On June 21, Alaska filed its brief in the Ninth Circuit in Raymond v Fenumiai, 13-35090. The case challenges Alaska’s ban on out-of-state circulators for initiatives. Alaska’s brief confines itself to arguing that the plaintiff, Robert Raymond, lacks standing and also that the case is not ripe. The state points out that Raymond, who lives in Wisconsin, has never actually alleged that he intends to come to Alaska to circulate any particular initiative.
Mike Duggan, who had been a leading contender for Detroit Mayor in the August non-partisan primary election until he was removed from the ballot on a technicality, may launch a write-in campaign. See this story. Thanks to Thomas Jones for the link.
Politico has this article by Paul Blumenthal, showing how the U.S. Supreme Court opinion striking down the Defense of Marriage Act will alter some campaign finance laws.
On June 26, the Virginia State Board of Elections determined that Rob Sarvis, the Libertarian nominee for Governor, has enough valid signatures on his petition and will be on the ballot. UPDATE: The announcement resulted in publicity; see this story.
On June 21, Rosanne Koss, a Southfield Township Trustee, announced that she had changed her party affiliation from Republican to Libertarian. See this story. Southfield Township Trustee elections are partisan. The population of Southfield Township is 14,547. It is in Oakland County.
Michigan doesn’t have registration by party, so the only objective means for an individual to declare party membership (during a non-election period) is simply by public declaration.
