Maine Representative Matt Moonen (D-Portland) has introduced LR 1743, which would restore the question on the state income tax form that asks taxpayers if they want to send a small donation to the political party of the taxpayers’ choice.
Maine had such a question in the past. The last year in which parties received money from this source was 2012, when the Green Party received more than the Republican Party. Thanks to Thomas MacMillan for the news about the new bill.
The Telegraph here editorializes that the Green Party cannot be ignored and belongs in the upcoming election debates.
On January 16, the Maryland State Board of Elections determined that the Green Party petition to renew its party status has enough valid signatures. The party will now be on the ballot in 2016 and 2018.
On January 16, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission filed this brief in the U.S. Supreme Court, in the case called Arizona State Legislature v Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, 13-1314. Under Arizona’s constitution, the Commission is responsible for drawing U.S. House and legislative district boundaries after each census. The legislature sued the commission, arguing that the U.S. Constitution, Article One, says that only state legislatures may exercise the power to redraw the U.S. House districts. The lower court sided with the Redistricting Commission 2-1, and then the legislature appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court took the case. The oral argument will be March 2. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link. The brief is quite interesting.
West Virginia State Senator Charles Trump (R-Martinsburg) has introduced SB 249, to eliminate the straight-ticket device. The bill is co-sponsored by four other Republican Senators, Craig Blair, Ryan Ferns, Mike Hall, and Chris Walters.
Republicans have a tiny majority in the State Senate and a large majority in the House. The Governor is a Democrat. Thanks to Jeff Becker for this news.
