Tulsa, Oklahoma, uses partisan city elections. On April 1, an Independent candidate, David Patrick, was elected to the City Council from district 3. He defeated the incumbent Democrat, Roscoe Turner, by a 55%-45% margin.

Independent candidate ballot access in Oklahoma (for all office except president) is very easy. No petition is needed; the independent merely pays the filing fee and is placed on the general election. However, it is very rare for independent candidates to win elections in Oklahoma. The state uses a “straight-ticket” device, which always hurts independent candidates. David Patrick had run for the city council in the past as a Democrat, but this time he felt he was more likely to win a general election, than a Democratic primary, and his strategy worked. No Republican was in the race. Thanks to Jim Linger for the news.

On April 3, the Addison Independent published this interview with Anthony Pollina, Progressive Party candidate for Vermont Governor.

On April 2, the Hawaii House passed SB 2898 and sent it to Governor Linda Lingle. It had already passed the State Senate. Only 8 “No” votes were cast in the House. Governor Lingle vetoed this bill last year, and she may veto it again this year. However, this year it is likely that her veto could be overridden.