Republicans hit blue wall in WA: Meet your new state Legislature

Republicans thought they could gain ground in the Legislature by stoking dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden, high gas prices and crime. But Republican appointees on the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to abortion at the national level in June, stirring some concerned voters to support Democrats in local races.

Not only did Democratic incumbents in Washington win every legislative race they entered, repelling their Republican challengers even in swing districts the GOP thought were ripe for change, but Democratic candidates also picked up a state Senate seat and look likely to pick up a state House seat.

Tina Podlodowski, who chairs the Washington State Democratic Party, said many voters backed Democrats because they viewed abortion protections, other civil rights and democracy as under attack by Republicans.

“Since 2016, we’ve seen the Republican Party essentially become the party of Trump and MAGA,” Podlodowski said.

While Republicans accused Democratic lawmakers of placing dangerous limits on policing in response to 2020’s racial justice protests, Democrats touted recent steps in Olympia, like the establishment of a paid parental leave program and a sales tax credit for lower-income households.

John Lovick in Snohomish County, Claire Wilson in King County and Emily Randall on the Kitsap Peninsula were among the Democrats who retained their Senate seats under pressure in suburban battleground districts.

Democratic Rep. Sharon Shewmake unseated Republican Sen. Simon Sefzik in Whatcom County and Democratic candidate Clyde Shavers narrowly leads Republican Rep. Greg Gilday in Island County. Those contests attracted millions of dollars in independent spending by political action committees.





https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/republicans-hit-blue-wall-in-wa-meet-your-new-state-legislature/

PA-HD32: Allegheny Dems To Pick Candidate To Replace DeLuca

This Sunday, while most western Pennsylvanians will be focused on the Steelers-Ravens game, Allegheny County Democrats will be looking to replace a legend.

The group will meet to select a candidate for a special election to replace the late Anthony DeLuca in the 32nd state House District.

DeLuca, who served in Harrisburg since 1983, passed away on October 9. His name remained on the general election ballot and he was reelected to the seat with more than 85 percent of the vote.

Eight candidates are vying for the nomination during the Sunday afternoon meeting in Oakmont.

- Pauline Calabrese, Penn Hills Mayor
- Nicholas Futules, Allegheny County Council Vice President
- Tracey Holst, Oakmont Borough Council member
- Louis Leon, Penn Hills constable
- Joe McAndrew, Penn Hills Democratic Committee Chair
- Frank Pecora, Penn Hills Deputy Mayor
- Erin Vecchio, Penn Hills School Board President
- Lois Vitti, a lawyer in Oakmont

Carrie DelRosso, Doug Mastriano's running mate, is the lone Republican.



https://www.politicspa.com/allegheny-dems-to-pick-candidate-to-replace-deluca/116232/

PA-HD32: Allegheny Dems To Pick Candidate To Replace DeLuca

This Sunday, while most western Pennsylvanians will be focused on the Steelers-Ravens game, Allegheny County Democrats will be looking to replace a legend.

The group will meet to select a candidate for a special election to replace the late Anthony DeLuca in the 32nd state House District.

DeLuca, who served in Harrisburg since 1983, passed away on October 9. His name remained on the general election ballot and he was reelected to the seat with more than 85 percent of the vote.

Eight candidates are vying for the nomination during the Sunday afternoon meeting in Oakmont.

- Pauline Calabrese, Penn Hills Mayor
- Nicholas Futules, Allegheny County Council Vice President
- Tracey Holst, Oakmont Borough Council member
- Louis Leon, Penn Hills constable
- Joe McAndrew, Penn Hills Democratic Committee Chair
- Frank Pecora, Penn Hills Deputy Mayor
- Erin Vecchio, Penn Hills School Board President
- Lois Vitti, a lawyer in Oakmont

Carrie DelRosso, Doug Mastriano's running mate, is the lone Republican.



https://www.politicspa.com/allegheny-dems-to-pick-candidate-to-replace-deluca/116232/

VA-04: Del. Lamont Bagby running for McEachin's Congressional seat.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Del. Lamont Bagby is running for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming special election to fill the U.S. House seat left vacant after the death of Rep. Donald McEachin (D-Va.), a person with direct knowledge of his plans told 8News.

Del. Bagby (D-Henrico), the chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, plans to make the announcement official next week, the person told 8News Friday.

Bagby, a mentee of McEachin, told 8News after McEachin’s sudden passing that he’s always wanted to follow in his “big brother’s footsteps.” He and several others honored McEachin as the late congressman was laid to rest Wednesday.

The Democratic state delegate all but confirmed a run in a series of tweets Thursday, noting his efforts in Virginia’s legislature, taking aim at Gov. Glenn Youngkin and teasing “a major announcement.”



https://www.wric.com/news/politics/del-lamont-bagby-running-for-virginias-4th-congressional-district-seat/

VA-SD07: Mark Warner and Bobby Scott to campaign for Aaron Rouse.

VA-SD07: Mark Warner and Bobby Scott to campaign for Aaron Rouse.

Moscow just went BOOM!

Existing Missouri medical marijuana dispensaries can now apply to sell recreational pot

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
Existing medical marijuana dispensaries now have the chance to apply for comprehensive licenses to sell recreational marijuana as well in Missouri.

After voters approved Amendment 3 last month, those dispensary operators could begin the application process on Thursday.

"The sky is the limit. Honestly, I'm here for the ride, man. I am so excited to see what's going to happen in Missouri," said Jeff Seybold, regional manager for Greenlight.

Greenlight operates four medical marijuana dispensaries in the Kansas City metro area and 15 throughout Missouri. Seybold said he saw a similar transition from medical to legalized recreational sales in Nevada.




https://www.kmbc.com/article/missouri-existing-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-can-now-apply-to-sell-recreational-pot/42192774

VA-SD07: Door knocking organized this weekend for Aaron Rouse

VA-SD07: Door knocking organized this weekend for Aaron Rouse