Georgia held special legislative elections in four legislative districts on January 8. See here for the unofficial election returns. In two of the elections, Libertarians were on the ballot with their party label. Although only Democrats and Republicans can be on the ballot without a 5% petition in regularly-scheduled legislative elections, in special elections anyone can run with no petition. In special elections, parties don’t have nominees.

In the State Senate special election in the 11th district in southwest Georgia, Libertarian Jeffrey G. Bivins ran against five Republicans. He polled 6.48%, placing fourth.

In the State Senate election, 30th district, Libertarian James M. Camp faced one Republican. Camp polled 12.4%.

Maine State Senator Dick Woodbury (I-Yarmouth) and Representative Janice Cooper (D-Yarmouth) have introduced a bill to use Instant-Runoff Voting for gubernatorial elections. See this detailed story. The bill proposes a change in the State Constitution.

Under current federal law, corporations are not permitted to donate to the campaigns of candidates for federal office. A few years ago, William Danielczyk was prosecuted for breaking several federal campaign finance laws. One of the charges against him is that he allowed a corporation that he controls to make a contribution. He is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the federal law that makes it illegal for corporations to donate to federal campaigns. On December 9, the government filed this brief, asking the Court not to hear Danielczyk’s appeal.

The part on pages 17-18, comparing corporations to children, is somewhat amusing. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link.