Randall Terry Will Seek Democratic Presidential Nomination in 2012

On January 20, Randall Terry, who has been a leading anti-legal-abortion activist for many decades, declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President in 2012. See this story. His chief motivation seems a desire to run television campaign ads that show unpleasant photographs that relate to the abortion process. Broadcast television stations are not permitted to censor the content of ads run by candidates, nor can the stations refuse to air these ads, if the candidate is able to pay the station’s charges for running the ads.

The story does not mention whether or not Terry will seek primary season matching funds, but chances are, he will. Thanks to Bill Van Allen for this news.

Nebraska Bill for Electronic Signatures on Initiative and Recall Petitions

Nebraska State Senator Paul Schumacher (R-Columbus) has introduced LB 566. It makes it possible for proponents of an initiative or recall to collect signatures electronically. Groups using electronic signature-gathering methods would pay a special fee to the government to cover the extra costs. The fee would be $5,000 generally, or $10,000 for initiatives that intend to try to change the Constitution. Here is the text of the bill. Thanks to Kent Bernbeck for this news.

Columbus Dispatch Article Shows that Even a 1,000-Signature Hurdle Can be Daunting, in Winter

This Columbus, Ohio Dispatch story features candidates who are attempting to get on the ballot for city council. The elections are non-partisan and 1,000 signatures are required. Even though most people would probably assume that it is easy for a candidate to get 1,000 signatures, the story explains the difficulty involved, especially when the signatures must be gathered during cold weather.

Rhode Island 2010 Cool Moose Showing was Highest for a Statewide “Other” Candidate in Rhode Island Since 1875

Robert J. Healey, Jr., the Cool Moose Party nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island last year, polled 39.15% of the total vote. This was the highest share of the vote for any “other” statewide nominee in Rhode Island since 1875, when independent gubernatorial candidate Rowland Hazard received 39.19% of the vote.

Healey had no Republican opponent, but he was in a race with a Democrat and an independent candidate. He campaigned on a platform of abolishing the office of Lieutenant Governor in order to save taxpayer dollars.