SCOTUS and Elections Watch

On the Supreme Court front, oral argument audio was released and the January calendar as well. How fast 2019 is going. No real "hot button" issue among the cases this week, though the nuances of an immigration law etc. as usual has notable effects. The old sovereign immunity battle apparently is not totally done either with a copyright case popping up. Will one or more liberals submit to precedent? A continuing story. [New case granted.]

The Democratic win of governor in Kentucky will affect Medicaid rules; the legislative win in Virginia (special nod to gerrymandering reform) will have various implications, including maybe a possible "38th" state for the ERA. The Dems in the House of Representatives are already examining the issue, including restarting the deadline that passed before the "final three" did their thing. See here for more details on the dispute, including just what is left for the ERA to do. Assumption is that text is not simply redundant.

If it looks like the ERA is not dead, will other states act? I rather resubmitting it. Extending a single vote in the House so it would pass was frowned upon when Republicans did it. Nearly forty years passed here. It very well might still pass if sent back. I still am somewhat uncomfortable about splitting equal protection into parts but maybe it will be helpful.