All posts by Justin Levitt

1st of 9 Wisconsin recalls to the incumbent Dem

July 19, 2011, 8:37 pmrecall electionsJustin Levitt

In the first of nine recall elections in Wisconsin this summer, looks like incumbent Democrat Dave Hansen (one of 14 who left the state to deprive the majority of a quorum) is headed to victory. Joshua Spivak’s recall blog… Continue reading

“Budget cuts may end mail-in ballots, registration”

July 19, 2011, 7:14 pmvoter registrationJustin Levitt

More from California. I don’t know about “ending mail-in ballots, registration,” but it looks like the budget crunch will push some hefty costs to the counties.

Redistricting Quote of the Day

July 19, 2011, 7:13 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

“This is a very political process where there are winners and losers,” said Bob Stern of the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles. “And losers tend to sue.” — Stern, on the California citizens’ commission’s efforts to prepare for … Continue reading

The problem with No. 2 pencil

July 19, 2011, 6:38 pmvotingJustin Levitt

Is that it can be erased.

“A President’s Opportunity: Making Military Voters a Priority”

July 19, 2011, 6:36 pmDepartment of Justice, votingJustin Levitt

That’s the title of the new Heritage Foundation report on implementation of the MOVE Act. It was released today in connection with a Military Voting Rights conference at Heritage, with a keynote address by Sen. Cornyn, who also sent off … Continue reading

A new North Carolina redistricting proposal

July 19, 2011, 2:58 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

With new impact. Here and here.

Support for an en banc rehearing in Renzi

July 19, 2011, 2:52 pmSpeech or Debate ClauseJustin Levitt

Before we get to a cert. grant in the case against former Rep. Richard Renzi, there’s the matter of potential en banc proceedings. The bipartisan legal advisory group of the House of Representatives (which reflects the House’s official institutional… Continue reading

Redistricting at breakneck speed

July 19, 2011, 2:24 pmredistrictingJustin Levitt

Quick, before the recalls! Wisconsin state Senate passed both state and federal redistricting plans today, and the Assembly plans to take up redistricting tomorrow. More here. Update: Keesha Gaskins points out an intriguing omission in the new redistricting bills.

Ninth Circuit overturns conviction for threat v. Obama

July 19, 2011, 1:43 pmUncategorizedJustin Levitt

United States v. Bagdasarian was decided today, reversing the conviction of a Southern California man for disturbing and violent comments about Barack Obama posted to a message board in the weeks before the 2008 elections. The Ninth Circuit panel’s opinion… Continue reading

“Is the House Now in Play for the 2012 Elections?”

July 19, 2011, 12:50 pmredistrictingJustin Levitt

Stuart Rothenberg does the math, based on redistricting projections and candidate recruitment. More math at the Cook Political Report and at the Washington Post.

Parnell on Colbert on Parnell

July 19, 2011, 12:34 pmcampaign finance, federal election commissionJustin Levitt

Sean Parnell (Center for Competitive Politics) and Sheila Krumholz (Center for Responsive Politics) were on the Colbert Report last night, with continuing entertaining coverage of some very real issues. Sean’s got interesting further thoughts on the exchange, here. Update:… Continue reading

TX governor signs congressional redistricting plan

July 19, 2011, 12:20 pmredistrictingJustin Levitt

Which means it will now join AL and LA in seeking preclearance. Eight other states, mostly huddled in the heartland (AR, IA, IL, IN, MO, NE, OK, OR), already have final congressional plans. And three (CO, MN, NV) have essentially… Continue reading

“Three of This Year’s Top Four Presidential Fundraisers So Far Are Relying on Small Donors”

July 19, 2011, 11:49 amcampaign financeJustin Levitt

The Campaign Finance Institute sums up their assessment of the most recent FEC filings.

Turning to D.D.C. for preclearance

July 19, 2011, 10:57 amredistrictingJustin Levitt

Stateline’s report on an intriguing apparent trend, in which states file for preclearance simultaneously with the DOJ and with the federal district court in D.C. Seems to me like this would just add to the burden on DOJ, and thereby… Continue reading