THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Another 'Year of the Woman,' Only This Time More Republican
Republican women fared poorly in 2018, but this year there's been an increase in the number running at both the congressional and state levels.
Authors
Alan Greenblatt |
Email : agreenblatt@governing.com Twitter : @AlanGreenblattAlan Greenblatt -- Senior Staff Writer. Alan covers politics as well as policy issues for Governing. He is the coauthor of a standard textbook on state and local governments. He previously worked as a reporter for NPR and CQ and has written about politics and culture for many other outlets, print and online.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
COVID-19 Gives Governors' Re-election Hopes a Boost
There are only 11 races for governor this year. The pandemic has increased the incumbency advantage, giving most governors a high-profile chance to display leadership in a crisis.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
A Group of Retired Republican Governors Comes Out for Biden
Eight former GOP governors are supporting the Democrat for president. They may not change many minds but could provide cover to wavering Republican voters who don't want to re-elect Trump.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
'Apocalyptic Bingo': A Governor Copes With the COVID Crisis
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert took office during the depths of the Great Recession and is leaving while a pandemic is raging. For all that, he remains optimistic about his growing state.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Response to Trump’s Illness Reveals Ugly Truth About America
Trump's coronavirus diagnosis has triggered an outpouring of glee and animosity from many Democrats. Biden and other politicians have wished the president well, but social media shows no sympathy.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
More Voters Are Independent, But Minor Parties Still Struggle
Lots of people no longer feel at home with either the Democratic or Republican parties. They usually hate one of the major parties too much, however, to chance their vote on a third party.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
What Happens to Cities When the Arts Go Dark?
For decades, cities relied on performing arts groups to help drive revitalization. Now nearly every company in the country has been shuttered for months, acting as a drag on local business.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Why So Many Attorneys General Are Getting Into Trouble
State attorneys general are facing issues ranging from racism and sexual harassment to a fatal accident. Their scandals differ, but they have some underlying political dynamics in common.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Due to Pandemic, Dozens of Governors and Mayors Face Recall Efforts
Recalls against governors in states including Arizona, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin appear to be going nowhere. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, however, is turning to the state supreme court to block an attempt.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Violence Will Likely Escalate Ahead of the Election
There have already been clashes, sometimes fatal, between protesters and self-styled militia. The public appears to be growing more tolerant of political violence, at least when perpetrated by partisans on their side.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
The Homeless Have Voting Rights but Face Many Hurdles
The Trump administration's ban on evictions will prevent millions from losing their homes ahead of the election. Those who are already homeless, however, may find themselves disenfranchised.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
The Law Preventing Congress from Sending States the Coronavirus Bill
Congress is blocked from passing bills that impose unfunded mandates. The 25-year-old restriction isn't perfect but has saved states, cities and counties billions of dollars.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Bipartisanship Takes a Hit in This Year's Legislative Primaries
More than a dozen incumbent legislators may have lost seats in Tuesday's primaries, including a state Senate president. The results continued a trend of insufficiently ardent partisans being unseated in both parties.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Three Small Cities That Are Thriving Despite the Pandemic
Growth remains a bigger worry than unemployment in at least a few cities. They're scattered around the country, but their economies have a few qualities in common that have made them pandemic-proof.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Police Chiefs Most Open to Reform Are the Ones Leaving
The cities that have been the most aggressive about demanding reform and altering policing practices are making it difficult for chiefs to carry out the desired policy changes — or even stay on the job.
Why Federal Aid Remains a Tough Sell for States and Localities
President Trump remains opposed to a bailout for "poorly run states." The administration may end up agreeing to help, but warnings about dire spending cuts have not yet prompted action.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
With Colleges Closed, College Towns Can't Pay Their Bills
When students went home in March, some college towns lost half their populations. Tax and utility revenues have dropped and those cities are still wondering what sort of economies they'll have in the fall.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
America's Governments Are at War with Each Other
The pandemic has stressed the federalist system to the point of open conflict. The feds, states and localities are all at odds over responses to health, the economy and public safety.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
All Politics Is National, Especially When All Campaigns Are Online
Politics is increasingly nationalized, with more people voting the same way up and down the ballot. With nearly all campaigning and fundraising now happening online, that trend is likely to accelerate.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Are Police Protests Leading to an Increase in Crime?
Homicides are up in major cities. The combination of pandemic, recession and the two-way street of distrust between police and the communities they serve has created a "toxic mix of despair."
THE FUTURE OF Community Design
Chicago Unveils Plan for Its Post-Pandemic Recovery
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is looking past the immediate health and economic challenges to map out programs for the city's future. She has ambitious ideas about attracting wealth while also addressing racial inequities.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
An Impossible Situation: Schools Will Reopen, but Can They Be Safe?
President Trump insists schools must reopen in the fall. It's a widely shared priority in terms of both childhood development and the economy, but there are serious challenges with the coronavirus still on the rise.
Here Comes the Hard Part: States, Cities Face Grim Budget Picture
The fiscal year begins in most states and cities on July 1. Without further federal aid, many will have to re-examine just-passed budgets for cuts down the road.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Legislative Leaders Are Losing in This Year's Primaries
Chamber leaders and committee chairs are losing their seats. It's not easy to face voters during a combined health and economic crisis, but many primaries also represent ideological battles.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Why Public Health Officials Are Quitting During a Pandemic
Around the country, more than two-dozen top public health officials have left their jobs in recent weeks. If combating coronavirus wasn't stressful enough, several have received death threats or seen protests outside their homes.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
How Protests Spread to Small-Town America
There have been Black Lives Matter protests in more cities and towns than any set of demonstrations in U.S. history. Rather than traveling to the nearest big city, residents are determined to take a stand close to home.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Contact Tracing Apps Aren't Going to Solve the Pandemic
Google and Apple paired up to produce software allowing health departments to create apps that trace how COVID-19 spreads. But most states aren't interested in the system and most Americans don't want tracing apps at all.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
A Crisis Within a Crisis: How COVID Fueled the Protests
The pandemic has hit black people especially hard in terms of health and employment. Those conditions intensified long-simmering anger over police brutality and racism.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Protests Drown Out Public Health’s COVID-19 Warnings
For weeks, public officials have warned against the dangers of mass gatherings. Now, some seem OK with protests. That's going to make it harder to convince people to avoid other activities.
Pandemic Will Mean a Worse Retirement for Millions of Workers
In a typical recession, not many older workers lose their jobs. That's not the case this time. They face not only unemployment but the prospect of poverty, with pressures on 401(k)s and other retirement accounts.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Multiple Events Creating 'The Perfect Path to Divisions in Our Society'
Protests and violence around the country were triggered by a police-involved killing in Minneapolis, but are taking place against a backdrop of pandemic and economic collapse.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Why Trump Attacked the Internet's First Amendment
The president wants social media sites to be investigated for political bias. His new executive order is the strongest attack yet on a key free speech protection for online platforms, but it's not the only one.
States and Cities Continue Plunge into Financial Black Hole
States face revenue shortfalls exceeding 20 percent. Cities and counties have furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers. Already, public employment has fallen more than during the Great Recession.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Initially Lauded as Heroes, Governors Come Under Attack
It's not just angry protesters. Governors are finding their stay-at-home orders challenged in court and their authority increasingly under fire in legislatures and from local officials.
More Productive from Home: Governments Learn to Love Remote Work
Despite some hurdles, government through remote work is performing better than expected. It will likely lead to permanent changes in everything from labor management and technology to physical footprints.
As Economy Reopens, a Push to Rethink Regulations
During the pandemic, most governors have signed executive orders waiving requirements regarding medical licensing and health facilities. Republicans want to shield businesses broadly from civil liability for the spread of COVID-19.
Why America's Public Health Has Always Been Fragmented
The nation has enjoyed public health triumphs, with life expectancy far higher than it was a century ago. But responsibility for health has always been scattered, with disease tracking less a priority than treating individuals.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Without Summer Jobs, Cities Seek Alternatives for Youth
Given the budget crunch, cities are cutting or canceling summer jobs programs. Some are trying to find ways of keeping kids engaged online.
Why the Coronavirus Won't Reshape State Governments
Liberals are calling for an expansion of government, while conservatives say budget shortfalls must lead to cuts. One scholar argues that after the current crisis passes, states will end up looking much like they do now.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
How Governors, Not Congress, Emerged as Trump's Main Opposition
During the pandemic, Democratic governors have alternately knocked the president and sought his help. For the opposition party, power in states now provides a base that Congress does not.
Absent Fed Help, State Budgets Will Be the Worst in Decades
Already, thousands of state and local government workers have been furloughed or laid off. Falling revenues and soaring demand could lead to budget shortfalls of up to 40 percent, making help from Congress crucial.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
'No One's Sentenced to Die in a Pandemic': Debating Prisoner Release
Thousands of inmates are infected with the coronavirus and dozens have already died. Some governors have released prisoners for public health reasons, but there's always a risk they'll reoffend.
Can Colleges Reopen in the Fall? If Not, Some Won't Survive
Colleges and universities face a worse situation than the Great Recession. States are bound to cut their budgets, while every other revenue source — tuition, dorm fees, donations, endowments — are under pressure.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
A Sharp Shock, But Not a Depression: A Historian's View
Unemployment threatens to rise to levels not seen since the Great Depression. A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian of that era thinks most of the economy will recover much more quickly than it did back then.
State Budget Fallout: 'A Hurricane That Hits All Over the Country'
The revenue drop from COVID-19 is barely starting to show up in official figures, but already furloughs and major shortfalls are common in state and local governments around the country. The pain may be sudden, but it could last for years.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Normally a Contact Sport, Lobbying Goes Virtual
Lobbyists can't grab lawmakers outside of chambers and committee rooms anymore. They're doing their best to stay in the loop through calls and texts but complain the legislative process has become a lot less transparent.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Will State Preemption Leave Cities More Vulnerable?
Local governments wish state officials would do more to combat coronavirus. In a few states, they’re angry that governors have issued orders that preempt cities and counties from setting their own course.
Coronavirus Has Potential to Reshape Government Technology
The coronavirus crisis has made it clear that technology is essential to continuity of government. CIOs may see more of their wish lists fulfilled, but investing in IT will be tough with budgets heading south.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Coronavirus Forces Legislators to Keep Their Distance
Nearly half the nation's legislatures have adjourned or canceled sessions. Where they're still meeting, lawmakers are improvising to keep a safe distance from one another.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Is Campaigning Possible During a No-Contact Pandemic?
No handshaking or rallies are allowed. Politicians are scrambling to find ways of getting their messages in front of voters who are distracted and in many places barely leaving their homes.
States and Cities Face the Prospect of Severe Budget Shortfalls
No one knows how deep or long the pandemic-triggered recession will be. But nearly every type of government revenue, including income, sales and gas taxes, will take a hit. Well-funded rainy-day funds should help.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Working from Home? Ten Tips for Staying Productive
Millions of workers, including government employees, will experience remote work for the first time. There are strategies you can adopt to stay on task when away from the office and co-workers.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
What Government Functions — Other Than Schools — Are Starting to Close?
Cities, counties and states are trying to proceed as normal while the coronavirus spreads. However, some legislative sessions have ended early, and courts, senior centers, libraries and other services are starting to shut down.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Pandemic Provides Defining Moment for Government Leaders
Governors and mayors don't run for office with the intention of managing emergencies. But when a crisis strikes, they become the public face of government response and need to be ready to communicate accurately and calmly.
Coronavirus Has Revived the Paid Sick Leave Debate
States have been twice as likely to block paid sick leave mandates at the local level as they've been to impose such requirements themselves. That may change.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
The Vaccine Debate: Science on One Side, Emotion on the Other
An effort to overturn a law requiring vaccines in Maine went down to resounding defeat on Tuesday. That doesn't mean the fight is over in other states.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Be Prepared but Don't Panic: Health Departments Respond to Coronavirus
State and local governments have adapted plans for other pandemics and are putting them into action. They're hoping for better coordination and more funding from the feds. Officials insist that they’re up to the challenge.
Legislators Face Tech-Heavy Agenda as They Confront the Future: Digital Issues to Watch
Never before have policymakers faced such daunting questions on regulating and legislating the growing impact of digital technology. We pick the most important issues they will grapple with this year.
Tax Incentives: The Losing Gamble States and Cities Keep Making
Study after study shows that tax incentives don't pay off in real economic gains and often fail to produce the jobs that were promised. When managed correctly, however, they can build on local strengths.
What Cities Can Learn from the Nation's Only Privacy Commission
Four years ago, Oakland established an advisory commission to look at city policies through a privacy lens. Today, it remains the only body with such a wide scope and may become a model as the use of tech grows.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
How Silicon Valley Went from Technology Hero to Bad Guy
Once hailed for innovation and transformation, the tech industry is in the midst of a backlash. With growing public concern over privacy and the threat to existing jobs, expect to see more government regulation.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
The Economic Reality That’s Splitting the Country Apart
Growth is increasingly concentrated in a small number of cities. That creates problems within those metro areas and threatens to deprive most of the country of prosperity.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
What Government Gets Wrong About Technology
For too long, tech has been someone else’s problem — something policymakers didn’t believe they needed to think about or even fully understand. It’s time to define what we want from a revolution that’s affecting everything.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
Medicaid IT: Finally Ready to Move Out of the Dark Ages
For more than a decade, the feds have been pushing states to modernize their Medicaid management information systems so they could report comparable data. The effort is starting to pay off.
THE FUTURE OF What’s Happening Now
GOP Dominance Likely to Continue at the State Level
Political attention this year will largely be focused on the presidential race, but at the start of a redistricting cycle both parties are pledging to spend record amounts on state elections.
The Biggest Issues to Watch in 2020
State legislatures will have a lot on their plates. They’ll deal with issues in wildly differing ways. We set the context for the 2020 session with an overview of abortion, election security, housing, immigration, net neutrality, pensions, pre-emption, recession fears, redistricting, vaping, and workforce.
THE FUTURE OF Community Design
Why Presidential Candidates Don’t Address Urban Issues
Democrats rely heavily on urban voters for support, but the states that hold the first caucuses and primaries don't have really big cities. That tends to leave them off the campaign agenda.
What Happens When Governors and Legislators Don't Get Along
Why are some lawmakers calling each other ‘bastards’ and ‘bat shit crazy’? Because governors in a dozen states now face legislatures controlled by the other party. While some can reach compromises, policy fights and angry words are common.
Despite Concerns About Election Security, 'Vulnerabilities Abound'
Hacking isn't the only problem. Misinformation campaigns and the refusal of politicians to admit defeat all serve to undermine voter confidence. Now, states need to anticipate new threats.
Suburban Vote This Year Flashes Warning Signs for GOP
Democrats scored gains in numerous once-Republican suburbs in state and local races Tuesday, most notably in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Republican strategists are nervous about that trend continuing into 2020.
Why Governors Are the Only Candidates Voters Will Break Party Ranks to Support
Unlike other federal and state offices, there’s still ‘wiggle room’ for ticket-splitting in contests for governor. Tuesday’s result in Kentucky means there will be a dozen governors whose party lost the last presidential election in their state.
'The Ultimate Unforced Error': Texas House Speaker Caught in Political Scandal
Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen is caught in a scandal of his own making. He's not the only state legislative leader across the country facing political peril.
Why the GOP Frontrunner Might Lose the Mississippi Governor's Race
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves has been the frontrunner all year, but in Tuesday's primary, he fell just short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.
Without Help From Washington, Governors Chart Own Path on Infrastructure
A long-awaited transportation bill advanced in Congress this week. The National Governors Association isn't waiting on its passage to make road funding and safety its top priorities.
More Than 700: Why So Many People Are Running for Office in Seattle This Year
A booming population and new campaign finance options have brought out a record number of candidates.
A License for a Lemonade Stand? States Rethink Business Licensing
The debate is playing out around the country but has been most controversial in Texas.
The Long Road to Recovery After Years of Severe Budget Cuts
Eight years of state government atrophy may be coming to an end in Kansas. But it will take a long time, and quite a bit of pain.
America Has a Health-Care Crisis — in Prisons
Privatization and years of inadequate resources have left the incarcerated population with abysmal medical care.
As Rural America Slips, Governors Look for Ways to Help
Rural America lags behind metro areas in terms of population growth, business creation and workforce participation.
'A Pervasive Evil': Governors Raise Awareness About Trafficking
Most states have recently passed laws to combat trafficking. But they aren't always funded or enforced, and some activists say they could have the opposite intended effect.
Socialism Goes Local: DSA Candidates Are Winning in Big Cities
Democratic socialist candidates have won seats this year in Chicago, Denver and Philadelphia. More are likely to join them.
Supreme Court Punts Partisan Gerrymandering to States and Congress, But They May Not Act
The 5-4 ruling leaves no options for challenging maps perceived as unfairly partisan in federal court.
Oops! Secretary of State's Clerical Error Sets Back Iowa Ballot Measures
Supporters of the initiatives will have to wait at least two years before they go before voters.
Welfare's Once-Popular Cap on Kids Loses Favor in States
The policy was intended to discourage government dependence. It didn’t seem to work.
From 42 Agencies to 15: How Arkansas Overhauled State Government Without Laying Anyone Off
Gov. Asa Hutchinson spearheaded the streamlining.
The Parking Enforcement Method Ruled Unconstitutional
Cities are chucking the chalk.
GOP Holds Voter-Registration Advantage in Races for Governor and President
More people are registering as Republicans than Democrats in states with gubernatorial elections this year and in some 2020 battleground states.
How Trump Became Counties' Best Friend and Biggest Ally
The administration is focusing on a level of government that past presidents have often neglected.
Probation and Parole Violations Are Filling Up Prisons and Costing States Billions
According to the most comprehensive report of its kind, states spend more than $9 billion a year incarcerating people who violate community supervision terms that even corrections officials admit are difficult to comply with.
Supreme Court: Virginia House Lacks Authority to Defend Gerrymandering
The ruling, which united an unusual coalition of justices, could boost Democrats' chances in November.
What the Governors Feuding With Their Own Parties Have in Common
The governors of Kentucky, New Jersey and West Virginia face different controversies, but they're all wealthy businessmen who had never before held elected office.
Nonprofits Don’t Have to Pay Taxes, But Boston Still Hopes They’ll Chip In
Half the city’s land mass is occupied by government entities and other tax-exempt institutions. Some city councilors say nonprofits are not paying their fair share.
Is 311 Fair?
A new study examines whether cities respond to complaints as quickly in poor neighborhoods as they do in rich ones.
Want to Slash Your State’s Budget? This Woman Can Help.
Donna Arduin has made a career out of consulting with governors on budget cuts.
Where’s the Beef? States Ban Veggie Burgers From Being Labeled 'Meat'
Lawmakers say they want to clear up confusion over plant-based meat substitutes.
Progressives Find Political Success, and Pushback, as Prosecutors
Queens, N.Y., will soon join the list of places electing district attorneys who reject the tough-on-crime policies of the past. But their approach isn't always well-received by governors.
Why America's Least Popular Governor Will Likely Get Reelected
In Tuesday's GOP primary, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin won a bare majority of the vote.
Recall Elections Are Becoming a More Common and Coordinated 'Partisan Power Play'
In Colorado, Republicans are trying to oust a dozen Democratic state legislators. It's the latest example of a political party using once-rare recalls as a way to gain control.
State Legislatures' Group Gets First New Leader in 32 Years
Tim Storey, who will take over as NCSL's executive director, has pledged to maintain the organization's bipartisan approach.
'Being Governor Ain't What It Used to Be': How Their Road to the White House Became an Uphill Climb
All but one of America's presidents between 1976 and 2004 were governors. Since then, state leaders have barely stood a chance at the Oval Office.
St. Louis Scraps Potential City-County Merger
In the face of widespread opposition and the guilty plea of a top supporter, proponents of a single metro government have put their plans on hold.
The Governor, House and Most Senators in Kansas Want to Expand Medicaid. So Why Did It Just Fail?
The debate is likely dead until next year.
Should Cities Regulate How You Design Your Home?
One state tried to remove local governments' power to dictate things like paint colors.
Eric Holcomb’s Winning Political Strategy: Play Nice
The Republican governor of Indiana has quietly become one of the most effective and popular state leaders in the country.
In Wake of Scandals, 2 Major Cities May Curb Politicians' Power
Councilmembers in Chicago and Philadelphia, which give them unusual amounts of authority, are facing criminal charges.
What the Decline of Newspapers Means for Government
About one in five Americans now lack regular access to local media coverage. Studies show this is bad for politics, municipal debt -- and even the environment.
The Go-To Lawyer for Governors Facing Impeachment
Ross Garber is the man to call when state leaders are in political peril.
Why the Death Penalty Has Lost Support From Both Parties
A generation ago, most Democrats and Republicans backed capital punishment. But in New Hampshire, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle just voted to abolish it, reflecting a nationwide trend.
Chicago's Lori Lightfoot Among a Wave of Lesbian Mayors
From Kansas City, Mo., to Tampa, Fla., a record number of large cities could elect an openly gay woman as mayor this year.
Lori Lightfoot, Chicago’s New Mayor, Promises Change, Confronts ‘Massive’ Challenges
No black woman or openly gay individual has led a city as large as Chicago. She will have to confront chronic budget shortfalls, population loss and a high murder rate.
Can Detroit's Turnaround Go Beyond Downtown?
Mayor Mike Duggan has pledged to spend $130 million to help revive neglected neighborhoods in the city.
Forget Congress: Many State Lawmakers Are Running for Mayor This Year
Why are they breaking norms and eyeing city hall instead of Capitol Hill?
Texas Aims to Cut Taxes, This Time Without Cutting Education Funding
How will it achieve both goals when half of the property tax revenue goes to schools?
Moderates Are 'Politically Homeless.' Does Either Party Want Them?
With the 2020 elections in sight, both parties are appealing to their bases, leaving voters in the middle uncertain which way to turn.
Why California Is Suing Its Own Cities
In one of his first moves as governor, Gavin Newsom is taking some cities to court for failing to address the affordable housing crisis.
As Hate Speech Pervades Politics, Many Politicians Escape Consequence
After making racist, anti-Semitic or homophobic comments, elected officials often stay in office, either by apologizing or attacking their opponents. But public servants may have a harder time keeping their jobs.
Why a Judge Ruled That the Entire North Carolina Legislature Is Illegitimate
In a decision that stunned both parties, Judge G. Bryan Collins ruled last Friday that the state's lawmakers don't have the power to pass constitutional amendments. His reasoning traces back to racial gerrymandering.
Legal in the State or Not, Some Cities Ban Marijuana
In New Jersey, dozens of localities have outlawed sales or possession of the drug even before the legislature legalizes it.
The Democrat Who Could Be Mississippi's Next Governor
Democrats rarely win elections in the South. If anyone can do it, it's Jim Hood.
The States Where the Minority Party Has Major Legislative Clout
Republicans hold a small fraction of seats in two Democratic states, but they enjoy outsized power.
After Years of New Voting Restrictions, Momentum Swings the Other Way
Some states are still purging voter rolls and requiring IDs. But most are now looking to expand access to the ballot box.
45 Cents a Gallon? 20? 18? Midwest Governors Float Major Gas Tax Hikes
Three governors -- two Democrats and a Republican -- say the big tax hikes are needed to address their road and transportation problems.
Is Chicago Ready for a Third Mayor Daley?
Chicago will hold its first round of voting on Tuesday to pick Rahm Emanuel's replacement. Former Clinton administration official Bill Daley is among the frontrunners, but the huge field makes it uncertain who will proceed to the April runoff.
Wary of Trump's Approach, Governors Seek to Forge Own Trade Agreements
At the National Governors Association winter meeting in Washington this weekend, many governors said the president's tariffs are hurting business in their states.
Despite Economic Growth, Governors Worry About Skills Gap and Unemployment
At the winter meeting of the National Governors Association in Washington this weekend, the lack of proper workforce training was an overarching concern.
The Growing Need for Opposition Research -- on Yourself -- in Today's Political World
After the blackface scandals involving Virginia politicians, expect more candidates to dig up dirt on themselves while keeping in mind the changing culture of America and the power of the internet.
Despite Scandals, Virginia Politicians Refuse to Resign. Now What?
If history is any indication, the current controversies will likely change how Ralph Northam governs. He's already made racial reconciliation a new priority.
Virginia Scandals Threaten Democrats' High Election Hopes
With control of the legislature on the line in November, the party could pay a price for the blackface revelations by Virginia's governor and attorney general, and the sexual assault allegations against the lieutenant governor.
Is Northam Next? A Recent History of Governor Resignations
Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam is refusing to leave office after the resurfacing of his yearbook page, which shows one person dressed in blackface and another as a Ku Klux Klan member.
Amazon's Curse of an Exploding Job Market
Voters aren’t satisfied with how Seattle is managing its growth, which has largely been driven by Amazon's presence.
With New Judges, Houston Could Flip the Script on Evictions
After Democrats swept judicial elections last year, Harris County is set to become much less landlord-friendly.
How Lawmakers Can Raise Their Own Pay in a Less Controversial Way
There are lessons to be learned from New York and Pennsylvania.
Hmong Americans Gain Political Representation
The number of Hmong legislators, who came from Southeast Asia as refugees, tripled in the Minnesota state House this year.
Some Suburban State Lawmakers Are Leaving the GOP
Since the midterm elections, Republican legislators in California, Kansas and New Jersey have switched to the Democratic party.
LGBT State Workers Gain Rights in Red and Purple States
Several new governors have signed anti-discrimination executive orders. So did Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, but his had no mention of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Lawmakers Eye Changes to Ballot Measures -- Passed and Future
Legislators are seeking to roll back some of the high-profile ballot measures that voters approved in November. They also want to make it harder for initiatives to pass in the future.
2018's Least Inspiring Moments in State and Local Politics: Insults, Threats and Bad Tweets
Most of them led to a resignation or election loss.
Do School Vouchers Only Benefit the Wealthy?
Most of the students using Arizona’s vouchers are already in top-performing schools.
All or Nothing: How State Politics Became a Winner-Take-All World
In practically every state, one party now holds all the legislative power. And once they get it, they’re keeping it.
These Cops Wear Uniforms But Have No Training and Little Oversight
“Putting somebody out there on the street who has very little training is not fair to the community and it’s not fair to the officer, but it happens all the time.”
In Seattle, Minimum Wage Hike Comes at a Cost to Some Workers
Advocates say higher incomes help low-wage employees, but one new report suggests the reality is more complicated.
Why Don't Alaska Governors Last Longer Than One Term?
Incoming Gov. Mike Dunleavy is the sixth person to win the office in as many elections. The constant turnover has made it difficult for the state to solve its biggest problems.
Why Are Conservative Voters Supporting Liberal Ballot Measures?
Staunchly Republican rural counties voted for progressive policies at the ballot box this year, including minimum wage hikes and Medicaid expansion.
Wisconsin's GOP Speaker on Power Grabs, Tony Evers and NCSL's Future
Republican Robin Vos, who engineered the lame-duck bills to strip power from the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general, maintains that the maneuver was a nonpartisan attempt to restore balance between the branches.
After Backlash From Own Party, New Jersey Democrats Drop Redistricting Plan
The state's Democrats sought to shift redistricting in their own favor, contradicting their national party's stance against gerrymandering.
Not Just Power Grabs: Lame-Duck Lawmakers Are Rushing Many Controversial Bills
In the states holding post-election, pre-inauguration sessions this year, Republican legislators are passing sweeping bills on a wide range of issues -- some that weaken laws just approved by voters.
'Nobody Ran on Stripping Power Away': Putting the Wisconsin Vote in Context
"You see how easy it is to have what amounts to minority rule, to defy norms and take power that really isn't yours to take," says an expert on the state's politics.
Lame-Duck Power Grabs Aren't New, But Republicans in Wisconsin and Michigan Are ‘More Aggressive’
Legislatures in recent years have increased, and intensified, their attempts to assert authority over other branches of government.
In 2 Remaining Secretary of State Races, Voting Rights Take Center Stage
Georgia and New Hampshire will elect secretaries of state next week, in a year that has been plagued with claims of voter suppression across the country.
This Small New England City Was on the Verge of Bankruptcy. Now It’s a Turnaround Success Story.
Springfield, Mass., is in the best shape it’s been in a generation.
Why More and More Cities Aren't Prioritizing Your Parking Troubles
Cities are eliminating requirements for new buildings to have parking.
Under China's New Rules, U.S. Recycling Suffers
Some cities are closing recycling plants. Others are ending curbside pickup. For recycling to be sustainable, consumers must learn to sort their trash better.
'Rainbow Wave' Hits Statehouses
Seven states had never elected an openly gay or transgender legislator before this year. Three of them just did in an election that substantially increased the number of LGBT lawmakers overall.
Sore Losers or Necessary Checks? Wisconsin GOP Seeks to Limit New Democratic Governor's Authority
It wouldn't be the first time lawmakers have attempted to strip a new governor of some power. But it is rare.
What J.B. Pritzker’s Election Means for Illinois
Of all the new governors, few will change the culture of their states as much as him.
With a Divided Congress, States Will Likely Take Up the Slack
With Democrats taking over the U.S. House, Congress may grind to a halt. Red and blue states, meanwhile, will go their separate ways on abortion, taxes, education, health and voting rights.
Most Ethics and Campaign Finance Measures Win Voters' Approval
All but one passed.
Local Ballot Results: Teen Voting, Campaign Finance, Housing and More
A rundown of the most interesting and consequential local measures.
In 2018 State Races, Partisans Retreated to Their Corners
Most red states will stay red, and the blue states will remain the minority. But voters did reject several more ideological candidates in favor of politicians who presented themselves as more pragmatic.
Where Voters Made It Easier, and Harder, to Vote in the Future
The night's biggest voting rights measure was in Florida, where more than 1 million felons had their right to vote restored.
In Major Cities, Most Incumbent Mayors Glide to Reelection
But the races in Phoenix and Little Rock, Ark., are headed for runoffs.
Amid Supreme Court Impeachments, West Virginia Voters Weaken Judges' Power
The state where lawmakers put every justice on trial this year is also the only state where the legislature has no control over the judicial budget. Voters changed that on Tuesday.
Crime Victims' Rights Added to Several States' Constitutions
Supporters of so-called Marsy's Law hope eventually to amend the U.S. Constitution.
Power Protected: North Carolina Voters Reject Republicans' Effort to Weaken Governor's Authority
The state's GOP-controlled legislature hoped voters would approve measures to give them more say over judicial and ethics appointments, but both were defeated soundly.
Early Voting Is Up, Significantly. What Does That Mean for Tuesday?
Turnout has already exceeded the 2014 numbers -- especially among some Democratic-leaning demographics. But there are reasons for Republican optimism, too.
'Not Exactly a Blowout': Democrats Score Modest Gains in State Legislatures
Democrats flipped six chambers, but Republicans still control nearly twice as many.
Can Andrew Gillum Break Republicans' Winning Streak in Florida?
The state hasn't elected a Democratic governor since 1994, but the progressive nominee is consistently -- and narrowly -- ahead in the polls against Republican Ron DeSantis.
With 2020 Census Looming, Governments Face Many Unknowns
Uncertainties about resources, and a question about residents' citizenship status, are making localities more nervous than usual about not counting people.
State Tax Breaks Are Hurting Chicago's Suburbs
While some homeowners are now paying nothing in property taxes, businesses and local governments are feeling the pinch.
The Man of Tomorrow: As Jerry Brown Leaves Office, He's Still Focused on the Future
Unlike most politicians, California's outgoing governor has made planning ahead a staple of his leadership -- even if it means going against his own party.
'My Comrades Will Kill You': Pipe Bombs Sent in Year of Many Death Threats Against Politicians
The list of prominent national Democrats being sent packages containing bombs is growing. Threats of violence have also become more common against, and sometimes from, state and local candidates and public officials.
All of the Above? The Ancient Voting Method One City Might Adopt
Advocates say "approval voting," which has never been used in electoral politics, offers voters more flexibility.
Not Just Georgia's Brian Kemp: Other Secretaries of State Accused of Abusing Elections Power
Kemp faces allegations of using his position to suppress minority voters and gain unfair advantage in the governor's race, highlighting the office's increasing partisanship and potential for conflicts of interest.
Republicans Could Take Control of These 2 Coastal Blue States
An unpopular governor and a moderate candidate have given Republicans the chance for rare victories in Connecticut and Oregon.
Underneath This 'Pop-Up Forest' Is an Abandoned Highway
Akron, Ohio, calls it the Innerbelt National Forest.
Shady Real Estate Deals Plunge Under New Regulations
Since the U.S. started making anonymous homebuyers reveal their true identities, luxury prices in hot markets have dropped.
Scott Walker: Born-Again Centrist?
Long considered a conservative hero, Wisconsin’s governor is sounding kinder and gentler as he seeks a third term.
'The Midwest Is Swinging Again': Democrats' Best Chances to Flip Governor Seats
Only one Republican in the region looks like a certain winner. The rest are at some risk.
Fed Up by Corruption, Arkansas Voters Could Revisit Term Limits
Four years ago, lawmakers snuck a term-limits extension onto the ballot. Now, thanks to recent statehouse scandals, voters may roll that back.
Where's My Endorsement? Party Support Is Harder to Get This Year
In an unusual trend, prominent politicians, including three sitting Republican governors, are refusing to endorse their own party's picks for governor.
Democratic Primary Turnout Is Up 64%. Will That Matter in November?
Republicans, by comparison, saw 22 percent more people vote this season than in the 2014 midterms.
Why Has 2018 Been Such a Bad Election Year for Lieutenant Governors?
Almost all those running for promotion to governor lost their party's primaries.
State Supreme Courts Increasingly Face Partisan Impeachment Threats
The trial to impeach the entire West Virginia Supreme Court starts this week. It's just one example of a growing trend among unhappy lawmakers.
After More Than 30 Years, the Leader of State Legislatures to Step Down
Bill Pound, the executive director of the National Conference of State Legislatures since 1987, helped preserve bipartisanship among lawmakers.
Progressive Candidates for Governor Trail in the Money Race
While progressive candidates for Congress are being generously supported, gubernatorial hopefuls are being badly outraised by their GOP opponents.
Rahm Emanuel Will Leave Chicago With Crime Still High and Schools Still Struggling
Chicago's mayor shocked the city on Tuesday by announcing he will not seek a third term.
The Story Behind Andrew Gillum's Shocking Election Victory in Florida
The Tallahassee mayor's win in the Democratic primary for governor is one of the year's biggest upsets. Can a progressive beat a Trump-endorsed candidate in this red state?
Why California Lawmakers, Begrudgingly, Banned Soda Taxes
The beverage industry used a tactic that could become more common with other interest groups.
Mysterious Savings: Health Providers Question Iowa's Medicaid Claim
In the span of five months, the state says it tripled the amount it was saving by privatizing Medicaid.
Suburbs See Apartment-Building Boom
Not everyone is happy about this trend.
Too Soon for Louisiana to Celebrate Its Budget?
Louisiana has "stopped the bleeding," but political observers point out that the financially strained state still has several major spending problems.
Sorry Politicians, You Can't Block Critics on Twitter
Courts have ruled that access to public figures on social media is a constitutional right.
How Centrist Is Colorado? Governor's Race Will Test That Reputation
Rather than going after voters in the middle, both the Democratic and Republican nominees are playing to their base.
In Tight Race for Arizona Governor, Focus Is on Education Funding
Republican Gov. Doug Ducey faces a tough fight for reelection.
Transgender Candidate Makes History in a Year of 'Firsts' for Women
With a month of primaries left, the record for the number of female nominees for governor has already been broken. Some of them are also the first black, Latina and Native American women nominated by a major party.
How One of the Most Vulnerable Governors Staged a Comeback
After the state sent out a false nuclear attack warning in January, Hawaii Gov. David Ige trailed in polls. Now he's favored to win reelection.
Blue-State Seats Democrats Can't Win
Any blue wave would have to be pretty big to threaten these popular Republican incumbent governors.
Ferguson Prosecutor Faces First Political Test Since Michael Brown Shooting
Bob McCulloch, who refused to indict the police officer involved in the teenager's death, faces a serious challenge in the Aug. 7 primary. His opponent represents a rise in candidates dedicated to criminal justice reform.
In Florida's GOP Primary for Governor, It’s Establishment vs. Trump
President Trump will stump for Ron DeSantis in the state on Tuesday. Regardless of who wins the primary, Democrats are hoping a blue wave will help them recapture the governor’s seat in November.
After Trump-Backed Candidate Wins Nomination, Georgia Governor's Race Becomes Historic 'Battle of the Bases'
Controversial candidate Brian Kemp won the GOP runoff on Tuesday. He will face progressive Democrat Stacey Abrams in November, who could be the nation's first black female governor.
Facing One Troubling Russia Revelation After Another, Election Officials Work to Prevent a 'Digital Watergate'
States are stepping up their election security but face many challenges: a president still skeptical of Russian interference, a lack of money, and reliance on private vendors for voting equipment and software, to name a few.
Voter Turnout Is Up, Especially Among Democrats. What Does That Mean for November?
More people are casting primary ballots than four years ago. But that year, turnout was the lowest since World War II.
Progressives' Next Target: How Worried Should Andrew Cuomo Be?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's upset is a warning for more moderate incumbents like New York's governor, who can't feel safe while the Democratic Party is shifting to the left.
A New Twist on an Old Health Care Idea
All-payer health care, the idea of paying hospitals a flat rate, is making a comeback.
Different Energy Boom, Same Mistakes?
Critics say West Virginia, which is enjoying an explosion of natural gas production and jobs, is repeating the missteps it made with the coal industry.
In Rural America, Violent Crime Reaches Highest Level in a Decade
The loss of jobs and the opioid epidemic are two of the biggest reasons.
This City Removed 2 Confederate Statues. Then the State Retaliated.
Inside the $250,000 fight between Memphis and Tennessee.
Voting Rights Debate Moves From Statehouses to Ballot Boxes
Voters will weigh in this fall on voter registration, campaign finance and redistricting.
Not Just Joe Crowley: Many State Lawmakers Lost Primaries This Week
New York's congressional race wasn't the only one with an upset on Tuesday. An anti-incumbent wave hit two states' legislative elections.
Gerrymandering Critics Suffer Twin Blows at the Supreme Court
The Texas case involves racial gerrymandering, while the North Carolina case deals with partisan gerrymandering -- something the justices have hinted is unconstitutional but have yet to rule against.
The Bipartisan Backlash That Spurred Trump's Reversal on Family Separations
His executive order, signed on Wednesday, comes after days of governors and mayors escalating their words of opposition into actions attempting to block the immigration policy announced in April.
One Close Race for Governor. Two Flawed Front-Runners.
Both major parties in Minnesota are holding their endorsement conventions this weekend. Only one of the front-runners is seeking their party's approval.
Goodbye, Greitens: Meet Mike Parson, Missouri's New Governor
Five months after a sex and blackmail scandal broke, Gov. Eric Greitens will resign facing potential criminal charges. His replacement, a conservative with good lawmaker relations, is likely to achieve what Greitens could not.
How Old Is Old Enough to Get Married?
States are raising the age of consent to protect children from forced marriage. No state has gone as far as Delaware.
White Flight Returns, This Time From the Suburbs
White residents are either moving back downtown -- or to farther-out exurbs.
The Problem With School Takeovers
Studies show they're ineffective and may unequally impact black and Hispanic communities.
The Architecture Critic Who Wants to Remake Los Angeles
The city's first chief design officer comes to the job from the Los Angeles Times.
Can the California GOP Stop Its 'Death Spiral'?
Republicans are split over whether they should move to the middle or embrace their right-wing base.
The Importance (and Neglect) of America's 'Middle Neighborhoods'
When a neighborhood isn't rich -- and isn't poor -- government tends to forget about it.
'Not Pure Enough': An Ultra-Conservative State Nominates a Pragmatist for Governor
Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little will now face state Rep. Paulette Jordan, who could be the first Native American elected governor of any state. He's the heavy favorite to win.
Cooperating With Trump on Immigration Takes Political Toll on Sheriffs
There may be no politics more local than a campaign for sheriff, but the charged national issue of immigration has become suddenly salient. The defeat of two prominent sheriffs in North Carolina may set a template for progressive challenges nationwide.
What Eric Schneiderman Means for New York State's Culture of Corruption
Domestic abuse is a different problem from financial corruption, but New York's political system seems to promote scandals of all kinds.
Eric Garcetti on Presidential Bid: America 'Needs' a Mayor
Garcetti, who won reelection as mayor of Los Angeles last year, has made no secret of his presidential ambitions. In an interview, he suggested a mayor would be more pragmatic and "decent" than President Trump.
As Primary Season Heats Up, the Left Battles the Left
In races for governor around the country, the Democrats' preferred candidates are having to fend off attacks from progressive insurgents.
Talking Trash: Why Politics Has Gotten Nastier
Negative partisanship has reached new depths, with candidates increasingly willing to insult one another directly.
How Higher Ed Became a Partisan Wedge Issue
As states debate the purpose of public universities, some say politics is playing an outsized role.
Is Selling Tax-Free Liquor Tax Evasion?
As out-of-staters flock to New Hampshire to stock up on alcohol, its neighboring states think so.
One State’s Opioid Success Story
In just one year, Rhode Island reduced the overdose death rate among former prisoners by 61 percent.
Want to Work in a Morgue? You Might Already Qualify.
In some states, the minimal requirements are leading to inaccurate reports of homicides and suicides.
When Blue-Collar Jobs Disappear, White-Collar Workers Leave
Some places are losing more lawyers and accountants than factory workers.
State Lawmakers Face Most Challengers in Decades
Recent election cycles have seen more than 40 percent of state legislative seats left uncontested. Not this year.
Voting Rights for Felons Becoming a Key Issue for Democrats
Florida has emerged as a battleground in the fight over the 6 million people, in and out of jail, who can't vote because they were convicted of a felony.
How 4/20 Actually Helps Police
Law enforcement departments across the country use the marijuana holiday as a way to build their followers and soften their image on social media.
Don't Get Mad, Get Elected: The Rise of the Revenge Candidate
Political novices are running for office at all levels of government -- many driven by anger over their current representatives' policies and behavior.
The Litmus Test for (Most) Republicans Running for Governor
The president remains popular among Republican voters, leading most GOP candidates to pledge their allegiance to him. But they may shift that strategy after the primaries.
The New Fight Over 'Dark Money' Campaign Donations
Some cities want to make campaign donors identify themselves. But lawmakers and lawsuits are getting in their way.
On Redistricting, Supreme Court Not Quite Ready to Change the Rules
The justices heard arguments on Wednesday in a Maryland case that could, for the first time, limit partisan gerrymandering. They didn't appear to have a consensus on how to address the problem.
A Whopper of a Court Case: Can Citizens Sue States?
In a handful of states, they can't. A lawsuit involving Burger King was supposed to settle the debate in Arkansas.
After Wildfires, Housing Crisis Complicates California’s Rebuild
In a region that values open space, the idea of expanding the housing supply is a tough sell -- even after the disaster destroyed 5,000 homes.
Why There Are So Many Bad Sheriffs
In a job with tons of power and practically no oversight from voters, law enforcement or politicians, corruption can be easy to get away with.
Secretive Kansas Starts to Open Up
After the Kansas City Star revealed a deep culture of secrecy in the state’s government, politicians have started to address the lack of transparency.
When Lieutenant Governors Leave, Some States Struggle to Fill the Position
It’s the second highest-ranking job in state government, and yet, no one seems to want it.
Why It’s So Hard for Lawmakers to Win Governor’s Races
"I can count on one hand the number of top [legislative] leaders who have successfully run for major statewide office."
Teachers Aren't Just Striking, They're Running for Office
Motivated by education cuts and a nationwide spirit of activism, dozens of teachers are running for legislative seats across the country.
Primaries Turn Texas a Deeper Shade of Red
In the GOP civil war between populists and centrists, populists gained ground in Tuesday's elections that kicked off the year's primary season.
With Guns in the Spotlight, Candidates for Governor Recalibrate Their Positions
Guns have suddenly emerged as a central issue in this year's races. Navigating the issue will be difficult for both parties.
‘Stories Are Going to Be Lost’: Mourning the Decline of Alt-Weeklies
More than a dozen alternative weeklies have shut down in the past 20 years, increasing the likelihood that local scandals will go unnoticed.
Why Rents Are Actually Lowering in Some Big Cities
But renters may not want to celebrate just yet.
What Counts as a Felony? For Stealing, States Are Raising the Bar.
Some are increasing the amount of stolen goods that make theft a felony. But it can be a hard sell politically.
As Prop. 13 Turns 40, Californians Rethink Its Future
Four decades after the law spurred an anti-tax movement across the country, rival efforts to weaken or strengthen it have emerged.
Will 2018 Be the Year of Independents?
Several experienced or well-funded independent candidates are running for governor. In some cases, leaving the Democratic or Republican party to do it.
'The Oakland I'm From'
Like a lot of other places, the California city is struggling to grow without leaving longtime residents behind.
Missouri Governor's Indictment Prompts House Investigation and More Resignation Pressure
Eric Greitens, who already faced calls from both parties to resign, was charged on Thursday with a felony in connection with an extramarital affair and an alleged blackmail scheme.
Public Corruption Cases Are Harder to Prove Than Ever
Since the Supreme Court raised prosecutors' burden of proof, several politicians have had their convictions thrown out. There are new questions about what exactly counts as corruption.
Ill-Prepared and Underfunded, Election Officials Brace for More Cyberattacks
Federal intelligence officials warned Congress on Tuesday that Russia will again attempt to influence the elections through cyber-warfare. New reports shed light on the inadequacy of state and local security systems.
Citing Costs, Some GOP Governors Refuse to Hold Special Elections
Florida's Rick Scott and Wisconsin's Scott Walker say it's about the money. Democrats -- emboldened after a series of wins, including on Tuesday -- say the Republicans are trying to avoid losing more legislative seats.
After GOP Loss in Missouri, Some Blame Scandal-Plagued Governor
Democrats flipped a state House seat on Tuesday. Some say Eric Greitens, whose extramarital affair has prompted a criminal investigation, is the reason. But he shows no signs of quitting.
How Sexual Harassment Scandals Are Shaking Up Special Elections
Ten states have special legislative elections this month -- several because politicians facing allegations have either left office or committed suicide.
Trump's State of the Union Takes Hard Line on Government Workers
At one point in his address, the president seemed to call for abolishing civil service protections for federal employees.
Dismissed for Competence?
Hannes Zacharias helped his Kansas county win national recognition for a variety of programs. The county commissioners had nothing but praise for him. Then they fired him.
After Reforming Criminal Justice, Alaska Has Second Thoughts
The state rolled back criminal justice reforms it had adopted only a year earlier. Other parts of the country are also reconsidering similar changes.
Do Charter Schools Worsen Segregation?
They largely serve minority students, but supporters say that’s not a problem -- it’s actually the point.
Fearing Trump's Trade Policies, U.S. States and Foreign Countries Grow Closer
The president's "America First" message and his new trade barriers have caused anxiety in states where the economy depends on investment from abroad. It's pushing governors to hone their diplomatic skills.
The Tragedy and Politics of the Legionnaires’ Outbreak in Illinois
The disease has claimed 13 veterans’ lives since 2015 and may effect the governor’s reelection chances this year.
Outrage in Wisconsin as Republicans Fire State's Top Ethics and Election Officials
The firings follow a long and ongoing saga between independent agencies and the GOP-controlled legislature.
Why 'Replacement' Governors Often Get Replaced Themselves
At least three governors will be running this year after filling in for predecessors who resigned. None of them is getting a free ride.
Trump's Voter Fraud Commission May Be Dead, But His Quest Continues
The president has shifted the commission's voter fraud investigation to the Department of Homeland Security. Some see that as a boon to the cause, while others say it could be problematic, especially for immigrants.
South Carolina Spent $9 Billion on Nuclear Reactors That Will Never Run. Now What?
The legislature must decide whether residents will keep being charged, possibly for decades, for the failed project.
Are Progressives Giving Bill de Blasio His Due?
In a new book, one of his supporters compares the New York City mayor with other liberal mayors, and says no.
How Many Lawmakers Does a Legislature Need?
California has the most people of any state, and yet it doesn't have the country's largest legislature. A ballot measure proposes to change that -- but it's complicated.
The Scambuster Going to War for Military Members
Service members are often targeted for financial scams and have a harder time defending themselves. Deanna Nelson is doing it for them.
Transgender Issues Energize Typically Sleepy School Board Elections
The debate over who should use which bathrooms led to record turnout in at least two elections last year. Transgender advocates expect more competition this year.
How Much Can Democrats Really Win in 2018?
Election results from November suggest they will have a big year. But with near record low representation in the states, Democrats need more than that to shift the balance of power.
'That's Me. Trump's Banning Me.': What Motivates Refugees to Run for Office in America
Some want to take on the president's politics. Others simply hope to give back to the communities that have become home.
For or Against Trump? The Question Candidates for Governor Can't Escape
The president has emerged as a central issue in races all over the country, underscoring a shift toward partisanship that has intensified since his election.
The Quiet Revolution Happening in the Suburbs
Suburbs first gained popularity for being everything a big city wasn't. Now they want to be just like downtown.
The Only Oil-and-Gas State Not Taxing Drilling
Strapped for cash, Pennsylvania may finally grant the governor a victory and enact a severance tax. But it's an uphill battle.
In This Georgia Suburb, Old Rivalries Rule Today's Politics
"People are probably tired of their city being in the headlines," says former Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz.
Research Says Juveniles Need Their Own Miranda Rights
Studies suggest they're "too complex" for kids to understand, spurring some police departments to simplify the words they use when arresting them.
Improper Influence? Who, Us?
Wisconsin's Supreme Court justices refused to tighten the rules about when they should recuse themselves from cases. It has sparked a battle between old judges and new ones.
Where Have All the Black Mayors Gone?
Depending on the outcome of a potential recount, Atlanta's election on Tuesday could either counter or worsen the nationwide decline in the number of big-city black mayors.
State AGs Used to Play Nice in Elections. Not Anymore.
2018 will be the first big election year when attorneys general target their peers in other states. Will it hinder the history of bipartisanship among them?
Not Just Virginia: Democrats Recover Some Ground in Several State Legislatures
Democrats gained seats in several states on Tuesday -- more in the Virginia House than they have in any single cycle since the 19th century.
Voters Approve Big Spending Packages at the Local Level
Tax increases passed in most places they were on the ballot.
Mayoral Elections Prove Successful for Incumbents and Democrats
Voters largely opted to re-elect their mayors on Tuesday -- even those under ethical clouds. In several midsized cities, though, Republican incumbents lost to Democrats.
Democrats Win Both Races for Governor
The party unexpectedly won Virginia with a comfortable margin and flipped the seat now held by Republican Chris Christie in New Jersey. But the question remains: What does that mean for 2018?
This Could Be the Most Expensive State Legislative Race in History. Here’s Why It’s a Waste of Money.
The teachers union in New Jersey is spending big to unseat the state Senate president.
The Big Cities That Could Elect a New Mayor in November
Incumbent mayors are at risk of losing in several big cities. Meanwhile, some voters might elect their first woman or black woman to lead city hall.
The City Preparing for Climate Change Without Ever Saying the Words
Tulsa, Okla., a conservative oil town, serves as an example of how places can overcome politics to prevent damage and save lives.
One State’s Crusade to Limit Campaign Contributions Could Have Nationwide Repercussions
Should Montana have to prove corruption to limit campaign contributions?
In a Sea of Blue, California GOP Wants Leaders Who Stay True to Their Colors
The state’s Republican party recently ousted its leader for working with Democrats. Is that hardline strategy effective?
Denver Turns to P3s to Manage a Major Function
Some local leaders are nervous about public-private partnerships.
The Arcane Question That Will Decide the Fate of Florida's Supreme Court
Three of them must retire on the same day Gov. Rick Scott’s term ends. But no one knows who’s replacing them yet -- Scott or his successor?
Why Attempts to Recall State Lawmakers Are Rare
Republicans are trying to get Democrats in California and Nevada thrown out of office. Most recall elections, though, are only successful at the local level.
The Local Ballot Measures Worth Watching in November
Voters will weigh in on marijuana, pre-K and taxes next month.
Democrats Have Reasons to Worry About the November Elections
The party will likely gain power in New Jersey next month, but holding onto the governor's office in Virginia is proving more challenging.
The Paradox of Progress Underscores Atlanta Mayor’s Race
Things are looking up right now in the city. Well, at least part of it. That inequality will impact the city’s upcoming election and be the biggest issue facing its next leader.
Why Can’t Seattle Find a Mayor It Likes?
Ed Murray’s resignation represents a trend: Unlike most big cities, mayors there tend to last one term -- or less.
The Man Behind Texans’ Unique Defense Plan Against Tax Increases
Art Martinez de Vara created the first "defensive city." Today, there are a string of them.
Barbershop Fiasco Inspires Call for Cutting ‘Silly’ Regulations
Most states have outdated laws. In New Hampshire, a rule about which businesses can use red, white and blue paint has spurred a backlash against such red tape.
Indictment? What Indictment? Criminal Case Has Little Impact on Texas AG
Ken Paxton is the state’s latest official to seemingly survive a political scandal.
Consolidation Makes Sense, Yet Few Cities Have the Urge to Merge
It's an issue that's playing out right now in St. Louis County.
As Protests Escalate Under Trump, States Seek New Ways to Deter Them
Stricter rules and penalties for protesting are being considered in nearly half the states.
Will the U.S. Supreme Court Take a Stand Against Partisan Gerrymandering?
Past rulings have "made politicians think there are no boundaries around what they can do." A Wisconsin case may lead to some limits.
How Did America's Richest State Become Such a Fiscal Mess?
Connecticut is home to many wealthy residents. Its state government, on the other hand, is feeling the consequences of what some call "two decades of bad decisions."
Some States Are Treating Others Like Foreign Countries
Several ban their employees from traveling to other states for work because of policies they deem discriminatory.
To Wipe Out Corruption, Look to Philadelphia
The city went almost a decade without a single corruption scandal. What's its secret?
What’s ‘Proportional Voting,’ and Why Is It Making a Comeback?
Most U.S. cities abandoned it in the mid-20th century.
Divided Yet Productive: How Colorado Had a Gridlock-Free Year
The state’s split legislature passed more than 400 bills, some of which address longstanding issues.
A Third Party Pops Up in a One-Party State
The 2016 election may have opened the door for third parties. This is most apparent in Utah.
The New Strategy for Limiting Money's Role in Elections
The dream of eliminating the influence of large, private donors from the election equation is pretty much dead. Now campaign finance reformers are shifting their focus.
Term Limits Could Hurt Republicans in 2018
Twice as many Republicans can't run again for state legislative office. That could help Democrats, but how much?
Work for Us – Or Else: The Rise of Noncompete Contracts
It's now common, even for lower-paying jobs, to make employees pledge their loyalty to companies. Some states are stepping in to stop the corporate abuse.
What Happens When the Attorney General Refuses to Defend a Law?
In lawsuits involving high-profile partisan issues, some state AGs choose to sit out.
In Minneapolis, Liberal Isn’t Good Enough for the Left
“The Trump dystopia is clearly motivating people to do something, and at the local level that means running for office, even against your own party.”
Don Willett’s Lone Star Legal Show
The Texas Supreme Court justice is witty and approachable, and he's huge on Twitter. He's also one of the most influential conservative jurists in the country right now.
In State Budget Talks, Governors Play Hardball
Some negotiations have become so heated that legislatures have taken their fight to the courts.
Are ‘Blue Lives Matter’ Laws Just Symbolic?
Critics say laws that treat attacks against police officers as a hate crime are unnecessary and hard to enforce.
State Election Officials Fear Feds Are Making Security Worse
Secretaries of state are concerned about not just the federal government's request for voter information but also the information they're not getting about election security breaches.
California’s Tax Board of Confusion
The state has more tax agencies than most -- and one in particular is badly mismanaged.
In Chicago, There's Pork on the Infrastructure Menu
Aldermen choose how to use infrastructure dollars from a preapproved list of projects. The result: A big spending gap between neighborhoods.
Jailhouses Experiment With Ways to Lock Less People Up
Among the places testing new ways to keep low-risk offenders out of jail, Charleston, S.C., stands out.
Why’s Pennsylvania's Lt. Governor Behaving So Badly?
Mike Stack is under investigation by the state’s inspector general. The results could impact the 2018 election.
Andrew Cuomo Is One of the Most Progressive Governors. (So Why Don't Liberals Like Him?)
From education to gay rights, New York's governor has racked up a long list of liberal accomplishments.
How a Community Copes at the Center of a Media Storm
When a gunman allegedly shot five people at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va., his actions also impacted his hometown in Illinois.
Congressional Shooting Highlights Rise of Violence in Politics
Wednesday's shooting during a congressional baseball practice is the latest example of the increased violence -- both threatened and real -- that is seeping into America's political process.
How a Far Left Candidate Won in a Deep Red State
The new mayor of Jackson, Miss., may offer striking evidence of a nationwide trend.
The Next Cities That Might Remove Confederate Monuments
St. Louis and Baltimore have joined the ranks of cities thinking about taking them down. Meanwhile, a countermovement is growing in state legislatures.
Firefighters' Clout Can Make Them Politically Untouchable
Their heroic image is a political asset -- one that makes changes to the profession difficult.
Missouri's Eric Greitens Is Governing in the Dark
Between gag orders and secret funds, the governor isn't living up to his campaign promise of transparency.
School Choice Debate Pits DeVos vs. Denver
The education secretary's complaints about the city's schools highlight one of her biggest priorities -- and one of her biggest battles.
With Governors Races Now Set, Virginia and New Jersey Shift Focus to November
Republicans currently enjoy a 2-to-1 lead among governors, but Democrats hope to start chipping away at that advantage this fall.
How Hard Is It to Clean a Greenhouse?
Apparently very. Missouri’s Botanical Gardens just got its first power-washing since it was built in 1988.
This Is What Happens When a Nuclear Plant Shuts Down
Plans to close an infamous plant were just announced. Such closures can be devastating for local economies -- even more so than when mining and manufacturing ceases to exist in a town.
Democratic Norms Are Under Attack, and Not Just by Trump
Like the president, state politicians are playing by new rules and openly trying to undermine critics who threaten their power -- whether they're lawmakers, reporters or voters.
As Democrats Seek to Rebuild, Progressives Push to the Left
Parties learn from losing, not winning. The lesson many progressives have drawn from Democratic defeats in 2016 is that the party needs to more fully embrace liberal policies and candidates.
No Politics Is Local: How America's Culture War Consumed Omaha's Race for Mayor
In what's expected to be a close election on Tuesday, major national figures have joined the campaign trail, sometimes bringing controversy over social issues with them.
How the Rapper Pitbull Has Divided Florida's Top Politicians
The recent feud between the governor and the state's House speaker began over a tourism ad. But it goes much deeper than that.
Is Jail a Fair Punishment for Skipping Bus Fare?
In Portland, Ore., people were being locked up for the offense often -- African-Americans disproportionately so.
No Help From Noah: The County That Banked on a Religious Theme Park to Solve Its Money Problems
Facing bankruptcy, Grant County, Ky., invested in the park hoping for a new revenue source. But cash has yet to start flooding in.
In Indiana, Governors Push for More Control Over Education
Mike Pence tried first. Now Gov. Eric Holcomb is attempting to make the superintendent a gubernatorial appointment, leaving voters with little say over schools.
A New Way to Spot Partisan Gerrymandering
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on racial gerrymandering Monday, but judges still can't agree on what partisan gerrymandering looks like. Social scientists may be able to help.
U.S. Universities Fear Losing International Students
Students from abroad have become a rich revenue source for many state colleges and their towns. What happens if the Trump administration's anti-immigration sentiment and policies drive them away?
Let Me Take a Selfie: The Art of Balancing Politicians' Time With Never-Ending Photo Requests
All those snaps can take a lot of time out of an elected official's busy schedule.
Scott Walker Is a Top Target for Democrats. So Why Can't They Find Someone to Run Against Him?
A lack of serious gubernatorial candidates could be a problem for Democrats not just in Wisconsin but other states where the party is hoping to make gains next year.
Why It Took Alabama's Governor So Long to Resign
The news of Robert Bentley's affair with one of his aides broke more than a year ago. But both the governor and his party had reasons for him to stay in office.
The Golden Infrastructure Opportunity That Government Missed
States had a cheaper option for investing in infrastructure, but they didn't take it. Now, they must pay the price.
Welfare Reform Offers a Window Into Block-Granting Medicaid
Republicans want to do with health care what they already did with cash assistance for the poor. There are lessons to be learned.
Deficit in Dallas: How One of the Fastest-Growing U.S. Cities Ended Up With Billions in Debt
The city has created a huge problem for itself -- one so big that bankruptcy isn’t off the table.
Unlikely Political Allies: Urban Democrats and GOP Governors
When it comes to certain issues, they put pragmatism before politics.
Law and the New Order: A Fresh Wave of District Attorneys Is Redefining Justice
Cities and counties across the country recently elected reform-minded DAs who are taking a more strategic approach to prosecutors' typical tough-on-crime policies.
Can Democrats Channel Anti-Trump Anger Into Votes at the State Level?
The party is hoping to regain seats it lost during the Obama years. Democrats say there are already signs of change, but Republicans argue there's no proof of that yet.
Trump's Speech Short on Domestic Policy Specifics
In his first joint address to Congress, the president talked a lot about improving infrastructure and health care but offered virtually no new details about how.
Why Cooperation May Be to Blame for America's Polarized Politics
It’s time for a history lesson.
The Story Behind George Lucas' Museum Wars With Cities
After fighting his own battle over where to house his Star Wars stuff, he let the cities duke it out.
Should Lawyers Police Themselves? In Most States, They Do.
But the days of having lawyers regulate their own conduct are numbered in California. The question now is whether that will prompt others to end the controversial practice.
Different Party, Same People: The Virtue of Political Holdovers
Two new governors have surprised their states by keeping many of the previous administrations' cabinet members.
Are South Carolina Voters Too Tolerant of Corruption?
The state’s lawmakers have a history of ethics and legal problems -- yet their constituents don’t seem to care.
Is the GOP's Tea Party Over?
Arizona was the poster child for Tea Party politics. Now the state's Republican leaders are focusing instead on core establishment issues. The shift there could signal what's to come across the country.
Senate Control Up for Grabs in 3 States' Special Elections
As voters head to the polls in Connecticut, Delaware and Washington, Democrats are hoping to ride some voters' discontent with President Trump to victory.
Despite Union Resistance, Right-to-Work Momentum Is Growing
Several states have already passed right-to-work laws this year -- and their reach may finally expand into the Northeast.
Will Trump Inspire More Celebrities to Seek Office?
Republicans in one state are already gearing up for an NFL star to run for governor.
Fracking Presents Big Problems That Towns Have Little Authority to Fix
Almost every time localities attempt to regulate the oil industry, courts or legislatures stop them.
Low Pay and Time Away Drive Some Lawmakers to Call It Quits
Several state legislators recently resigned, saying they want to spend more time with their families -- and they seem to mean it.
Don't Like the Ballot Measure Voters Approved? Just Ignore It, Some Lawmakers Say.
In state capitals around the country, lawmakers are trying to block voter-approved policies. Critics say it's "lawlessness" that represents the new political climate.
'Sanctuary Cities' Just the Start of Mayors' Opposition to Trump
The president's war on progressive policies presents a dilemma for almost every big-city mayor in America. But attacking urban areas also carries big risks for the president.
Will Trump Kill Criminal Justice Reform’s Momentum?
It’s become a rare, bipartisan issue. But if the president's campaign rhetoric is any indication, the window of opportunity for change may have closed.
Thanks to Trump, 2 States Are Getting New Governors
As Gov. Nikki Haley heads off to work in the Trump administration, South Carolina could see some real political change.
To Battle Trump, State Democrats Will Use GOP’s Own Tactics
Democrats are preparing to fight the new administration's policies like Trump's pick to lead the EPA fought Obama's: with lawsuit after lawsuit. But can Democratic AGs make a difference with their diminished numbers?
In Legal Fight Against U.S. Towns, Muslims May Lose Major Ally
The Justice Department has sued several municipalities for blocking mosques and Islamic schools from being built. But the future of those lawsuits under a Trump administration is unclear.
Bad Budget News? Some States Just Bury It.
Observers say Kansas is trying to “end bad economic news by not reporting it.” It’s not the only state being accused of hindering transparency.
New York Voters Reject Chance to Rewrite State Constitution
Once every 20 years, the state’s citizens get the opportunity to overhaul government. Voters rejected the idea again on Tuesday.
The Democrats’ Geography Problem
An overwhelming share of their voters live in metropolitan areas. Will their appeal ever expand beyond?
Is a New Battle Brewing Over Soda Taxes?
As more cities start taxing sugary beverages, the industry may turn to new allies to block them.
America’s One and Only City Council Run by Libertarians
In a Minnesota suburb, libertarians are making a lot of changes people might expect. But not everyone is happy.
In Trump’s America, GOP States Proceed Cautiously Optimistic
With the most power over U.S. government that any party has had in decades, Republicans have hit the jackpot. The new administration will embolden states’ rights, but it could also create problems for them.
Gov. John Bel Edwards Wants Payback, Louisiana-Style
In the latest chapter of his feud with the state’s attorney general, Edwards is taking on the oil and gas industry -- but with some controversial allies.
With Little Warning, Maine Governor Overhauls Public Health
Paul LePage’s abrupt decision left lawmakers and public health workers with unanswered questions as they struggle to battle a drug epidemic.
In Life After Coal, Appalachia Attempts to Reinvent Itself
The decline of the mining industry started long before the Obama administration and will likely continue even with Trump in the White House. That's why local leaders are starting to diversify their economies and prepare their people for an uncertain future.
Tragedy Reshapes Mayor’s Race in Baton Rouge
Whoever wins this month faces the tough job of uniting and rebuilding a community that’s still hurting from deadly police shootings and floods.
Will Florida Ever Strike a Deal on Workers’ Comp?
With the state's law in limbo and so many players at the table -- employers, unions, insurers, attorneys and lawmakers -- it will be hard to reach an agreement.
Why Being a University President Isn’t a Stable Job Anymore
Their resignations, once rare, have seemingly become a frequent occurrence.
Political Segregation Is Growing and 'We're Living With the Consequences'
Author Bill Bishop, who has spent years studying America's urban-rural divide, discusses what it means for politics and progress.
With Control of More States, Conservatives Plan Their Course
Republicans in many states are now free to pursue their agendas on taxes, labor and social policies without Democrats standing in the way.
Republicans Add to Their Dominance of State Legislatures
The GOP successfully defended its majorities in most chambers and also picked up chambers in Kentucky and Iowa, giving the party full control of those states.
Liberals Win a Few Victories at the Local Level
Despite the Trump tide, voters at the local level approved new taxes on soda and bond measures for housing and transportation. They also ousted several tough-on-crime prosecutors, as well as Trump ally Joe Arpaio.
Automatic Voter Registration Is Spreading. How Will That Impact Turnout in Future Elections?
Alaska is the latest state to adopt a system in which residents will be automatically registered to vote.
With Independents on the Rise, Colorado Changes Its Election Rules
Voters in the state approved ballot measures that would, among other things, let unaffiliated voters participate in primaries.
Legislative Races Offer Democrats Opportunities to Grow
Democrats have lost control of 20 legislative chambers since Barack Obama took office. But with the president's help, they should gain some back on Tuesday.
In New England, 2 Blue States May Go Red for Governor
New Hampshire and Vermont, one of Hillary Clinton's strongest states, are the GOP's best chances to increase their gubernatorial numbers this year.
Why Politicians Shouldn’t Sweat the Primaries
It’s nearly impossible for incumbents to lose a primary. So when they do get the boot, what happened?
The End of Private Prisons in America? Not So Fast.
The federal government is closing them, but that doesn’t mean states will.
This Nonprofit Is Funding Good Ideas From People, Not Big Organizations
It’s part of a new philanthropic approach to improving neighborhoods.
A Symbol of Government Failure Gets a Second Chance
The site of a long-gone but still-criticized public housing complex in St. Louis is being redeveloped. Will history repeat itself?
Election Brings Change to How Minnesota Lawmakers Are Paid
Like most state legislators in America, Minnesota's were in charge of their own pay -- and yet, they haven't had a raise in 20 years.
In Red-State Races for Governor, Democrats Could Score Wins
Democrats have a chance at winning in five states that voted against Barack Obama in 2012.
Voters in 4 States Limit Money's Role in U.S. Politics
They took steps to repeal the Citizens United ruling, limit campaign contribution limits and create publicly financed elections.
Voters Make Missouri a Voter ID State
GOP lawmakers in the state have been trying to pass a voter ID law for a decade. They finally got their way.
How Many Republicans Will Trump Take Down With Him?
Donald Trump has divided the GOP. Democrats are hoping to use that as an opportunity to rebuild their ranks in state legislatures.
The Week in Politics: Tracing a Prosecutor's Downfall, Corruption in the East and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
How Unregulated Dark Money Is Reshaping State Politics
Several governors are using nonprofits to get themselves elected and promote their agendas once in office -- without ever having to disclose where the money came from.
The Political Blood Feud in the Bluegrass
Rarely do politicians quarrel as openly as Kentucky’s governor and attorney general. Family ties may have something to do with it.
Phoenix’s Ambitious Plan to Beat the Desert Heat
In just over a decade, officials want to cover a quarter of the city in shade.
From Hundreds to Thousands of Inspections: How Pittsburgh Is Winning the Permit Game
It was once practically impossible to get a building inspected in the city. Now it’s easier than ever.
How Old Is Too Old to Be a Judge? Voters in 4 States Got to Decide.
Voters generally agreed to raise the age limits -- but not do away with them altogether.
Amid Governor's Scandal, Alabamians Clarify Impeachment Rules
A constitutional tweak became embroiled in talk of impeachment, misuse of funds and an alleged affair by Gov. Robert Bentley.
Will the Least Popular Governors Hurt Their Parties in November?
Many lawmakers up for re-election are distancing themselves from their unpopular executive leader. But that may not be enough to win.
Overworked and Underfunded, Public Defenders See Some Light
Poor criminal defendants rarely get an attorney who has time to adequately defend them. Some states, spurred by lawsuits, are starting to address the issue.
Maine Becomes First State to Adopt a Whole New Way of Voting
Unhappy with the results of their past elections, Mainers have opted for ranked-choice voting. It could lead to more civilized politics but lower voter turnout.
The Week in Politics: Highlights From the Last 4 State Primaries of 2016
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: New Hampshire's Unpredictable Governor's Race, a Mayor in Trouble and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: Cranky Governors' Voicemails and Surprisingly Close Primary Races
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Governors Refuse to Stay on Sidelines for Legislative Races
Several Republican governors have actively campaigned against lawmakers in their own party this year -- in most cases, only to see their efforts backfire.
State AGs Are Increasingly Powerful -- and Partisan
The controversy surrounding Trump University showcases some of the sticky political situations that many attorneys general have been getting themselves in.
Texas Governor Leads Push to Rewrite the U.S. Constitution
Even if Greg Abbott spurs a national constitutional convention, there are many unanswered questions surrounding such an event.
D.C. Inches Closer to Becoming the 51st State
The plan to achieve statehood easily won voters' support on Tuesday. But will it win the support of Congress?
New Minimum-Wage Laws Apply to More Industries
Exempting certain types of workers from raises is becoming a thing of the past.
The Week in Politics: Indiana's Tight Governor's Race, Election Law Rulings and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: The Upside of Low Voter Turnout, Incumbent Lawmaker Losses and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: Longtime Legislators Lose, Politicians Run Into Legal Problems and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Can Democrats Be Too Liberal, Even for Vermont?
In one of the country's bluest states, a Republican may be the next governor.
The Week in Politics: Missouri's Record-Breaking Primary, Democrats Lose a Long-Held Office in Washington and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Why Voter ID Laws Are Losing Judges' Support
In one week, federal courts struck down such laws in four states, marking a significant shift in the legal battle over voting rules.
State Budgets’ Forecast: Cloudy With a Chance of Transparency
In an era of tight budgets and slow revenue growth, there’s pressure on legislators to be open and honest about what states can and can’t afford.
Civil Forfeiture Laws Pit Police Versus Everybody Else
Conservatives and liberals are teaming up to restrict or ban the laws that let officers seize billions of dollars a year from people who haven’t been convicted or, sometimes, even charged with a crime.
1 Day, 2 Firings, No Explanations
The Atlanta mayor’s recent and abrupt termination of two agency leaders left many shocked.
Even the Giants Are Complaining About San Francisco Real Estate
The Major League Baseball team wants a big break on property taxes. Will they win?
The GOP’s Hispanic Problem
Republicans have been losing the key demographics’ support since 2000. Democrats hope Donald Trump will keep that trend going.
Can Counties Fix Rural America's Endless Recession?
The inability of most rural places to recover from the economic downturn is fueling political and social problems around the nation.
The Week in Politics: Governors' Campaign Finance Problems, Oldest Legislator Ousted and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Do Governors Make Better Vice Presidents?
Governors are rarely VP picks, yet Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump both selected one for the increasingly powerful office.
The Week in Politics: Picking Pence's Successor and a Blow to Voting Restrictions
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
What a Pence-Trump Ticket Means
There are implications not only for the presidential race but the Indiana governor's election as well.
The Week in Politics: What a Pence-Trump Ticket Would Mean and a Rare Example of Moderates
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Why Rural America Is Increasingly Red
In recent years, more rural voters have flocked to the GOP -- a trend that will likely impact this year's governors races.
Abolishing Civil Service: Reform or Cronyism?
Whether Wisconsin's approach makes hiring for government jobs more efficient -- or simply politicizes it -- will influence if and how other states revisit their civil service systems.
Politicians Focus Business Incentives on Catching the Big Fish
Most states are low on cash, but they’re still willing to spend to attract top-shelf companies like Tesla.
The City Where Mayors Still Run the Show
Of all American towns, Baltimore gives its mayors some of the most control. Some hate that, yet attempts to change it have failed.
The Week in Politics: Utah Governor's Big Win, Teachers' Legislative Takeover Attempt and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
What Trump Means for State and Local Races
Donald Trump and this year’s bizarre presidential race will affect elections all over the country. What’s not clear is how.
In Wake of McDonnell Ruling, What Counts as Corruption?
Politicians can do a lot of favors for people, so long as they don't cross over the legal line. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision means that line has to be drawn quite clearly.
Bob McDonnell and the Illusion of Ethics Reform
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned former Gov. Bob McDonnell's corruption conviction on Monday. Before that, the case led Virginia lawmakers to set stricter ethics rules -- or so it seemed.
The Week in Politics: GOP Governors Lose Allies, Novice Pulls Off Stunning Upset and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
A Midwest Test of Voters' Tolerance for the Establishment
In the GOP primary on Tuesday, a Donald Trump-supporting businessman has a chance of beating a career politician in the North Dakota governor's race.
The Week in Politics: Where Conservatives Lost (and Gained) Ground and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Why a Well-Liked Governor Faces a Tough Election
Even with high approval ratings and a strong state economy, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has to fight hard to keep his job this year.
The Week in Politics: Dems' Fightin' Words, Plus How Term Limits May Actually Help Incumbents
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Why Mixing Business With Politics Is Becoming More Popular
Taking a stance can not only benefit a cause but also a company.
Uncontested Legislative Races Are Becoming More Common
Some say political parties are missing opportunities to boost their numbers. But others argue quality is more important than quantity.
Why States’ Tax-Cut Fever Has Subsided
After watching tax-slashing states struggle financially, some governors and legislators have stopped calling for cuts. But that doesn’t mean they won’t start again.
A School Construction Mess Proves Money Doesn’t Solve Everything
Despite $1 billion worth of investment, San Diego’s school buildings are still in disrepair.
The Death Penalty’s New Skeptics
In states across the country, conservatives are starting to question the cost and legality of capital punishment.
The Week in Politics: Dems' Voting Guy Gets Busy, Mayors Ousted and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
LGBT Battle Underscores the Powerlessness of Being Governor in North Carolina
The real power lies with the state’s increasingly conservative legislature, which may be hurting Gov. Pat McCrory’s chances of re-election in November.
Something Is Rotten in the State of Alabama
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard is going on trial this week for corruption charges. He's just one of the state's many top government officials facing legal or ethics scandals.
The Week in Politics: Passing the Tab for Special Elections, Changing Campaign Finance Laws and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: A $50 Million High School Stadium, an Assault Victim's Victory and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Does Size Matter? The Latest Battle Over State Supreme Courts
Over the past decade, legislators in several states have sought to expand or reduce the number of justices on their highest courts. In some cases, they admit their intent to tilt the ideological balance.
The Week in Politics: GOP Governors' Best Chance to Grow, What Rematches Mean for Democrats and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Why Is Public Corruption So Common in South Texas?
In Crystal City, nearly every public official is facing criminal charges. But it’s not the region’s only place plagued by corruption.
Has School Choice Been All It Set Out to Be?
As the movement slows, policymakers have the opportunity to explore whether school choice has improved education overall.
Turning Black Lives Matter Protests Into Policy
A bipartisan group of public officials, called the 20/20 Club, is working to translate the energy of the movement into meaningful legislation on law enforcement and criminal justice.
Losing Control in Legislatures, Democrats Shift Focus to Ballots
To further their causes, Democrats are bypassing lawmakers and turning to voters.
Free Community College Gets Financial Aid From White House
Congress rejected the president's proposal for tuition-free community college, so his administration is instead helping regions launch the program themselves.
The Week in Politics: New York Senate in Play, Baltimore Mayor's Race and Political Feuding in Kentucky
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: The GOP Goes for More Legislative Seats, de Blasio's Bad Week and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Bathrooms and the Bible: The Latest Front in States' Culture Wars
Debates over LGBT rights have helped define differences between red and blue states.
The Week in Politics: A Bipartisan Approach to Voter Registration and the Latest Election Results
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Traditional Redistricting Methods
The justices unanimously rejected a challenge to the way Texas -- and every other state -- draws its legislative lines. They did, however, leave one question unsettled.
The Week in Politics: Legislatures Take On Minimum Wage, Legal Scandals in the South and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Window for Criminal Justice Reform Closing in Congress
It’s one of the few issues with bipartisan support in Washington. But for several reasons, the chances for change this year are dwindling.
What Well-Liked Governors Have in Common
Many of the governors with the highest approval ratings were elected on the other party’s turf.
Beyond North Carolina's LGBT Battle: States' War on Cities
North Carolina's fight over LGBT protections is part of a larger recent shift in political dynamics: States are thwarting local laws any chance they get -- while simultaneously complaining about federal intrusion on their own.
The Week in Politics: A Governor's Alleged Affair, Trump Troubles and the State of Redistricting
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: Democrats Preserve Remaining Power in South, While State Parties Keep Losing It
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Remembering Rubio's Record as Florida House Speaker
His tenure was marked with disappointment, embarrassment and little to brag about. But his anti-tax stance helped him politically.
The Week in Politics: Super Tuesday Results You May Have Missed
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Lieutenant Governors: On the Rise and Out the Door
With more qualified people in the position, the job is becoming more of a stepping stone to higher office.
'It Should Be on HBO Boxing': New York's Biggest Political Rivalry
New York governors and mayors have often squabbled, but no one can remember a time when relations were worse -- and costing New York City so much.
The Rise of the Rich Governor
More than half a dozen governors are worth more than $100 million, worrying many about the influence of money on state politics.
Stuck in a State of Disarray, Maine Politics Stand Still
Divided government is always challenging, but what's happening in Maine right now -- where Gov. Paul LePage and the legislature are barely on speaking terms -- is an exercise in extreme political hostility.
The Week in Politics: Scalia Battle Mirrors State Court Fights, Ferguson Makes History and More
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Right-to-Work Laws Top Republican Wish Lists
With the recent addition of West Virginia, a majority of states now make it harder for unions to collect dues. More could soon be added to the list.
The Week in Politics: Democrats Struggle in Coal Country, Christie Struggles at Home
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: Top Officials at Risk and Unresolved 2016 Election Maps
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
Gas Tax Increases Still a Hard Sell in States and Congress
Just as proposals to increase gas taxes to pay for roads have failed in most states, Obama's latest pitch to tax oil companies is likely dead on arrival.
The Week in Politics: State Legislative Race Predictions, a New Voter Registration Rule and Campaign Problems
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
What Would Happen If America Made Voting Mandatory?
Dozens of other countries force their citizens to participate in elections.
Too Many Chiefs? Chief Bike Officer Is the Latest Addition
Despite their important-sounding titles, many of the growing number of “chiefs” in government don't have much actual authority.
The Week in Politics: What to Watch in the Caucuses, Voter ID on Trial and Budget Blame
The most important election news and political dynamics at the state and local levels.
The Week in Politics: Flint Fallout, Corruption in Court and One State's New Supermajority
The most important election news and political dynamics impacting states and localities.
Milwaukee's Problems Leave Longtime Mayor Vulnerable
Most of the city's problems, the mayor argues, are out of his control. Will voters blame and oust him anyways?
SOTU Pushes Nikki Haley's Spotty Record Into the Spotlight
The South Carolina governor has been selected to give the GOP's response to the State of the Union. Despite her popularity, she struggles to lead her own state.
Love Urban Planning and Board Games? This Is For You.
Called Cards Against Urbanity, the game is a twist on the popular and politically incorrect Cards Against Humanity.
Breaking Down the 2016 Governors Races
Republicans could strengthen their power in many states this year, but Democrats only have realistic chances in two.
Iowa’s Perennial Power Player
Republicans have the governorship and the state House in Iowa, but Democrats have Mike Gronstal, who adheres to the old-fashioned sense that voters elect politicians to work on policy before retreating to their respective partisan corners.
When Politicians Behaved Badly Around Kids This Year
From proposing Planned Parenthood mascots to silencing 10-year-old advocates, lawmakers weren't always on their best behavior around the children.
Can New Mexico Break Its Cycle of Corruption?
The conviction and incarceration of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran is the latest in a long history of scandals. Lawmakers are pushing ethics reforms, but some doubt change will come.
Will Peer Pressure Prevail in the Push to Let Young Teens Vote?
A few cities recently lowered the voting age to 16 for local elections. The idea has been debated for years but now appears to have some momentum.
Terry Branstad Breaks Record for Longest-Serving U.S. Governor
The Iowa Republican, who's been in office through three economic downturns, surpasses the 18th-century governor who previously held the title.
In Test of Houston's Liberalism, Democrat Wins Mayor's Race
Last month, voters in America's fourth biggest city rejected a gay rights law. This month, they elected a new mayor dedicated to expanding government services.
Campaign Spending’s Gray Areas Getting Politicians in Trouble
High-level officials around the country have recently been caught misusing their campaign funds.
Is Bigger and Better Always the Best for Suburbia?
Old houses are being torn down and replaced in suburbs all over the country. But not everyone, especially the people being priced out of once-affordable neighborhoods, is happy seeing the past obliterated.
The Waning Power of State Political Parties
They’re far from irrelevant, but campaign financing laws have hurt their influence.
Louisiana Governor's Race Tightens in Final Days
The election has been less about issues and more about personalities -- but not always the candidates'.
The End of Political Polling?
The Kentucky governor's race is just the latest example of how election polls have become less accurate, more expensive and harder to gauge public opinion.
How People Voted on Local Ballot Measures Across the Country
Social conservatives hailed the rejection of a gay rights measure in Houston. But progressives were able to claim victory elsewhere.
Democrats, Women and LGBT Win Big in Mayoral Races
Most incumbents won re-election, while several cities elected their first female or openly gay mayors.
Democrats' Waning Power in the South Weakens More
The Republican businessman will succeed term-limited Democrat Steve Beshear, weakening the Democrats' power in one of the last Southern states where they still have some.
How One City Is Increasing Diversity in Politics
Seattle is largely run by older white men, but changes in the city's election law will likely make its politicians more representative of the people.
Welcome to Jobs Inc., Where States Have Little Say
Several states have decided the way to juice up economic development is to turn it over to a corporation outside the government bureaucracy. Is it working?
The State Where Women Take the Lead
Oregon has long had more women in top political positions than practically any other state. There may be several reasons why.
States Are Putting the Brakes on Driver’s Ed
Over the last decade, many have stopped funding it. Are the roads more dangerous?
How Bathrooms Became a Political Battleground
As rights for transgender people are debated across the country, a surprising amount of attention is on where they can go to the bathroom.
Which States Could Adopt Automatic Voter Registration Next?
Several states may soon follow California and Oregon's lead, but almost all of them are Democratic-led.
The Nation's Closest Race for Governor
In Kentucky, one of the few Southern states where Democrats still hold power, it's a tossup between a Republican businessman appealing to religious conservatives and a Democratic AG distancing himself from Obama.
From Campaign Finance to Pot, Progressives Look to Local Voters
Giving up on the gridlock at the federal and state levels, progressives are turning their attention to local ballots to get their ideas passed. But policies that sell well in cities won't always work statewide.
The Most Important Mayoral Races of 2015
Most incumbents are safe bets for re-election, but races remain unpredictable in several big cities.
Climate Change Fight Gets Cash From the Right
One conservative billionaire wants to convince his fellow Republicans to believe in climate change. Can his money make a difference?
Nevada Shines Light Onto America's Future
Rocked by heavy immigration and demographic change, Nevada must retool its government to cope with the new reality. It’s a sign of things to come in the rest of the country.
Why Candidates With No Experience Are Winning Over Voters
The truck driver who won the Democratic bid for Mississippi governor -- without spending a cent -- is the latest in a string of nominees for statewide office who lack any political experience.
GOP Could Sweep 2015 Governors Races
If Republicans do win in every state this year, it could be a bad omen for Democrats in 2016.
Even in One-Party States, Republicans Battle Over Budgets
Some are taking longer than they have in decades to pass a budget. Why can't the GOP work together?
Why Women's Presence in Politics Has Stagnated
Women have held less than 25 percent of all state legislative seats for years. But both parties are trying to recruit more female candidates.
In Thriving Nashville, a Very Negative Race for Mayor
Thursday's election will test the appeal of anti-government populism in a booming Democratic city.
The Governor at War With Both Political Parties
Maine Gov. Paul LePage has become so unpopular with lawmakers that many Democrats and Republicans have united against him. What does that mean for the next three years?
In Politics, Chambers of Commerce Carve Their Niche
The business community has a reputation for being skeptical about public spending and regulations. But on some issues, they're actually government’s strongest ally.
From Marijuana to Gas: Tax Issues on the Ballot in 2015
A rundown of the most important tax-related measures facing voters this November.
The Elections No One Cares About
Turnout in local elections has gotten so low that some places might start practically paying people to vote. But there's a simpler, cheaper way to get more people to the polls.
Missouri Stays Purple While Other States Turn Red
Republicans may have a supermajority in the legislature, but they can't seem to win statewide offices.
The 2015 Race That Could Turn the South a Deeper Red
Republicans want to make Kentucky the next Southern state with a GOP governor. It won't be easy.
Will Raising the Minimum Wage Raise Rents Too?
In some of the country’s most expensive cities to live, economists worry increased incomes will put even more pressure on housing markets.
When Governors Travel, Who Pays?
With so many governors running for president, new attention is being given to how out-of-state political trips are funded.
Jefferson Who? Democrats Are Disowning Their Founders
In several states, the Democratic party is dropping the name of slave-owning presidents from annual fundraising dinners.
If Congress Finally Overhauls Education, Are States Ready?
For the first time in more than a decade, the House and Senate have passed bills to rewrite the No Child Left Behind law and give states more freedom in education.
How the Never-Ending Battle of Redistricting Will Impact 2016
Florida and Virginia (and possibly two other states) have to redraw their unconstitutional voting maps for the 2016 election. Similar legal challenges are only likely to increase in coming years.
Will New Housing Rules Really Reduce Racial Segregation?
After many places failed to enforce parts of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, the feds are trying again. But this time, they're offering agencies more help.
Why So Many Attorneys General Are in Legal Peril
A striking number of current and former state AGs are facing criminal charges or investigations.
Hawaii Raises Smoking Age to 21
Hawaii recently became the first state to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes to 21.
Slain Senator Remembered as 'Moral Conscience' of Legislature
Clementa Pinckney was killed in the Charleston church shooting, but his legislative legacies will live on.
True Believer: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker
Walker has proved to be an effective leader in one of the most polarized states. But how will the conservative governor’s record in Wisconsin translate to a presidential bid?
The Republican Who Helped Elect Obama and Now Wants Montgomery, Alabama, to Elect Him
Former Democratic Congressman Artur Davis is hoping to beat the odds in his hometown.
How Bobby Jindal, a Rising Star, Plummeted Back to Earth
As the Louisiana governor prepares to make his presidential run official on Wednesday, he's struggling to find support at home and nationally.
The Forgotten Governors Trailing the Presidential Pack
The increasingly large Republican field includes several governors (like Jim Gilmore) who are trying to make a comeback after being absent from politics for years.
Divided Legislatures Produce Gridlock, Not Compromise
In most states where Democrats and Republicans split control of the legislative chambers, getting anything done has been a struggle this year. But there is at least one exception.
A Win for Political Compromise
A primary challenge this week sent a message to politicians nationwide about how much freedom they have to step outside party lines.
The Story Behind the Prominent Rise of State AGs
The role of attorney general in states has evolved from policy enforcer to policy creator.
The Tyrannosaurus Rex of State Politics
Billionaire Rex Sinquefield's crusade to control Missouri politics sheds light on the power and limits of money in contemporary American politics.
Why States' Campaign Donation Limits Could Be in Jeopardy
A federal appeals court decided this week that states can only limit campaign contributions if they can somehow prove that they lead to corruption.
Is Kasich Conservative Enough for 2016 Republican Voters?
While other GOP presidential contenders will be touting their conservative policies, Ohio Gov. John Kasich would have to defend his.
Arkansas Cities Defy State Law With LGBT Protections
Local governments are likely headed for legal trouble after taking a stand against the state's new law that blocks them from banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mayor Martin O'Malley Versus Governor Martin O'Malley
Baltimore's unrest has cast a negative spotlight on the probable presidential candidate's tough-on-crime policies as mayor. But as governor, he left a liberal legacy on nearly every front.
In Arkansas, Huckabee Was a Believer in Big Government
Mike Huckabee may be one of the more conservative presidential candidates, but as governor, he expanded government programs and increased taxes.
Tracing Chris Christie's Fall From the Top
Once considered a "master of disaster" and frontrunner in the presidential race, the New Jersey governor is now neither.
The Next Baltimore?
Freddie Gray's death sparked the riots in Baltimore, but they reveal deep systemic problems that plague many American cities.
Government Accountability? GOP Says No Thanks, Wisconsin
Republicans are attacking the state’s ethics board for engaging in partisan witch-hunts, particularly for its investigation of Gov. Scott Walker.
Lawmaking Behind Closed Doors Under Fire in States
As the saga of Hillary Clinton’s emails has shown the world yet again, looking like you might have something to hide immediately arouses suspicion.
Lincoln Chafee's Not-So-Brag-Worthy Record as Governor
To the surprise of many, Lincoln Chafee, the Republican-turned-Independent-turned-Democrat, joined the presidential race Wednesday.
What Not to Do When Asking Voters to Increase Their Taxes
Voters in a wealthy suburb of St. Louis rejected tax increases to fund schools last week.
Rick Perry Runs for Redemption
After stumbling off the stage during his last presidential run and being indicted on criminal charges, Texas’ longest-serving and possibly most influential governor wants to redeem his political career.
Now Seen as Moderate, Jeb Bush Governed Florida Like a 'Conservative Hurricane'
The latest presidential candidate cut government's role and taxes every year he was governor.
Do Protests Impact Whether and How People Vote?
History shows that large-scale protests are no guarantee for change.
Foundation Funds Fresh Ideas for Urban Living
From "houselets" to "regional play days," the Knight Foundation is giving $5 million to people or organizations around the country with new ideas to improve cities.
Patience and Pragmatism Dominate Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s First 100 Days
For the first time in more than a century, Arkansas is completely controlled by Republicans. But the new governor has slowly and deliberately built bipartisanship in the legislature.
Common Core Critics Are Loud But Losing
The nationwide pushback against the education standards hasn't been very successful.
Why Some Lawmakers Want to Abolish the 17th Amendment
Adopted in 1913, it took the job of electing U.S. senators away from state legislatures.
College Cuts Clash With Calls for Better-Educated Workers
At a time when Obama is calling for free community college and governors want better-educated workforces, some states are considering big cuts to higher education.
Why 2016 Voters May Favor Governors Over Senators
With confidence in Congress at an all-time low, governors' distance from D.C. politics could help them win over some voters in the presidential race.
As State Civics Testing Grows, Critics Worry It's Not Enough
Following Arizona's footsteps, states are starting to make students pass the U.S. citizenship test that immigrants take in an effort to create a better-informed citizenry.
Q&A With States’ and Localities’ New Man in D.C.
The head of the White House Office of Governmental Affairs talks about his plans for the job and what to expect on the domestic front during Obama’s remaining time in office.
In Red States, Cities Can’t Win
The lack of urban legislators in Republican states means cities will have their concerns largely ignored or challenged.
Gov. Kitzhaber's Replacement Unlikely to Upend Oregon Politics
After succeeding embattled Gov. John Kitzhaber Wednesday, Democratic Secretary of State Kate Brown is expected to pursue policies in line with her predecessors.
The Perils of Political Spouses
Oregon Gov. Kitzhaber, who's now resigning, is just the latest politician in a controversy involving his significant other -- a phenomenon some say will grow in the era of dual-career households.
Cities Confront Long-Neglected DNA Evidence in Rape Cases
With about 400,000 untested rape kits nationwide, officials at the federal, state and local levels are devoting new attention and money to reducing the backlog.
U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on the Meaning of ‘Legislature’
How it’s defined could impact state election laws from campaign finance to voter ID.
5 Reasons State House Speakers May Be Prone to Corruption
Sheldon Silver, who lost his job as one of the most powerful political posts in New York, is the fourth state house speaker to face legal trouble over the past year.
Obama State of the Union Addresses Domestic Issues
Despite making frequent calls for bipartisanship, President Obama delivered a State of the Union address that was clearly, and unsurprisingly, a call to arms in favor of Democratic priorities.
How Majority Parties Can Lose Leadership Positions in the Legislative 'Game of Thrones'
After winning majorities last fall, Republicans managed to lose leadership elections in New Hampshire and Washington state.
Are Pardons Becoming More Politically Acceptable?
Gubernatorial pardons have been in decline since the 1980s, but that appears to be changing as views evolve on rehabilitation and drug offenses.
How Minorities Can Help America
With the nation's share of Asians and Hispanics expected to double in 40 years, the changes these rising minority groups are making to politics and society are only beginning.
Democrats’ Future Looks Grim
Republicans not only swept the states in the fall, they’ve been building up a team of candidates to climb the political ranks.
Financial Pressures May Table Republicans’ Bold Initiatives
Republicans haven’t had this much power at the state level in almost a century. But budget constraints may temper their appetite for extreme policies in 2015.
Why American Politics Seem More Divisive
In the last few years allegiance to political parties may have gotten stronger, making the work of governing much harder.
Falling Oil Prices Help Consumers, Hurt States
The price of oil has dropped by 40 percent over the past few months. Most oil states have money saved in permanent funds, but the drop in revenues is causing shortfalls already.
California's 'Game of Chicken' over College Tuition
Unlike nearly every other state, California lacks a central board that oversees higher education, pitting political leaders against university administrators. At issue now is a 28 percent tuition hike.
The Governor's Race That Still Isn't Over
Vermont's election was so close that the legislature must decide who wins when it convenes next year. If it's Gov. Shumlin as expected, many question what he can accomplish with so many unpopular programs.
Message to Lawmakers: Say What You Really Think
A new study shows that when legislators make their stance on even controversial issues public, they convince people to join their side.
Why Some Politicians Don’t Win Higher Office
Candidates like Texas Sen. Wendy Davis and Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald are examples of the Peter Principle: They were both successful, but both lost their campaigns for higher office.
Unions Rethink Strategy After Election Losses
Most of the candidates public-sector unions spent time and money supporting this fall were defeated, prompting leaders to question the effectiveness of endorsing any candidates at all.
U.S. Supreme Court to Decide Limits on Race in Gerrymandering
The ruling in two cases challenging Alabama's legislative maps could have an impact on congressional and legislative maps across the country.
What All the GOP Wins Mean for Governors
Democrats hoped to have the upper hand when it came to races for governor. Instead, Republicans pulled off some unexpected victories.
Cities Embrace New Mayors, Liberal Policies
Voters in a number of cities chose new mayors and supported ballot measures that were either green or worker-friendly.
Tom Wolf May Win Pennsylvania Easy, But the Job Won't Be
Pennsylvania's Tom Wolf is sure to become the governor, but he's unlikely to get his way once he's in office.
Will Bipartisanship Bring Down Alaska's Governor?
Republican Sean Parnell expected to be easily re-elected, but the joined forces of Democrats and Independents and his slow response to recent challenges have put him in jeopardy.
City Hall Drama Takes Center Stage in New Play
An interactive show casts theatre-goers as participants in a city council meeting.
The Progress and Promise of Pittsburgh's Turnaround
After years of decline, the city is making gains, and Mayor Bill Peduto’s administration represents a new brand of politics that’s moving into big cities across America.
Why So Many Incumbent Governors Are in Political Peril in 2014
It's likely that more incumbents will lose next week than at any time since 1990.
In Florida Governor’s Race, Attacks Overtake Issues
The race between Gov. Rick Scott and former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has been one of the year's most negative, dominated by personal attacks and enormous advertising budgets.
The Least Predictable Governor's Race in the Country
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who carries clear liabilities on his record, has kept the contest a dead heat by attacking his opponent.
Maine Gov. Paul LePage Hopes to Make History in November
Even though a majority of voters don't want the Republican re-elected, he may become the first U.S. governor elected with less than 40 percent of the vote -- twice.
Recall Survivor Scott Walker Faces Toughest Challenge Yet in November
The Republican governor of Wisconsin survived a recall election two years ago, but recent ethics scandals and attacks on unions may have wrecked his chances for a second term.
Can Obama Carry Dan Malloy across Connecticut's Finish Line?
A poor economy and tax increases in one of the wealthiest states have made the Democratic governor one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the country.
Centrism Hurting Once-Popular Governor's Re-Election Hopes
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper's decisions that once seemed like triumphs or smart compromises have turned off many voters.
Why Massachusetts Might Elect Another Republican Governor
In the bluest of states, Democrat Martha Coakley, best known for failing to win Ted Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat, is polling evenly in this year's race against Republican Charlie Baker.
Sam Brownback Has Made Enemies, May Lose Election
The Kansas governor's policies are starting to look too conservative even for one of the reddest states, giving opponent Paul Davis a slight edge.
With Millions to Give, Foundation Takes Urban-Improvement Ideas from Anyone
The Knight Foundation begins accepting applications for its new Cities Challenge program Wednesday. Unlike other competitive grant programs, anyone can apply.
The Next State to Likely Turn Red
Arkansas' outgoing Democratic governor is one of the most popular governors in the country, but his successor may be a Republican he's already beat.
Rick Snyder Is in Trouble (but May Win Anyway)
The self-proclaimed nerdy governor of Michigan has made some mistakes in the past few months that have turned his re-election race into a dead heat.
Kansas Democrats Seek to Oust Secretary of State Kris Kobach
The politician has long been a lightning rod for Democrats. This fall, they think they have a chance to beat him.
Andrew Cuomo Is Going to Win but Not with the Landslide He Wants
The New York governor is essentially guaranteed to win re-election but not by so much that he can secure his spot as a top contender for president.
From Vacant to Vibrant: Cincinnati’s Urban Transformation
How a lot of money and a little luck brought one of the nation’s most dangerous neighborhoods back to life.
Leadership Lessons from Ferguson
The chaos that erupted after a police officer shot an unarmed black teen showcases the need for strong leadership and how law enforcement can lead best in communities where life is already a daily struggle.
How Millennials Can Make Their Mark on Unions
Younger workers can bring a new energy to organized labor. But if unions want to attract millennials, they’ll have to change some of their ways.
A Conservative Group Goes Local
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is expanding its reach beyond the states to local governments.
Rural Areas Lose People But Not Power
Rural lawmakers are dwindling in number as people continue to migrate to metropolitan areas. But the battle between urban and rural politics is as big as ever -- and those out in the country may be winning.
Politicians’ “Peanut Butter Problem”
Government officials are intensely aware of the political need to spread out resources equally but doing so means there probably won’t be enough to make a major impact anywhere.
Texas’ Next Governor? Meet Greg Abbott
The Attorney General is poised to beat Democrat Wendy Davis in the state's nationally watched and heated governor's race, but most Texans know very little about him.
Corporate Entrepreneurs Are at the Heart of Downtown Revitalizations
Private-sector actors are reshaping the center of some cities in ways local governments no longer have the ability to do themselves.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
What China's Unique Urbanization Can Teach America
Nineteen of the 20 fastest-growing cities in the world last year were in China. For more from Governing's first-ever International Issue, click here.
Newbies Infiltrate State Legislative Chambers
Thanks to term limits and anti-incumbent fervor, half the lawmakers across the country have less than two years’ experience.
The Era of Divided Government is Over
For the first time in a long time, one party holds both the legislature and governorship in 37 states.
States Double Down on Incentives to Woo Companies
In the wake of the recession and the long, slow recovery from it, state and local governments have been even more eager to offer incentives to the few projects they have hopes of landing.
Teachers Rack Up Wins Against Reform Efforts
Education reform ideas that have generally received widespread support are experiencing pushback in the states, including some surprising places.
Rural Areas Lose More Legislative Representation
With fewer state lawmakers representing rural districts, issues important to rural areas may go unheard.
What Did the Stimulus Do for States?
Governing interviewed Time correspondent Michael Grunwald, who argues in his new book that the stimulus has had more influence on domestic policy than any other piece of legislation in decades.
When Governors Don’t Play Nice
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal doesn’t even bother working with the state Legislature. Does it matter?
One of the Most Segregated U.S. Cities Opens the Race Conversation
Cleveland has started a yearlong series of forums on race relations to educate citizens and city leaders.
In Vote-Counting, Human Errors Still Creep In
New York has been reluctant to embrace technology when it comes to counting votes. Could the state’s hesitation be the source for its recent election debacles? For full election coverage, go to Governing's Election Center.
Can You Separate Federal Issues from State Elections?
Many state candidates are asked less about their stance on issues affecting the state and more about federal matters they can do little about.
Transportation Plan? Atlanta Voters Say No Thanks
Voters in the Atlanta region rejected a ballot measure to raise sales taxes by a penny to fund some $6 billion in transportation projects.
Cloud Computing Taxes Up in the Air in States
A dozen states are debating whether they should and how they could tax cloud computing services.
Did Wisconsin End the Recall Wave?
Recalls have been on the rise. But after Gov. Scott Walker survived his election, two other high-profile recall attempts failed in Michigan and California.
More Incumbents Losing Grasp on State Legislature Seats
Voters aren't waiting until November to express their anger. With 14 states still to hold their primary contests, already 135 incumbent state legislators have lost their seats.
Pension Plan Changes Pose Challenges for Lawmakers
Lawmakers have become acutely familiar with the financial challenges caused by pension underfunding, and they're certainly aware of the political difficulties involved in trying to change pension formulas. But the legal hurdles involved in changing pension benefits can be formidable as well.
Counties: An Outdated Concept or the Future?
Hit harder by the economic downturn than either cities or states, counties are feeling pressure from all sides, leading many to reexamine county functions altogether.
Does Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Save Money?
Seven states have enacted drug testing for welfare applicants in an effort to cut costs and combat fraud -- but it’s not clear the move does either.
Los Angeles Transit Needs Taxpayers' Money to Rebuild
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is asking voters to pay a half-cent sales tax longer so he can finish his plans to improve the highway and subway systems quicker.
Social Issues Overshadow Tennessee Legislative Session
Tennessee made a bid (again) to become the nation’s most socially conservative state by voting on bills regarding school prayer, sex education, climate change and abortion.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
The New Black South
After nearly a century of moving north, African-Americans are reshaping cities and suburbs in the South.
Citizens United’s Corporate Candidate
Now that private-sector groups are allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money in state elections, who’s really running for office?
Stockton, California’s Bankruptcy Makes 'Normal' Cities Nervous
Unlike many high-profile bankruptcies, Stockton’s financial woes are the result of many different factors that are not unusual for many localities.
Governors Have 'The Best Job in Politics'
In his new book, political scientist Alan Rosenthal professes that no one gets what they want more than governors. Find out why.
Caucus System Cracks Revealed During 2012 GOP Primary Season
Several states were embarrassed by faulty counts in their caucuses, which are run by political parties rather than by public officials.
Wisconsin Recall Elections Draw Lots of Attention -- and Cash
The recalls of Gov. Scott Walker, his lieutenant and four state senators could top $100 million, but that's just a prelude to the fall when the parties will fight for control of the state House.
GIS Mapping Helps Frogtown, Minnesota Track Neighborhood Data
Residents use geographic info systems to learn more about where they live.
Tuition? UC Riverside Students Say Bill Me Later
A student group called “Fix UC” suggests colleges take a share of each student’s salary for the first 20 years after they graduate.
Kris Kobach Tackles Illegal Immigration
Kansas’ secretary of state is redefining immigration laws not only in his state, but in Arizona and elsewhere.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Downtown Revitalization During a Recovery: Great Idea or Huge Mistake?
Only time will tell if Kansas City’s unusual and possibly risky move will pay off.
Conservatives Question the War on Drugs
Some surprising political figures like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have started questioning how effective U.S. drug policy is.
Elected as a Democrat, Now Governing the City Like a Republican
Some liberal leaders are pursuing a conservative economic agenda.
More State Workers Face Personnel Cuts
With the ballooning cost of benefits, a poor job market and more lean-government advocates in power, states are cutting personnel more than they have in the past.
In Kansas, It’s Conservative GOP vs. Moderate GOP
For years, there have been two kinds of Republicans in the Kansas statehouse: conservatives and moderates. This year, the conservatives want total control.
States Legislate in Response to News Headlines
In the current 24/7 news cycle, scandals often lead to bills in several statehouses.
America’s Least Active City Sits Down to Celebrate
After Lexington, Ky., earned the award for least active city, residents and the mayor took to the streets to boast their win in a Sedentary Parade.
St. Louis Wants to Control Its Own Police Force Again
In the nineteenth century, some states took control of local police forces. Today, St. Louis is the last big city whose force is still under state control.
Governments Abandon Fingerprinting for Food Stamps
Most states and cities stopped requiring that recipients be fingerprinted because it was costly and slowed the application process. New York City and Arizona are the last jurisdictions that still do it.
California’s Money-Saving MVP
If finding ways to save money for a cash-starved state wasn’t enough, California’s Auditor Elaine Howle is adding the task of setting up a new redistricting commission to her to-do list.
Taxing the Rich Isn’t Always a Moneymaker
Several states increased taxes on the wealthy in recent years. The move brought in extra revenue but didn’t solve all of states’ budget problems.
ALEC Enjoys A New Wave of Influence and Criticism
The American Legislative Exchange Council’s conservative ideas are resonating in practically every area of state government. And its opponents aren’t happy about it.
New Headaches for ‘No Child Left Behind’
New NCLB waivers may impact the classroom more than the old law they’re trying to escape did.
What Can Cities Learn from Wasps?
An evolutionary biologist adapts his theories to help local officials plan parks and improve schools.
States Cut Welfare Benefits -- Again
At a time when people need it the most, states are tightening work requirements, lowering payments and setting time limits for welfare recipients.
Can Redistricting Ever Be Fair?
Several states are setting up independent commissions in the hope of removing bias from the line-drawing process.
South Carolina Says It's a 'Great Day'
A new etiquette directive from Gov. Nikki Haley has state employees sounding more chipper.
Should Governments Start Borrowing Again?
The word "borrow" may be taboo still, but one economist says states and localities should take advantage of historic low interest rates.
South Carolina's Ethics Problem
Scandal and corruption have plagued Palmetto State politics for years. Some say it’s because it's virtually a one-party state.
Your Day in Court? Get in Line.
As San Francisco County closes more than a third of its courts, local lawyers are trying to find ways to raise more revenue.
Billionaires in the Classroom
Bill Gates and other philanthropists are reshaping public education policy with private cash. Can they succeed at making schools perform to their liking?
Will Education Cuts Lead to More Lawsuits?
States that are cutting their K-12 budgets by billions of dollars can expect more lawsuits, but they may not have an immediate impact.
Kansas City Businesses Want to End the ‘Economic Border War’
Businesses are tired of jumping across state lines for wasted tax incentives.
Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Are the Unions Winning the Fight?
Governors and mayors say their workers are demanding unsustainable benefits. Union rebuttals are not turning the tide.
Fixing Bridges ... Or Not
The lack of money for bridge repairs is symptomatic of a larger problem: Transportation projects in general are going to slip behind.
States Roll Back Early Voting, Enforce Voter ID Laws
Democrats complain that GOP legislators are seeking to disenfranchise vulnerable groups of voters. Republicans say they're merely protecting the sanctity of the ballot.
Pink Slips Affect the Future of the Teaching Profession
Massive teacher layoffs have led to concerns that young people will shy away from entering the suddenly less-than-secure profession.
Rahm Emanuel Takes on Chicago
Chicago's Richard M. Daley is a tough act to follow. But Rahm Emanuel is determined to make his own mark.
Detroit's Disappearing Population -- and Revenues
With the loss of 25 percent of its residents, Detroit could also lose its ability to levy higher income taxes.
Does the Popular Vote Matter?
While some states offer extra protection for statutes enacted by popular vote, legislatures can still overturn ballot initiatives in most states.
New Governors Time Their Battles
Unpopular governors have good chances of winning re-election -- as long as they push their most controversial policies early on.
States Handing Off More Responsibilities to Cities
States are asking cities to take charge of more programs, but they may not provide enough support.
The Troubled State of Mental Health Funding
States have cut mental health funding by more than $2 billion. Things may get worse this year.
The Immigration Enforcement Divide
Legislators are trying to pass laws requiring immigration checks, but they're running into resistance from the people who would enforce them.
School Vouchers Are In ... Again
Different circumstances and a favorable political climate make school vouchers more attractive than before.
Voters to Decide Fate of Earnings Tax
Two Missouri cities may soon be facing a huge drop in tax collections.
The Increasing Opposition to the New Health-Care Law
Attorneys general in several states are seeking to overturn the federal health-care law.
Christie's Hands-On Approach With Local Government
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is playing an extremely active role in local government affairs.
Thomas Payzant: Longevity Lessons
There are school superintendents who burst on the scene with a dramatic reform agenda, yet prove unable to bring the major constituencies along with them--the unions, the statehouse, the parents.
Disorder in the Court
Attorneys in Illinois probably behave no worse than lawyers anywhere else. The state Supreme Court, though, thinks that they still could afford to learn some manners.
Exit Strategy
One of the classic pick-up lines for those who live near the New Jersey Turnpike is to ask, "What exit?" So perhaps it was inevitable that a city along that highway would try to build some brand recognition around its exit number.
Cheaters by the Dozen
In the San Francisco Bay area, law-breaking motorists have to worry not only about red-light cameras taking pictures of their illegal behavior but also about fellow drivers doing the same.
Pot or Not?
Strange things have been happening at governors' mansions all around the country. Last year, South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges fired the state's prison chief following a widely publicized guards-and-sex scandal that included inmates having sex at the governor's residence while he was away. In the aftermath of that episode, a pair of former South Carolina governors recalled other embarrassing incidents involving trusties and alcohol.
Trade Offs
A growing number of states don't want to be part of free-trade pacts that block their purchasing preferences.
Church Vs. Clock
Child-abuse victims are given many years to press charges. They're saying they need more.
In Wisconsin, Partisan Battles Rule the Legislature
In this January 2010 feature from our archive: State legislatures may not be as partisan as Congress, but they're getting closer.
Local Government and Recall Fever
The printed agenda for meetings of the county board in Monroe County, Wisconsin, always reminds elected supervisors to wear name tags, because "it helps visitors."...
California Voters and the Water Spigot
California has just enacted a huge and enormously complicated package of bills meant to put an end to the state's longstanding water wars. But the...
The Standardizing of Classroom Standards
How well can Johnny add? Right now, states try to answer that question in troublingly disparate ways. According to one recent federal study, a fourth-grade...
Bending the Law on Slots
Gambling interests seeking permission to move into a state like to tell voters that neighboring states are already profiting from casinos and lotteries, so they...
For New York's Mayor, a Surprisingly Narrow Win
As the votes were counted in mayoral races across the country, the biggest shock of the night occurred in a race that turned out just...
Tribal Trouble in Tennessee
Given the limited number of Native Americans, it would be natural to expect that today's tribes would welcome the recognition of any new group with...
The Search for Interstate Cooperation
In desperate budget times, more and more local governments are turning to their neighbors, hoping to save money by sharing services and equipment. This kind...
Disappearing Dues in Kansas
Bankers, barbers and doctors in Kansas, who pay a fee to support the state organizations that monitors their professions, might want to take a close...
A Spending Spree in Kentucky
Like governments everywhere, cities and counties in Kentucky seem to realize that the current budget environment requires them to keep a close watch on spending....
For Louisiana's Governor, Jolts from Washington
No one really thinks of Bobby Jindal and Barack Obama as personal or even political rivals these days. But it seems like at every turn,...
What is the Age of Responsibility?
Justin McNaull grew up in a hurry. By the time he was 23, McNaull had graduated from college, married and gone to work for his local...
Scandals at Home Weaken New Mexico's Governor
When federal officials let it be known that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson would not be indicted in the pay-to-play scandal that cost him a...
In Memphis, a Plea for Regionalism
The mayor of Shelby County, Tennessee, is one of the relatively few local officials in America who regularly conducts business across state lines. As mayor...
Abdicating the Budget Role to the Governor
Legislators in many states this year, faced with huge budget shortfalls and difficult choices, must have been tempted to just sign off on any plan...
New Jersey's 'Non-Operating' School Districts
New Jersey has just 21 counties, but it has more than 600 school districts. Although merging small districts is a problem everywhere, New Jersey's system is so...
A Succession Question
South Carolina is one of the most Republican states in the country, but picking a successor to Governor Mark Sanford is going to be a...
Taming of a Deficit
San Diego just closed an $83 million hole in its budget and is looking at a shortfall conservatively estimated at $115 million next year. For a place...
Mind Your Meters
Parking has gotten worse in Chicago, and many see Mayor Richard Daley's decision to privatize parking meters as the culprit. Daley has been a privatization...
A Call to Order
People complained for decades that the New York State Senate was dysfunctional. But that was before it shut down altogether. In April, a special committee...
Shortfall Shock
Given a climate of national recession, Maine's budget process went pretty smoothly in 2009. Despite some scary revenue shortfalls, the legislature passed a $5.8 billion budget bill...
Vacuum in Oakland
Ron Dellums never really wanted to be mayor of Oakland. He expressed doubts when civic leaders recruited him to run in 2006, and ever since then,...
Stalled Trains
Transportation might seem like the one issue best suited for local, state and federal cooperation. No transit system is built without affecting the planning process...
The Full-Count Press
With the census less than a year away, cities across the country are gearing up fast. Although the census is a constitutional responsibility of the...
Arne's Cashbox
Education Secretary Arne Duncan has something none of his predecessors have had: billions of dollars in discretionary funds. The question is whether they will be...
Squeezing the Cops
These days, even cops can't get immunity. Given state and local budget woes, governments are taking a serious look at cutting programs they'd rather hold...
The Corzine Chase
Despite his abysmal poll ratings, it might be a mistake to rule out Governor Jon Corzine for reelection in New Jersey. This coming month may...
The Job of a Lifetime
Things were starting to go sour for Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. Earlier this year, both chambers of the state legislature quickly passed a new 3-cent...
An Empire State Solution
With prison populations that have swelled by factors of six or eight over the last 25 years, many states, including California, are facing real problems regarding...
Felon Fallout
A couple of years ago, the state of California did something surprising. It changed the name of its Department of Corrections, tacking on the words "...
Gimme Coverage
This year, lawmakers in Washington tried everything to extend health coverage to the uninsured. They earmarked money to cover more children, allowed small employers to...
Golden-Rule Charlie
It's hard to imagine an entertainer anywhere in America more despised by the Republican right than pop singer Sheryl Crow. She's a boisterous supporter of...
Teaching Past the Test
Anyone who shops online knows how one purchase can quickly lead to another. It's not just the ease of clicking on an item and having...
Higher Purpose
California is home to slightly more nurses than lawyers, but that's about to change. According to state projections, there will be a glut of attorneys...
Carnival of Democracy
After this month's elections, President Bush is likely to end up with a large memorial in San Francisco to visit during his retirement. It's neither "...
The Stuttgart Solution
If you want to see how regional consolidation works when it really works, you might take a look at Stuttgart, the manufacturing capital of southwestern...
Blueburbs
Jeanne Kirkton was out canvassing a few weeks ago along Lilac Avenue in Webster Groves, an old rail-line suburb 5 miles west of St. Louis. Lilac...
A Union 'Yes'
Randi Weingarten likes to brag a little about the reading and math test scores posted this year at two New York City charter schools she...
The Corruption Puzzle
These are nervous days in Montgomery. Federal prosecutors, investigating corruption in Alabama's two-year college system, have subpoenaed legislators by the dozen -- in some cases...
Virginia Firebrand
Jeff Frederick won't give up. Ousted as chairman of the state Republican Party last month, he may seek the post again at the party convention...
Slumping Slots
Gambling proponents typically overstate the amount of revenue that lotteries and casinos will generate for state treasuries. But the numbers rarely fall as far short...
A Little Bit of Gun Control
A flurry of gruesome shootings nearly always brings the issue of gun control back into public debate. That's happening again, in the wake of cop...
Gay Rights: The Not-So-Lethal Issue
Last month, the Iowa Supreme Court threw out a state law banning gay marriages, while the Vermont legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto to allow same-sex...
Recipe for Respect
Each branch of the federal government is housed in its own palace in Washington. The White House -- always surprisingly small to visitors -- is...
Just Say No. Then Shut Up.
A three-quarters majority is required to raise taxes in Arkansas, but the legislature has done it twice in the past year. How did that happen?...
Tanks for the Memories
The gas tax is, as you may have heard, about to run out of gas. It's not hard to see why this is happening. Motorists...
Wild West Budgeting
It's like one of those thrillers where one thing blows up after another. Trying to patch big holes in the state budget earlier this year,...
Digging for Dollars
It's boom time for grant writers. Cities across the country are lining up to collect their share of the $787 billion federal stimulus package, and they're...
Obama and the Cities
For the past 40 years, through the Great Society initiatives of Lyndon Johnson, the Enterprise Zone programs of HUD Secretary Jack Kemp, and the Hope VI...
Austin's Surprise Speaker
Everybody in the Texas House of Representatives knew Joe Straus was one of its brightest newcomers, but nobody expected him to become speaker this year...
Predators' Reprieve
Congress passed the Adam Walsh Act in 2006 to create uniform national tracking standards for sex offenders. President Bush signed it amid White House fanfare. But...
Intense Rheeaction
As superintendent of schools in Washington, D.C., Michelle Rhee has become the most celebrated - and controversial - schools chief in the country. Her...
A Metro View
I talked with Steve Heminger, head of the Bay Area's regional transportation agency and a member of a bipartisan commission that recommended overhauling the federal...
Immigration Fizzle
Immigration has emerged as a pervasive issue in this year's politics, a part of seemingly every state and local campaign and presidential debate. The lesson...
Reformer in Power
If you want to understand how Joe Hackney operates as speaker of the North Carolina House, it's worth thinking about the other things that he...
Private Instigator
Indiana likes to fashion itself as "the crossroads of America," with 14 interstate highways moving people into and through the state. As in so many other...
In the Zone: Berkeley Lears a Planning Lesson
The tallest new structure to be built in Berkeley in 30 years opens in June. But it will be opening without meeting the zoning requirement that made its size possible.
Trying Times
Cities that host high-profile trials seek ways to mitigate the costs and local impact.
Water Diplomat
William Ruckelshaus has had lots of tough assignments. He's got another one now.
Goodman the Pitchman?
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman's affinity for Beefeater gin martinis is well known on the local scene. Soon, he may become even more famous for that fondness.
Why Are We Meeting Like This?
Many legislatures didn't get their work done in regulation time this year. Some aren't getting it done in overtime, either.
Maine Rehires Its Retirees
Under a new law, Maine state employees are allowed to retire, collect their full benefits and then be instantly rehired for the same job. The state saves $20,000 to $30,000 on each position, because health insurance and other benefits are funded through the separate retirement system.
Auditor In Charge
Mark Funkhouser has to make the switch from pointing out problems to solving them.
Rancor In Little Rock
The city famous for civil rights turmoil is arguing over race in schools again.
Shareholder Heaven
If you own stock in a company, you might want it to move to North Dakota.
Medical Mayhem
With malpractice insurance rates spiking again, it's time to look at alternative solutions.
Tarnished Coin
Can all the ethical problems of the Ohio GOP be laid at the governor's feet? Some Republicans hope so.
Evanston Cuts Off Its Bad Customers
The idea of treating citizens like customers is a managerial touchstone in municipal governance. The city of Evanston, Illinois, is taking that idea literally, expecting its citizen-customers to pay their bills.
Ape Scrape
Should animal rights be extended to include choice of domicile? That issue is being hotly debated between two towns in the San Gabriel Valley, east of Los Angeles.
Inner-Ring Recovery
Some close-in suburbs have found renewal strategies that work.
A Pound of Prevention
Lawmakers are weighing ideas to fight obesity in children.
Getting Smarter
The smart-growth movement isn't making much noise these days, but it's learning how to win.
Humbling Rumbling
That reverberating vroom-vroom sound they've been hearing up in Maine may soon be reduced to a purr.
Camelot It's Not
At a time when Jesse Ventura's approval ratings have sunk below 50 percent for the first time since he was elected governor of Minnesota, and a thinly disguised novel about him by humorist Garrison Keillor languishes on remainder tables in bookstores, it's hard to say what the public's response will be to a Broadway musical called "The Body Ventura."
The Calculator
California's new finance director, Donna Arduin, is bringing tough- love budgeting to a deficit-addicted state.
Localities Take State Budget Cuts To Court
As states slash aid to local governments, some localities are fighting back--in court.
The Four-Legged Mayoral Race
The town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, not only has a funny name but a funny way of electing its mayors. Voters pay $1 per vote--as many as they care to cast--and among the candidates in the November 2 election are a pot-bellied pig, a donkey and a labrador retriever.
Governing in the Fast Lane: A Frantic First Year in New Mexico
Bill Richardson has been a fixture in New Mexico politics for 25 years, but the state is still getting used to him. New Mexico has always been, politically at least, a rather sleepy sort of place.
States of Frustration
Most of the 24 governors who took office a year ago haven't made much headway on their agendas for change.
Death Be Not Allowed
Florida has become the center of controversy over the right to die, following the legislature's decision to extend the life of a severely brain-damaged woman.
The Two-Sided South
Southern politics is settling into a pattern of two parties--one black and one white. Republicans are reaping the benefits.
Lost and Found
States are doing a better job of tracking the children in their care.
Wastebasket Cases
People who work in government don't expect their workplaces to be glamorous. But neither do they expect to find heaps of smelly garbage piling up in the lobby.
Mayor From Lodo
John Hickenlooper revived one of Denver's oldest neighborhoods. Can he do it again citywide?
Revolving Doors?
Renovating a building is expensive. It becomes even more costly, as the Connecticut judiciary is learning, if you've already thrown out some of your best original features.
San Diego Goes for a Regional Gambit
Whether they're ready for it or not, San Diego County's 18 municipalities and 135 separate jurisdictions are heading toward greater regional cooperation.
Setting Limits: Maine Tries to Curb Overtime Abuse
With the passage of an overtime law this summer, Maine has become the first state to cap the number of hours employers can demand of their employees.
Eliot Spitzer: Seizing the Initiative
Among the biggest legal developments of the past decade is the U.S. Supreme Court's weakening of federal power in favor of states' rights. And no politician has taken greater tactical advantage of this new federalism than Eliot Spitzer, the attorney general of New York State.
Lack of Coverage Puts Localities At Risk
A growing number of municipalities are losing their zoning insurance, the result, in part, of property owners going to court to claim governments have lowered the value of their land through zoning decisions.
Chilling Out on Food Safety
The duck carcasses that hang in many a Chinese restaurant window may not be an appetizing sight for all diners. But unlike most meat, Peking duck has been deemed safe to serve at room temperature.
Lucky Strike
States are finding that a few billion dollars in tobacco money can go a long way toward smoothing out differences.
Contraband on The Auction Block
A 52-pound "mountain of miscellaneous used hand tools" sold for about $150. A lot of 200 Swiss-style (but Chinese-made) knives went for a bit more--at slightly over $1 per knife. Bidding was just getting underway on a pile of 30 pounds of scissors (22 scissors per pound).
Arizona's $483 Million Headache
Seeking to rectify an embarrassing and expensive mistake, the Arizona legislature met in special session in October to call to a halt an alternative-fuel tax-incentive program it had approved only five months earlier.
Parking Place Passion
Danielle Steel has just completed her 54th book, and more than 470 million copies of her romance novels have been sold worldwide.
Weighty Subject
Schools are being asked to consider ways to relieve the burden of heavy backpacks.
Where Campaign Money Flows
Stung by aggressive attorneys general, business is placing big bets on races it used to ignore.
Seeing Through A Sound Barrier
Federal transportation authorities in May approved the use of a transparent sound barrier along part of the rebuilt Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a major section of the Interstate 95 system south of Washington, D.C.
The Left Behind Syndrome
The federal government is telling school systems exactly what they must accomplish. It isn't doing much to help them accomplish it.
That Clean-All-Over Feeling
Maine's reformers believe they are washing the special interest money out of state politics. But critics say they are just laundering it.
Fresh Start
After a series of scandals, Connecticut is taking ethics seriously. Governor Jodi Rell has a mandate to push for change.
Minnesota Maverick
Getting reelected as a party outcast isn't easy, but Randy Kelly is trying.
Fanny-Pack Flack
Can you imagine John Wayne packing heat in a fanny pack? Some prosecutors in Illinois are warning that the Duke would get arrested if he tried to get away with such a thing there.
An Alarming Discovery
Having personal bodyguards isn't one of the perks of being the mayor of Albuquerque. Nevertheless, Jim Baca was understandably concerned when he activated the emergency alarm system in his City Hall office and it failed to bring any assistance.
Bus Blues
Ed Rendell logged nearly 50,000 miles on a bus emblazoned with his image while campaigning for governor of Pennsylvania in 2002 ["The Gubernatorial Baby Boom," January 2003]. Once in office, he planned to use bus trips to make himself more accessible. Now dubbed "Commonwealth One," the latest bus was unveiled to much fanfare last May.
Payback Time on Rx Fraud
Two major drug companies agreed to pay $345 million in fines in the largest Medicaid fraud settlement ever. The federal government, 49 states and Washington, D.C., will split most of the settlement, with the states divvying up $147 million in amounts per state that will range from tens of milions to a few thousand. California, for instance, will receive $32.2 million; Maine, $2.5 million, and South Dakota, $260,000.
A Little Ethics Left Behind
It's easy to boost school test scores--if you don't care how you do it.
Regulators Say No To The Blues
Momentum has shifted in a hot area of insurance regulation. State approval of the conversion of Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans to for-profit status is no longer a foregone conclusion. Although a dozen or so states have approved such sales since 1995, regulators in two states recently said no.
The Visitor View: Tourism Taxes on the Rise
As states and localities continue to struggle with budget problems, they are increasingly turning to a time-honored source for more dollars: out-of-towners. Tourism taxes are going up all over, with states taking their share from a traditionally local revenue stream.
Voters Opt to Pay to Play
Everybody loves a park. This past year, taxpayers and legislators voted to put up real money to show their affection.
Fran Pavley: Legislative Prodigy
Before entering the California Assembly last year, Fran Pavley taught civics at a junior high school. That experience left her ill prepared, though, for the political realities she encountered during the year and a half she spent pushing a landmark greenhouse-gas regulation bill through the legislature.
Enemies of the State
State-versus-local tension is getting worse. Locals fear state budgets will be balanced at their expense. They may be right.
Ostrich Politics
The American people have a demonstrated tolerance for fiscal deceit, as long as it is carried off with a certain amount of style. When Governor Earl Long pushed through a tax increase in Louisiana, immediately after winning election on a no-new-tax platform, reporters asked him how he planned to explain his actions to the people.
Segway Rolls
Even in an age of high-tech hype, the Segway human transporter stands out. The launch of the device, which its makers insist shouldn't be called a motorized scooter, was a nationally televised event last December.
Courting Trouble
Indicting corrupt judges and exposing a shady judicial-selection system isn't winning Charles Hynes many friends.
The Great Drain Robbery
Even if it's nailed down, thieves are stealing government property to sell for scrap.
Squeezing The Federal Turnip
This isn't the easiest time for localities to get money out of Washington. But they aren't about to quit asking.
Money Trail
Public interest in the Lewis and Clark bicentennial should benefit tourism in many states.
Casting Aspersions By Ballot
Tim Eyman has launched a number of successful anti-tax ballot initiatives in Washington State in recent years. Does that make Eyman a "horse's ass"?
Changing School Rules
In response to growing complaints over the No Child Left Behind school testing law, federal education officials have announced changes that will make it easier for some schools and teachers to meet requirements.
A Powerful California Commision Survives A Demise
California's Coastal Commission was down--but now it is not necessarily out. Despite state and federal court rulings that deemed the agency unconstitutional, the California legislature is reviving it.
The Drag On Tobacco Bonds
An illinois court recently ruled against cigarette maker Philip Morris in a consumer fraud case. But the real losers may have been the states.
Finders Keepers
"Upright Form V" was not the most beloved piece of public art in Wichita. The city never displayed the sculpture and the local paper described it as "11 tons of ugliness." Still, city officials are angry that parts of the piece were bought at auction for a fraction of its value.
A Dose of Medicaid Stress
The feds are sending auditors to every state to scour Medicaid accounts.
On The Road To Repair
Despite universally tough budget environments and the wait for Congress to reauthorize transportation spending, states are initiating new programs geared toward saving them money in road construction, repair and maintenance.
No Local Ink In State Pen
Prison inmates in Boscobel, Wisconsin, won't be able to read all about it. In response to requests from the city council, the local school district and the union representing prison guards, the weekly Boscobel Dial will not sell subscriptions to convicts at the super-maximum- security penitentiary there.
Church and State
In Kansas politics, the Christian Right doesn't just pressure the establishment anymore. It is the establishment.
Strong Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger may have been elected as a political novice, but he's outsmarting the pros at every turn.
Pray For Peace
Combative and unpredictable, Steve Peace isn't your typical state budget director. But a $35 billion shortfall isn't your typical state budget problem.
Cleansing Agent
Some say the words 'reform' and 'Rhode Island' don't belong in the same sentence. Phil West is proving them wrong.
Squeezing The Federal Turnip
This isn't the easiest time for localities to get money out of Washington. But they aren't about to quit asking.
The Impatience of Paul Vallas
Philadelphia's school superintendent is brimming with ideas about how to improve things, and he's trying all of them at once.
Floating Absurdity
During the 1980s, Iowa was one of the earliest states to approve of casino gambling. And it pioneered a new idea for how to control the games: It required that its casinos be water-borne. In Iowa's case, they had to be actual riverboats offering no fewer than 100 excursion tours per year.
Political Hack
Ever been riding in a taxi and gotten into a discussion about politics with the driver? Did he happen to be a politician himself? You could have that experience in Boston, where Phil Scapicchio, a member of the city council, has taken to driving a cab.
Re-LAX
Residents of Los Angeles spend an average of 93 hours stuck in traffic per year, according to the Texas Transportation Institute--by far the highest degree of congestion in any American city. Frustrated drivers who turn to L.A.'s public transportation system--historically something of a joke--don't find the going much smoother, as the feature on p. 44 of this magazine shows.
Remote Control
Newly chartered cities can outsource almost anything--and some are doing it.
Challenges to Abortion
States are the main forum for debate on reproductive issues, and the trend is for greater restriction.
Strong Enough
In a city that doesn't hand its mayors much power, Phil Gordon knows how to go out and get it.
Red Alert
Republicans are losing special elections in places where they usually win.
Lead Into Gold?
Lead paint is a serious health problem. Will it become a hot litigation subject? Probably not.
Introducing Our Public Officials of the Year
The Deal in The Details
A shared-sacrifice approach to expanding health coverage.
The Grade 9 Solution
How do we keep kids in high school? One answer: Get them through freshman year.
Introducing Our Public Officials of the Year
Steady in A Storm
Reassuring and rebuilding Mississippi after Katrina.
The Mapmaking Mess
Drawing new political districts is always chaotic, but this round promises to be the wildest yet. Everyone at the table has an agenda.
Randall Gnat: Mushroom Power
Three years ago, Randall Gnant founded what he called the "Mushroom Coalition," a group of moderate Republicans in the Arizona Senate who thought their leadership kept them in the dark and covered with bull droppings. Now Gnant himself is the Senate president. He says his first order of business will be "embarking on a new course" of making the legislative process more open.
Blackberry Mayor
Nobody does constituent service better than Adrian Fenty. But as D.C.'s chief executive, he'll need a much bigger repertoire.
A Brig Too Far
California's new institution for sex offenders is in such a remote place that it may never function efficiently.
Land Law
A Supreme Court win for a Connecticut city could end up curbing some uses of eminent domain.
Nothing but a Street
For some functions of government, two Texarkanas may be one too many.
Smoke Signals
No-smoking ordinances have proved surprisingly resistant to challenge.
Sweetheart Deals
States all over the country are eager to privatize services in the worst way. That's just how some of them are doing it.
An Airport's Big Deal
LAX reaches out to keep expansion problems at bay.
The Gubernatorial Baby Boom
State politics is awash in fresh faces. Will that mean fresh ideas as well? Perhaps.
A Rage to Reorganize
Governors are bent on reshaping and updating the way their governments work.
Trading Places
Exchange programs for local officials promote common ground rather than competition.
Fiscal Finagler
Illinois politicians admire John Filan's ability to balance a budget. Not all of them admire his way of doing it.
School Finance Forever
When it comes to education funding, only one word seems to count: more.
The Immigration Challenge
Some bureaucracies know how to solve human problems. Some don't.
Haunted House--Or Senate
The people who work in the North Carolina state capitol building ain't afraid of no ghosts. But that's not because they think the apparitions are a hoax.
Security by the Barrel
The politics of staying safe is still politics, whatever you choose to call it.
Stuck on Contracts
Everybody agrees John Rowland made a mess managing Connecticut. What they don't agree on is how to fix it.
Not Getting Married
Short of reaching the altar, the gay-rights campaign is making gains.
Cancer Offensive
In fighting the nation's most insidious disease, states have long deferred to the feds. Georgia is changing that.
Merit Pay Moves Forward
A number of states and cities are piloting a much-debated management tool to pay teachers.
The Avengers General
State AGs have accumulated an enormous amount of power. Too much, some people think.
What's a Lobbyist?
Colorado's new "cooling-off" law is making legislators nervous.
Thinking Inside the Jury Box
Courts are trying to make their proceedings less baffling and more bearable to jurors.
Flag Fight Finale
The ever-changing state flag of Georgia may finally have a settled design. Voters in March overwhelmingly approved a flag proposed by the legislature last year, closing years of controversy over a Confederate emblem.
Robo-Ducks Shot Down
What flirts these mortals be! Humans have tried for millennia to lure ducks closer to them for hunting purposes. But today's high-tech devices are making the task so easy that the state of Washington recently banned the use of electronic decoys.
Bare Necessity: DMVISAGE
If you want to get a driver's license, you're going to have to show your face. In light of security concerns, states are ending their previous practices of allowing religious exemptions for some individuals who didn't want to have their photographs taken.
Kent Willever: Swamp Specialist
Kent Willever has taken on a job whose very title sounds to some like an oxymoron: He is the executive director of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission. Not only does the state have a long history of corruption in its politics but the agency itself has suffered from apparent conflicts of interest in recent years.
Crash Course
In a term-limited legislature, there isn't much time available for learning the ropes.
Public Workers Hit the Picket Line
Frustrations over small salary increases and big boosts in health costs are fueling a surge in union activities.
Sun to Shine on Tennessee's Private Providers
Private contractors who provide government services and depend largely on the government for their revenues are subject to state audit and must open their records under the state's Public Records Act.
Anatomy of a Merger
Greater Louisville is about to be born. How much greater will it be?
Sudden Summons
Dave Heineman has done all sorts of jobs in Nebraska government. With his boss leaving for Washington, he's about to get the big one.
The Loathsome Local Levy
Despite skyrocketing home values and shrinking revenues, few governments are considering major property-tax hikes.
Total Recall
In the wake of California's attempt to recall Governor Gray Davis, it seems likely this tactic will be tried in other states.
Lobby Decoration
There are some tough-sounding new lobby laws. It remains to be seen how much they amount to.
Politics in Bulk
Joint-purchasing deals are a win-win proposition--except for those who lose.
Scholarships Inc. for K-12 Kids
Starting this year, Florida is making it possible for corporations to give donations to private scholarship-granting foundations in return for a dollar-for-dollar credit on their tax bills.
Bloomberg's Wager
Is there anything new to try in fighting poverty? The mayor of New York thinks so.
Closed Until 2010
It's repair time on a lot of urban interstates. Drivers fear the worst; DOTs are trying to calm them down.
Colorado Calms its Sales Tax Chaos
Figuring out how much sales tax a customer owes is about to get easier for Colorado retailers, thanks to a new electronic system developed by the state Department of Revenue.
L.A. Comes Down to Earth on its Property Base
Talk about expanding the definition of taxable property. Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach wanted to tax eight satellites that hover 22,000 miles over the earth. Auerbach came across the satellites during a routine audit of Hughes Electronics. He figured they were fair game, since they were owned by a business based in the county and no other jurisdiction was taxing them.
The Latest Road Rage
Florida's hottest fashion item isn't to be found in the shops of Miami's trendy South Beach area. Instead, it can be observed along the turnpikes.
Posse Politics
A new law gives the president broader authority to call out the National Guard.
Paradise Insolvent
For years, people saw San Diego as a model for good government. That's because they weren't looking very closely.
Wichita's Adventure in Budgetland
What's one and one and one and one and one and one and one and one and one and one? If you've lost count, you're in good company with the Wichita City Council.
Hoping to Be Heard
States believe the new Congress will listen to them more than the old one did.
The Campus Crowd
A decade ago, colleges were doing everything they could to attract more students. Now they've got more than they can handle.
Bus Buy
L.A.'s transit authority satisfies a lawsuit over inner-city service.
The Washington Offensive
Republicans may be suspicious of federal power, but they're imposing it on states and localities every chance they get.
Reload and Fire
The NRA's list of agenda items was getting a bit thin--until it found some juicy new ones.
Pupusa Politics
It's impractical to ban street vendors and difficult even to restrict them.
Wired to Win
The 2006 campaign is being fought with digital weapons--and candidates aren't always at the controls.
Fair-Weather Federalism
One critic argues that state complaints about Washington are just posturing.
Texas Sends Mass Transit to the 'Burbs
Suburbanites in Texas may soon have new ways to get around. The state legislature recently approved a bill that will allow suburban counties to create their own mass transit authorities.
Fit to be Tied
When voters create a legislative deadlock, the legislators have to try extra hard to make things work. Often they don't succeed.
Error Trail
Fancy new voting machines work pretty well if everyone knows how to use them. In much of the country, that's still a big if.
The Classroom Numbers Lobby
If more school dollars went straight into teaching, maybe education would improve. Or maybe not.
The Right To Go Postal
Gun owners are pushing their constitutional liberties a big step further.
Running on Pins and Needles
Boasting that he had a doctorate didn't help Omar Bradley in his bid for a third term as mayor of Compton, California. But then, he wasn't exactly an Ivy League graduate anyway.
Gross Anatomy
States are using graphic advertising to discourage people from smoking.
Death From Washington
Federal prosecutors are increasingly eager to invoke capital punishment--even in states that don't like it.
Beyond Control
Reducing drug prices is an understandable goal, but it's hard to achieve by fiat.
Ready To Roll Out Care In An Emergency
The state of Missouri signed a contract in November with a consortium of health care professionals and other emergency responders to provide medical care in case of disaster. The team, known as MO-1 MDAT, was formed four years ago to address federally declared disasters.
Pudding and A No. 2 Pencil
Anyone who has felt a little wobbly in the late afternoon understands the value of grabbing a quick snack as an energy boost. Apparently, some public schools in Virginia are applying a similar principle in preparing students to take the statewide achievement exams.
Getting to Know You: Cities in Iowa Turn to Citizens for Performance Inputs
Many states and localities collect performance measurement data but don't necessarily make good use if it. In Iowa, a group of cities has used the data to make real changes in policy as the result of a program that actively solicits input from citizens' panels.
Tax Saving: Illinois Takes A Hard Line On An Exemption
The Illinois Department of Revenue has revoked the tax-exempt status of a hospital in Champaign, finding that it doesn't provide enough free care to justify that status. The move was unprecedented for a state agency but was just one salvo in the war Illinois regulators are waging against nonprofit hospitals.
Trenton's Folly
New Jersey's budget has been built on illusion for a long time. This year, reality intruded.
Down The Hatch
Over the past 18 months, visitors to state capitols have noticed many structural changes designed to enhance safety. But one change they won't get a chance to see is an old dumbwaiter that Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has converted into an escape route.
Unsought Power
Indiana Governor Joseph Kernan still insists he's going home at the end of next year. Democrats wish he wouldn't.
Spitzer's Gamble
Who's got more clout in a state--the governor or the attorney general? In New York, that's not an easy question.
Summer School
The old custom of starting class after Labor Day is gone in most of the country. Not everyone likes that.
Graduation Time
When the term-limit clock starts ticking for legislators, state jobs begin to look more attractive.
Turnover at the Top
While competition and turnover have just about disappeared at the state legislative level, they remain a fact of life for governors.
The Dung and the Ruthless
Florida state Representative Nancy Argenziano recently poo-pooed a nursing home bill she did not like. Literally.
The Budget Fix Is In
Budgeting is not going to get easier for states anytime soon. In a Rockefeller Institute report released in August, fiscal analyst Nicholas W. Jenny concluded that "underlying state revenue trends in fiscal year 2003 were still down."
Paying More to Look Like a Million
What do Botox injections and a box of crayons have in common? Answer: They're both taxable in New Jersey.
Too Broke to Fix?
Fiscal shortfalls in the tens of billions of dollars are virtually an annual occurrence in California. But this year, the state's voters seem even more...
Cleanup Man
Miami built some reform momentum, then squandered it. Pete Hernandez will try to bring it back.
Bishop L. Robinson: Rejuvenator
A few months after he took over as Maryland's Juvenile Justice secretary, Bishop Robinson asked an aide for some numbers on the budget and juveniles. The aide said he had the numbers in his office and offered to bring them right back. After the man had been gone an hour, Robinson wondered what the problem was.
Whatever Happened to Competitive Elections?
Florida looks very close for president again this year. Perhaps not as close as in 2000, the year of the hanging chads and butterfly ballots, but competitive enough that President Bush and John Kerry will each have campaigned there numerous times before the contest ends.
Cleaning the Machine
New Jersey legislators hope that a new law providing public financing for their own campaigns will help clean up the corruption that is rife in their state.
Schoolhouse Art
Inventories of artwork in public schools reveal surprisingly valuable collections.
Detroit Builds a Health Partnership
City seeks a means of managing access to health care services
Who's Buried in Billy's Tomb?
Billy the Kid, the notorious Old West outlaw, was buried in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, about 150 miles southeast of Santa Fe. That is, unless he was buried in the middle of Texas. Or, possibly, northern Arizona.
Zoned Out
D.C.'s cab system will soon cease to be an irrational anomaly. Not everyone approves of that change.
Evening Star
Steve Beshear once hoped to be Kentucky's wonder-boy governor. Now, he's coming in as an elder statesman.
100-Proof Zoning
Telling people not to drink is usually futile. Telling them where to drink may serve a public purpose.
Sudan Squeeze
Disinvestment remains a powerful human-rights weapon--as long as it's done carefully.
Read Their Lips
Congress hates to raise taxes--unless it can force other levels of government to collect them.
The Wrong Message
Governments shouldn't consider it inevitable that they will get bad press.
Growing Wild
The D.C. area's boomingest county is about to start booming even more.
Good Neighbor Policy
As sprawl puts neighborhoods in close proximity to military bases, creating buffer zones of open space can ease conflicts.
Fired up Over a New Standard
Localities may soon feel pressure to boost--by more than 10 percent-- the number of fire fighters on their payrolls.
Counting Pays Off: Audits Provide A Basis for Streamlining
Many public management audits don't amount to much, but when they do find evidence of malfeasance or questionable practices, they can lead to some severe consequences and major management decisions.
Nothing Scandalous
Wisconsin politics used to be squeaky clean. Now "jaded" would be a better word.
Stinging the Blues
When Blue Cross Blue Shield plans convert to for-profit status, states are entitled to big money. But they have to ask for it.
Intern Injunction
You might think that the recent release of Bill Clinton's memoirs would serve as a reminder to politicians of the perils of fooling around with interns. Apparently, however, legislators in New York State need a set of rules to discourage the practice.
Department of Recoup-Eration: a County Collects on a City's IOUs
National City, California, was only getting a paltry 6 percent collection rate on the tardy sewer bills it had turned over to a private collection agency. Then San Diego County's Office of Revenue and Recovery made the city an offer it couldn't refuse: The county promised to collect on at least 40 percent of the overdue bills.
Tougher than Wall Street
Jon Corzine worked miracles at Goldman Sachs. Doing it in Trenton is a different story.
Raising a Stink About Stench
How much is contending with a bad smell worth? Courts in San Francisco and Kentucky may soon decide.
Flee-Bitten
Twice this year, Democrats in the Texas Legislature have scooted across state lines to block passage of a Republican redistricting plan. Although exerting such effort to prevent a quorum is unusual, it is not entirely without precedent.
Sagging in Sacramento
Somewhere between last year and this year, Arnold Schwarzenegger forgot how to focus.
Courting A Supermajority
A Nevada ruling may open a way for other states to challenge their tax-vote restrictions.
Rustbelt Dilemma
Nobody knows more about Buffalo than Byron Brown, its new mayor. One thing he knows is that revival won't come easily.
Vouchsafed: Colorado's New Take on College Spending
Colorado has set up a voucher program for higher ed. The new law also creates the nation's first fee-for-service system, in which colleges will contract with the state to provide various academic programs.
Docket Science
File a civil suit these days, and you can actually get it heard without waiting years.
What Makes Alec Smart?
You don't hear too much about this right-leaning state pressure group. Maybe that's why it wins so often.
Tax Revolt Turns Tepid
Raising taxes isn't proving fatal to most politicians who risked doing it.
Born Leaders?
It's not easy to look good in moments of crisis, but some public officials have a knack for it.
One Man's Trash...
You never know what you're going to find when you clean out your closet. Robert Carney, the district attorney of Schenectady County, New York, found lots of interesting items in his evidence safe during a recent inventory--including an early 1970s print of the legendary porn film "Deep Throat."
No Shelter From Wall Street's Storm
The Dow's decline is racking up pension fund losses, but money managers aren't panicking--yet.
Rhode Island and Reform: Still an Oxymoron?
Legislators balk at giving up power.
Special Assignment
Chicago's procurement process has been broken for years. Mary A. Dempsey has been given a mandate to repair it.
Dan Gerlach: An Outsider Moves In
Dan Gerlach is a smart guy. That's what everybody says about the recently appointed senior policy adviser to North Carolina Governor Mike Easley. Gerlach is especially sharp when it comes to taxes.
Who Won? Sometime's There's No Real Answer
In the closest elections, there are issues impossible to resolve.
The Urge to Merge: Still Waiting For a Surge
Consolidating local governments is as difficult a political task as it ever was.
Taking Back the Street
Cars have been pushing pedestrians around forever. Pedestrians are starting to push back.
Term Limits Aren't Working
Does that bother anybody? Not the voters, at least so far.
The Ultimate in Nonpartisan Politics
West Virginia Delegate Emily Yeager describes herself as "100 percent a Democrat." That doesn't make her unique in the legislature, where Democrats hold a 3-to-1 margin in the state House.
The Spouse of Representatives
Like most married couples, Andy Dawkins and Ellen Anderson disagree about lots of things. What makes their domestic squabbles unusual is that they are as likely to revolve around the state of Minnesota's affairs as those of their own household.
Safety-Net Squeeze
In this prolonged fiscal crisis, every state has cut into social programs. But what is happening in Minnesota suggests a new direction entirely.
A 2 Percent Solution: Orange County Has a Real Property Evaluation Problem
A California court's ruling this April could cost Orange County $285 million in property tax refunds.
Where Truckers and Soccer Moms Dine
Chicago is one of the great restaurant cities in America, but some suburban residents prefer to eat out closer to home. In fact, locals have become so enamored with the new dining options at tollway rest areas that the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is working to ease pedestrian access and construct parking spaces along local access roads.
Big Blues Merger
California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi approved the merger of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies Anthem and WellPoint in November, allowing the creation of the nation's largest health insurer.
Back in the Black: Orange County May Pre-Pay Its Old Debt
Officials in Orange County, California, are hoping that they've finally found a cure for the decade-long hangover stemming from the county's 1994 bankruptcy.
Turnover at the Top
While competition and turnover have just about disappeared at the state legislative level, they remain a fact of life for governors.
The Sales Tax Goes Online
Happy days are here again for tax collectors. The ongoing Streamlined Sales Tax Project went live in October, with 150 small to large Internet retailers signing up that month. With the backup of third- party service providers, they will collect sales taxes on online purchases in the 18 states that participated in the streamlining effort.
Whatever Happened to Competitive Elections
Nearly 6,000 state legislators will be elected next month. Most of them face little or no opposition.
Real Power
The real estate lobby is under serious competitive challenge, but no pressure group is better at bending legislatures to its will.
Great Walls of Fire
It's an American tradition to walk into your child's classroom and find the walls plastered with reams of paper--self-portraits, trees and cows, and fingerpainted masterpieces of all kinds. It's a tradition--but is it also a fire hazard?
Florida Keeps Contracting
Florida Governor Jeb Bush may award a $701 million contract that would turn over the functions of determining eligibility for Medicaid, food stamps and other social service programs to a private company.
The Soft-Money Crackdown
There's a lot that state political parties still don't know about the new campaign finance law. They need to learn fast.
Shirt Tales
West Virginia has long been the butt of jokes about backwoods ways and poor vocabulary. Residents roll their eyes when they hear references to their state bird being the satellite dish or a laptop being where the cat sleeps.
Reform Storm: Governors Feel the Heat on Health IT
The Bush administration is pushing health providers to get up to speed on information technology, and it wants states to help. President Bush issued an executive order in August directing federal agencies to demand that health vendors step up their use of IT to make quality and price information more transparent, and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt has been lobbying governors to do likewise.
Health Care Deja Vu
Massachusetts tried universal health coverage once before.
Bitter Pill Fight
Two drug-pricing initiatives are duking it out in California.
Slow March to the Polls
If more Hispanics voted, they could change American politics. But there are reasons why they don't.
Policy Fulcrum
Fabian Nunez doesn't think compromise is a dirty word. California's Assembly speaker has played a classic legislative leadership role as the bridge between a Republican governor and a strongly liberal majority Democratic caucus, helping to forge and shepherd through a long list of impressive legislation over the past couple of years.
A Need for Magic
Cory Booker's gifts are such that his political future seems limitless. But to move on, he has to make a record in Newark.
Seattle Finally Green-Lights Light Rail
Sound Transit, a regional transportation agency in the Seattle area, is planning to break ground on a $2.1 billion light-rail project by mid-year.
Fiscal Guardian
Natwar Gandhi knows how to make red ink turn to black. This spring, he was approached by Amtrak, which hoped to lure him to erase an enormous deficit as he had already done as chief financial officer for Washington, D.C. City officials did everything they could think of to keep Gandhi in his current position, including boosting his salary by nearly $100,000. And this money maestro, who arrived in America from India 40 years ago with $7 in his pocket, chose to stay put.
Jebocracy
Jeb Bush's eight-year reign in Florida is almost over. Tallahassee may never be the same.
Perks That Kill
When voters think legislators are living too well at public expense, they pounce.
Huge Turnover in Hard Times
A bumper crop of new state leaders will move in next January. Some may soon wonder why they wanted the job.
Setting Up a Water Swap
California is always trying to get its local water authorities to cooperate on a regional basis. The state recently put its money where its mouth is, awarding a grant of $22 million to Sacramento-area water agencies that will help them swap water.
Domain Doctor: Utah Puts a Mediator in Charge
Most states are debating new ways of handling eminent-domain cases, but Utah already has a means: a private-property ombudsman--the first (and still only) such ombudsman in the country.
Deal in Denver
An 11th-hour compromise shores up an overburdened state retirement system.
Down on The Gown
The demand for fiscal accountability is graduating to the college level.