Election Results

Mostly expected locally, except that the judicial retirement ballot measure, which the NYT noted is somewhat controversial for various reasons (part political), seems on its way to defeat. The Democrat appears to have won in the Virginia governor's race, the libertarian beating the margin of victory. Meanwhile, congrats Illinois on SSM.

Election Day

The vote to end the "Bloomberg Era" is today along with some other local offices, including judges (and a new line -- War Veterans Party?) no one heard about. A few ballot measures -- obscure property matters the people have to vote on, allowing casino gambling, increase retirement age of some state judges to 80 and expansion of disability benefits for vets.

New Campaign Star?

De Blasio has a fraction of a percent wiggle room for now to avoid a run-off, helped by his interracial family and two primary opponents seen as too conservative, including the play it safe black candidate, including on stop and frisk. Really has the Afro going there.

Colorado Recalls

I'm not really a fan of recall elections (even of Walker), since terms are already short enough given extended electoral cycles and off cycle elections etc. are already subject to very small electorates. This worsens the situation, often for reasons of short term excitements that worsens the moderating benefits of republican government. More on subject here.

NYC Primary Results

Spitzer lost the comptroller race by a few percentage points (yay), the public advocate race goes to runoff, De Blasio might have (barely) avoided run-off for mayor [saw an actual sound truck for the second place winner -- like some 1950s film], long time Brooklyn prosecutor was defeated and the reporting (of course) generally doesn't mention the (joke) judicial race.

Primary Day

A possible run-off with a quick turnaround led to the return lever machines. After being reminded to set it, I voted. Unlike some places, never had long lines etc. Actually a choice for mayor (and public advocate), voted against Spitzer trying for his comeback tour for comptroller and for the judge getting the endorsements. The voter guide did not mention the judicial candidates. It's a joke, since no one knows about them.

Another Off-Schedule 2013 Election

A 89 year old guy in bad health has died, but it's a bit complicated given he was the senator from New Jersey. Reprise of my support of tying short term appointments here to party somehow. He had various possible options, so Christie (R-sometimes not vomit inducing) went with short term appointment, special extra election. Is he gaming things a bit? I guess.

Down Rebel Way

Welcome Delaware to the marriage equality fold.  Delaware: not just the place for corporations any more.

Meanwhile, after some early high spirits, the chance for rationality down in South Carolina is on weaker ground -- Mark Sanford, who after all did  win there thrice (two without opposition according to Wikipedia) though that was before some bit of drama, is now neck and neck.  [Local coverage with the paper in question endorsing Colbert-Busch.*]  The "his win was pretty expected" comments are already coming.   Oh shut up.

The SC delegation is an example of gerrymandering** in action or something. There are seven members, one (black) Democrat. There are Dems in the state legislature. By the numbers, there should be at least two Dems in the House delegation. That to me might be the big reveal here.  Also, the election matters since upsets (or even tough races) in red areas are of note, bleed Republican resources and spread the brand. Her bio also seems to be attractive; she sounds like a good “face” of the party, even if she cannot win here.  And, darn, go Colbert!

Polls are now closing.   [Sigh.]

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* "We endorsed Ms. Colbert Busch in Sunday’s paper, citing her impressive background in the business community, her energetic advocacy of economic development in the district and her resolve to work across party lines to advance practical solutions to the pressing problems of our times." 

** One local article notes "The 1st Congressional District follows no logical geographic lines but instead includes parts of five counties."

Someone Appears To Be Missing

Chris Hayes is moving to nights ["All in" is a stupid name], but had a "best of" today that included some of the leading Democratic mayoral candidates, though somehow the frontrunner had time conflict issues. Important election in November: post-Bloomberg time, unless he finds a reason to change his mind again and runs for a fourth time.

Various

O'Donnell's interview with Stephen Colbert's sister running for an open seat in SC was pretty trivial, but more here.  Interesting stuff about history of sex workers and "rational basis" (USSC sniping alert!).  The Americans dealt with the Reagan shooting last night -- interesting take on the Russian view of things.  Effect of children on the characters also is notable.

Obama News: Pills of Various Varieties

More tweaking (usual suspects still railing away) of the contraceptives mandate aspect of the PPACA underlining how phony the "religious tyranny" arguments are here -- I still think the requirement is legit, furthers individual religious liberty by increasing choice and drawing the line here by the Catholic Church and Republicans was [something bad].  But, tweaking is fine and whatever works.  Meanwhile, huh, no Scott Brown.  Dems look okay, knock on wood.