On February 7, the state executive committee of the Tennessee Republican Party rejected a proposal for the party to work for a closed primary for itself. Tennessee has always had open primaries; the voter registration form has never asked applicants to choose a party or to choose independent status. The vote was 37-29. See this story.
Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Maryland) has introduced HR 20. It would let taxpayers who make small contributions to congressional candidates, or to political parties, deduct 50% of the amount of the contribution from federal income tax. The bill has 141 co-sponsors. All are Democrats except for Walter B. Jones, a Republican from North Carolina.
Merlin Miller has formed a new party, called the American Eagle Party. Miller had been the 2012 presidential nominee of American Third Position, which later changed its name to the American Freedom Party. Although many leaders of the American Freedom Party have now left it to create the American Eagle Party, the American Freedom Party has not been dissolved.
The American Eagle Party says it stands for (1) ending U.S. involvement in wars around the world; (2) curtailing immigration; (3) reclaiming constitutional rights for citizens; (4) improving the national economy. The Nationalist Times supports the American Eagle Party and has this article about its founding.
The Atlanta Progressive News has this story about HB 58, which eases ballot access for independent and minor party candidates for U.S. House, legislature, and partisan county office.
A local school board in New Mexico had the ultimate low turnout…three candidates were on the ballot, to fill three positions. No candidate received even one vote. Zero voters showed up. See this story. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link.
