued the following news:
During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump called for women to be punished for abortion and committed to nominate Supreme Court justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, and now Ohio Republicans are following Trump's lead, introducing legislation that could lead to doctors and patients being charged with murder for abortion care.
"Instead of focusing on the growing number of Ohio kids who lack health insurance or helping more than half a million Ohio children who live in poverty, Ohio Republicans are pushing a divisive agenda
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 15 -- The Ohio Democratic Party issued the following news:
During the 2016 campaign, Donald Trump called for women to be punished for abortion and committed to nominate Supreme Court justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, and now Ohio Republicans are following Trump's lead, introducing legislation that could lead to doctors and patients being charged with murder for abortion care.
"Instead of focusing on the growing number of Ohio kids who lack health insurance or helping more than half a million Ohio children who live in poverty, Ohio Republicans are pushing a divisive agendawith the end goal of criminalizing abortion," said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper. "Gov. Mike DeWine signed a six-week abortion ban earlier this year -- which Gov. John Kasich had vetoed -- and he refuses to say whether he would sign this bill. He needs to answer that question for the people of Ohio.
"Even after Ohio Republicans have passed law after law attacking reproductive freedom -- harmful laws that have been blocked again and again -- they keep trying to insert themselves in the intensely personal decision of whether or not to continue with a pregnancy and become a parent."
Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Stephanie Howse is in El Salvador this week, as part of a delegation representing the State Innovation Exchange's (SiX) Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council, "to witness firsthand the horrors of abortion bans."
"This Republican proposal would criminalize abortion and punish women and doctors -- which is precisely what Donald Trump called for during his campaign," said Ohio Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Kathy DiCristofaro. "We know what happens when you try to ban abortion because we saw it before Roe v. Wade and we see it in other countries like El Salvador that have outlawed it. It does not end abortion; it only makes it dangerous and often deadly, especially for people of color and those in poverty."
N.J. Assembly Democrats Pinkin, Lopez, Kennedy Bill to Establish Paint Stewardship Program Improving Recycling of Household Paint Products Advances
TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 15 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
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- Measure to Boost Recycling and Lessen Environmental Impact of Paints
* * *
Hoping to create more convenient, cost-effective options for recycling architectural paint products normally tossed away amongst household trash, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Nancy Pinkin, Yvonne Lopez and James Kennedy was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday.
The bill (A-4382), pertaining to architectural paints defined as interior or exterior architectural coatings sold in five
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 15 -- The New Jersey Assembly Democrats issued the following news:
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- Measure to Boost Recycling and Lessen Environmental Impact of Paints
* * *
Hoping to create more convenient, cost-effective options for recycling architectural paint products normally tossed away amongst household trash, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Nancy Pinkin, Yvonne Lopez and James Kennedy was approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday.
The bill (A-4382), pertaining to architectural paints defined as interior or exterior architectural coatings sold in fivegallons or less, requires producers and representative organizations of these products to develop and implement a plan for stewardship.
Sponsors of the bill issued the following statements:
Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex): "Up until now, depending where you lived, there ceased to be a safe and viable way to recycle leftover paint. By cultivating partnerships with the paint producers, it will allow us to allocate permanent collection sites that are accessible to 90 percent of New Jersey residents. This collaboration builds upon our continuous efforts to provide more effective and environmentally friendly waste management solutions for New Jersey."
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex): "These paints are contaminating soil and polluting our water supply. This bill would help incentivize beneficial partnerships between manufacturers and municipalities, and serve to mitigate the harm of improper disposal by consumers. It also improves the chance of products being recycled and repurposed for the creation of new products."
Assemblyman James Kennedy (D-Middlesex, Somerset, Union): "In placing greater responsibility on producers, we generate not only more accountability, but also reduce the financial burden on the public sector and local government agencies in managing hazardous waste. Ultimately, the stewardship is a long-term investment that spurs more conscientious decision-making by producers from the point of manufacture all the way through to the point of disposal."
Democrats' Statement on Major Ballot Order Victory in Florida
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
Today, Democrats won a major legal victory in Florida as a court overturned the state's law requiring that ballots list Republicans first, giving GOP candidates a documented and unfair advantage. Democrats are also challenging similar ballot order statutes in three other states.
From the court's opinion: "Plaintiffs have proven--and this Court hereby finds--that candidates of the major parties in Florida receive an average primacy effect vote of approximately five percent when listed first in their office
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
Today, Democrats won a major legal victory in Florida as a court overturned the state's law requiring that ballots list Republicans first, giving GOP candidates a documented and unfair advantage. Democrats are also challenging similar ballot order statutes in three other states.
From the court's opinion: "Plaintiffs have proven--and this Court hereby finds--that candidates of the major parties in Florida receive an average primacy effect vote of approximately five percent when listed first in their officeblock on the ballot, and that this advantage accrues to a candidate because of the candidates' name order, which in turn is prescribed by section 101.151(3)(a), Florida Statutes. Furthermore, given Florida's history of election results in which the margin of victory or defeat is less than three to five percentage points, this Court finds section 101.151(3)(a) has impacted Plaintiffs' First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by systematically allocating that small but statistically significant advantage to Republican candidates in elections where the last-elected governor was a Republican, just as it awarded that advantage to Democrats in elections when Florida's last-elected governor was a Democrat."
In response, please see the following statements from the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Florida Democratic Party.
From Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez:
"An unbiased ballot is one of the cornerstones of our democratic system and Democrats are taking every action possible to protect the integrity of our democratic process. This victory is an important step in ensuring every Floridian can participate in a fair election."
From DCCC Chairwoman Cheri Bustos:
"For too long, Florida Republicans have used unconstitutional tactics to hold onto power. This federal court victory returns the power to hardworking Floridians and now all candidates will have to campaign on a more level playing field. Across the country, we will continue to challenge unlawful provisions that threaten fair elections and silence the voices of the American people."
From DSCC Chairwoman Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto:
"Today's ruling confirms these problematic ballot order statutes unfairly impact elections, and throwing them out is a win for Florida and for the states across the country facing similar issues. We are committed to protecting voters' rights to participate in fairly administered elections and will continue to fight unconstitutional biases that undermine those rights."
From Florida Democratic Party Chair Terrie Rizzo:
"This is a huge victory for Florida voters. This law was another attempt by Florida Republicans to unconstitutionally sway an election - and give Republicans an unfair advantage. In a state where elections are decided by less than half a percentage point - this is a monumental ruling."
