Election watch

   "and five people who identify with neither party." --- Actually this should read "Five people who will suddenly become wealthy" .....

Gee, I dont know.  I dont live in Michigan and did not author the initiative.   I presume details still need to be hammered out.   But the ballot specifically states "The proposal would bar partisan officeholders, their employees, lobbyists, and others with ties to the current system from becoming commissioners"...which is in contrast to the current method.

Would Tom prefer the new Democrat Governor in Michigan draw the district lines with the same process her Republican predecessor did?

Actually the wave size was the same by definition of the popular vote.   It just had a smaller impact thanks to Republican gerrymandering (also known as cheating democracy).   I'm glad to see some of the aforementioned states have addressed this scumbaggery.

I will bet pj $1 that Democrats will have the edge. 

I will bet Tom a far more intelligent wager: 

$1 the ratio of house districts is more closely aligned to the popular vote of the state ..same in red state Utah presuming they pass their measure too.

The "economy will collapse" as a result of the minimum wage increases in Arkansas and Missouri?   Some hyperbole there, I think.  

In 2014 the Arkansas min wage was increased from $6.25 to $8.50 over a three year period.  The same 'the sky will fall' was said at that time.  It didn't.

This time the first increase will take place Jan. 1, 2019, $8.50 an hour to $9.25.  Then a gradual increase to $12 by 2023.  I admit I was conflicted, but voted for it.

Arkansas overwhelmingly approved a voter ID amendment clarifying ID requirements.   Objected to by the ACLU, who claimed "disinfrancisement" of lower income or elderly persons, it should actually be beneficial for those groups.   Voters have already been able to obtain free photo IDs from county clerks' offices that are valid in an election.   Valid photo ID can be a DL, photo ID card, concealed carry handgun license, US passport, "among several other documents", issued by state or federal govt, and must not  have expired more than four years before Election Day.  Pretty easy, IMO.  The benefit for of ID for low income etc. (and everyone) who had declined to vote at all because of an ID requirement is the capturing of populations who may be eligible for state and local assistance.  This also goes a ways in preventing fraud.  I was very much in favor of this proposal.   

Arkansas approved a constitutional amendment allowing the state to issue casino licenses for four "full-fledged" casinos, two of which are already in operation under the "electronic games of skill" constitution.  The other two will depend upon "local support from elected officials."  The sponsoring committee raised a ton more money, including big money from a couple of Indian tribes/nations in Oklahoma, than the anti forces (including the Governor) could raise.  The 'pros' of course cited tax revenue and jobs.   The last time a similar amendment was proposed was in 2000, defeated.  The "games of skill" law passed in 2005 allowing Oaklawn Race Track and Southland Greyhound Park to open those games of skill casinos.  Raffles and bingo by charities and other non-profits was approved in 2006.  The state Lottery amendment to raise money for scholarships was passed in 2008.  This casino initiative has been rather hotly contested for some time, finally made the ballot and passed.  I'm surprised the Oaklawn people didn't take a stand against what appears to be encroachment by the Indian interests.  The forever owner, now RIP, used to have more clout in the state than God.  Southland dog race track/games of skill casino people said they will put a "200 million investment" into...whatever.  This track is just across the river from Mississippi casinos.  I would guess that loss of love for Las Vegas has contributed in some small way to this measure passing.  Plus it is expensive to fly from Arkansas to Las Vegas, or to anywhere, really.

Y'all wanted to know all this about Arkansas voting, didn't ya?  LOL.  Thanks if you read any of it.

If DonDiego remembers correctly it's gottta be:

__a cis-male, a cis-female, a trans-man, a trans-woman, and an androgynous-indeterminate.

If it Republicans were picking, it would be a Klansman, a Confederate, , an Incel, a Neo-Nazi and a White Nationalist. 

If Repiblicans were choosing, it would be a Policeman, a veteran, a tax paying American citizen, a non felon, and a patriot. 

Candy,  very informative about Casino gambling in Arkansas.  I have several friends who come from Arkansas to gamble at the Downstream Casino outside of Joplin.  I know of one charter bus that comes from Bella Vista Arkansas, regularly.  I don't see the two new casinos locating in Western Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma is oversaturated with casinos.