Thursday Open Thread [5.9.13]
MASSACHUSETTS—SENATE–WBUR: Rep. Edward Markey (D) 46, Gabriel Gomez (R) 38.
MASSACHUSETTS—SENATE–Suffolk University: Markey 52, Gomez 35
NATIONAL—PRESIDENTIAL APPROVAL–Pew: 51% approve of President Obama’s job performance. By comparison, just 22% approve of the job Congressional Republicans are doing. By 2 to 1 (42% to 22%), more blame Republican leaders than Obama for the gridlock in Washington.
Pew Research also pointed out some interesting stats from the Census Bureau’s voting report on the 2012 election. Key among them is the fact that Mitt Romney received just 17% of the non-white vote.
“Non-whites were 26.3% of all voters in the 2012 election, a record high share. But they compose an even higher share of all U.S. adults age 18 and older — 33.9%. By 2020 this share will rise to 37.2%, and by 2060 it will be 54.8%, according to Census Bureau projections. If the racial voting patterns from the 2012 election persist, the electoral playing field for future Republican presidential candidates will become increasingly difficult.”
PENNSYLVANIA—GOVERNOR–Franklin Marshall: Just 25% of Pennsylvania voters believe Gov. Tom Corbett (R) has performed well enough in office to deserve reelection. Just 48% of Corbett’s fellow Republicans believe he deserves reelection.
NATIONAL—GAY MARRIAGE—THE REPUBLICAN FUTURE–ABC/Washington Post: 52% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters under 50 now support gay marriage, as do 81% of Republicans under 30. So when I say that certain Republican state lawmakers ruined their political futures this week, this is what I mean. Eventually, once the bigots die off, even their own party will be against them.
VIRGINIA—GOVERNOR—NBC News/Marist: Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) 45, Terry McAuliffe (D) 42. Among registered voters, McAuliffe holds a small lead, 43% to 41%.
NEW JERSEY—GOVERNOR– NBC News/Marist: Gov. Chris Christie (R) 60, State Sen. Barbara Buono 28.
“The poll also explains why Christie is disagreeing with his national party some of the time. The GOP’s fav/unfav in the survey is 34%-59%, versus the Democratic Party’s 50%- 43% score.”
Open Thread? Yea!!! C’mon out and VOTE YES for the Appoquinimink Referendum today 10-8. The last one was a skunk—this one is a real community effort, rewritten and asking for minimal amounts necessary, as to not signal the State additional state oversite is needed (they are audited enough). Meanwhile, if a local community can’t meet the financial threshold in reserves per State law—here they come. We don’t want nor need that black eye in this school district–or the decisions that will be made post July 1. No threats, no fanfare, it is critical reality time now. KUDOS to the district in retooling the prior draft to a more palatable, reasonable request given these unprecedented economic times we are facing.
And no, this referendum has nothing to do with a big barn, or inflated salaries. This is the FIRST operational increase in SEVEN YEARS being asked. I am comparing this to an oil change on a dependable Chevy. Car runs great, bought new tires like we should, but needs an oil change. Don’t get the oil changed, a great workable car gets into engine trouble and on and on from there. This referendum isn’t asking for a new car, mag wheels, or detailing. Just an oil change. Certainly, your home, or car needed a little maintenance work in the last 7 years, and it cost. Unfortunately, it costs for schools too—the district has honestly and frugally made the buck stretch 7 years, of what most thought would only last 3. I like that kind of return on investment, and the people who made it work. That’s a BIG YES VOTE from this house this time!!!!
@cass–the dates are separate this time from school board per Dept. of Elections, AND a contractual issue w/ employees. School Board election this year was set for May 14th prior. RIF letters must be in employees hands by the 15th, or the districts are on the hook for next year’s pay. Polls closing at 8pm–doesn’t agree w/ post office hours (have to be delivered). Hope that clarifies some confusion and expense for you. It’s a late school board date this year I know (the latest you’ll see w/ second Tuesday).
9 police units out front of Connections at 801 N. Washington. This is the old Boy Scouts building. WPD calling for any member of the Negotiating Team to respond.
http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/6579/web
Please be careful, RDL. Let me know what is going on when you can.
Have heard that there is a hostage situation — a person with a knife there.
It’s over. They brought her out on a stretcher a few mins ago.
Some good news — Minnesota House approves gay marriage 75-59. On to the Senate next week.
Thanks for the update, RDL. Do you know any more about what happened there?
I spoke to a WPD officer. Apparently a resident was holding a knife to her throat & threatening to kill herself. This info comes from an officer who was not responding to the call, so I don’t know how accurate it is.
Appoquinimink’s referendum passes 4,637-3,023 according to the Middletown Transcript.
Last update on yesterday’s Connections issue at 801 Washington. Apparently (I am told by a Connections employee) that there was a resident with severe medical issues who was threatening to kill herself. One of the employees of Connections was able to talk with her, get her to give up the knife so they could get her to the hospital.