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As The Polls Close: Midterm Elections Live Blog

Update: Dems To Take Control of the House according to projections. Right now they have 18 wins. Republicans will keep control of the Senate. In Texas, Beto O'Rourke lost to Ted Cruz(even Beyonce's last minute endorsement didn't bring it home for him.) Ted Cruz is one of at least two Republican Senate wins Trump cannot take credit for (the other is Mitt Romney). On the flip side, I wonder if anyone is keeping track of candidates Trump campaigned for who lost? (Here's one: Bob Menendez thanks Trump for endorsing his losing opponent.

Update: Coloradans win!

Original Post

Results and predictions are beginning to stream in. Here is the NY Times Live Results page.

[More...]

The AP, which is using a new system this year called VoteCast, says health care and immigration -- and Donald Trump -- were very significant concerns to most voters.

Nate Cohen says turnout is very high.

We'll know soon if the youth vote turned out in force this year.

Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have won reelection to the Senate.

Update: The Dems have picked up 2 seats in the House so far: Donna Shalala won in Florida, and Jennifer Wexton in VA.

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  • Display: Sort:
    On a good note (5.00 / 2) (#22)
    by CoralGables on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 10:30:46 PM EST
    There is definitely a female blue wave crossing the country for the House of Representatives.

    The best (none / 0) (#24)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 12:56:12 AM EST
    news is Trump getting away with whatever he wants is over. The senate can defend him all they want but there are going to big stories to feed the press from the house. And there is still Mueller hanging out there.

    Parent
    No cuts to Mediare or Social Security (none / 0) (#25)
    by MKS on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 01:38:45 AM EST
    No border wall.

    Lots of opportunities to place all kinds of provisions in spending bills.

    Parent

    Assuming (none / 0) (#39)
    by Steve13209 on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:32:08 AM EST
    The Dems in the House stick together. This is by no means a certainty. I'd start by choosing a House Majority Leader who can bare knuckles FIGHT.

    I am happy with the result. We needed the House and we got it. Now we need to get some legislation passed in the House to set up the all-important 2020 election. That is where the Senate (and Presidency) will be won.

    Hopefully there will still be a few judgships available to fill at that point.  

    Parent

    Yes indeed... (none / 0) (#42)
    by kdog on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:36:58 AM EST
    the new House needs to pass some primo legislative dope that can be thrown in the faces of the president and senators who snub it in the 2020 races.  That's gonna take a whole 'lotta gumption from House leadership.  Eat your Wheaties Nancy and please spend more time finagling legislation as opposed to begging for money.

    Parent
    Scott Walker is gone (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 06:05:11 AM EST


    Hey, Towanda ... How did your brother do (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 08:59:22 AM EST
    in his race for the WI state legislature? Victory, I hope.

    Parent
    Peter, he came so closedcul (5.00 / 5) (#67)
    by Towanda on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 11:12:17 PM EST
    that it was a late night at the local Dem party, with a computer modem problem in the city -- our hometown, where my brother was an alderman -- that was his strongest support. But in a ridiculosly gerrymandered (see Wisconsin case before SCOTUS) district across two counties, and one being infamous Waukesa County, it was not to be.

    But my little bro got a lot of gratitude for running a great race that so worried state Republicans, who thought that they had safely gerrymandered the seat for the incumbent, especiaaly as my bro was a first-timer for state office, that Republicans had to pour resources into the district.  Their desperation also led to seriously slanderous statements and libelous literature from some outside PAC.

    But that meant fewer resources for other races, which Dems won, so the party knows that my little bro did make a big difference. And that Republicans really do not want him to run again -- exactly why Dems want him to do so.

    So, we shall see . . . especially any day now, when he will become a grandfather.  That wee one will be in Chicago, so I suspect that my bro may find that being free to train there often, without a legislative calendar, will be a good thing.  Grandkids always win out over other priorities, as we have found, to our great enjoyment.

    Anyway, as you can imagine, we in my schoolteaching and public-emplyee clan all felt like winners, by the wee hours this morn, when we finally knew that we had won back our Wisconsin from Perp Walker. Tony Evers, a schoolteacher and state superintendent of schools, and Mandela Barnes, a Milwaukee schoolteacher's son, were a politically brilliant ticket of opposites, otherwise -- and that we also won the AG race was a late-morning gift today.

    Josh Kaul's mother was our first woman AG. Sadly, owing to breast cancer, she did not live to see this day. But he will live up to her record as a fierce fighter in the good fights. So did my little bro, as a litigator for the EEOC. Since, he has founf a lot of other good fights to wage, too, as a volunteer, so he doesn't need to be in office to be a winner.

    Parent

    What a great night (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 12:21:25 PM EST
    A great win. (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by KeysDan on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 08:02:01 AM EST
    It is disappointing in that several of the high profile races did not turn out for Democrats, albeit they were very close.  But taking the House has saved democracy for America.  That is the big picture.

    Taking the House... (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by kdog on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 08:22:28 AM EST
    and the Notorious R.B.G. going strong for two more years (or 1 year by Cocaine Mitch precedent) might keep Lady Liberty's nose above the flood waters for a little bit longer.

     

    Parent

    Yes, the flowering of demoncracy (none / 0) (#44)
    by KeysDan on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 10:20:06 AM EST
    is high maintenance requiring constant gardening.  And, it is fragile with no long term guarantees.  I think of the familiar quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin when asked by citizens what sort of government the constitutional delegates created,  he responded: " A republic,if you can keep it."

    Parent
    Scott Walker passed a law (5.00 / 2) (#36)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:28:12 AM EST
    That now prevents him from requesting a recount. The God particle is real

    The house republicans (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:31:29 AM EST
    Changed the rules so committees do no need consent of the minority party to issue subpoenas

    Parent
    Bahahaha! (none / 0) (#41)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:33:08 AM EST
    From dark money comes dark matter

    Parent
    Dana Rohrabacher (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:29:52 AM EST
    Is history

    Parent
    Ain't it great? (none / 0) (#40)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:32:13 AM EST
    Mitch McConnell is trying to list the bipartisan bills he worked on since 2016, and don't, he blames the press. He says the press doesn't cover things they work together on and then began to sweat trying to list those things that weren't reported on.

    Parent
    But WTF happened (none / 0) (#45)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 10:56:40 AM EST
    with Duncan Hunter??? As a former San Diegan, I am disappointed with those folks.

    Parent
    Believe the final count is (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by CoralGables on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 11:44:16 AM EST
    Republicans supported and elected three people under indictment (Rep Chris Collins-NY, Rep Duncan Hunter-CA and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton) and one dead guy (Dennis Hoff in Nevada's 36th Assembly District).

    Parent
    Here in CA the agency that collects (none / 0) (#57)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 02:57:43 PM EST
    retail sales taxes, alcohol taxes, etc., is the Board of Equalization.

    This is the (entire) Election Statement of the guy who got the most votes for the BoE:

    Tom Hallinan | DEMOCRATIC

    The Board of Equalization is no longer necessary. I will work to close it down. If you agree, I'd appreciate your consideration. Thank you, Tom Hallinan.



    Parent
    Duncan Hunter isn't representing San Diego. (none / 0) (#58)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 03:13:10 PM EST
    Rather, his politics is wholly reflective of some of the whitest and racist parts of San Diego County.

    Against such a formidable array of willful ignorance, Democratic challenger Ammar Campa-Najjar -- who's a native-born American of Mexican and Palestinian descent -- never stood a chance, particularly after Duncan Hunter's father, retired Congressman Duncan Hunter Sr., took to the media to label him a threat to national security.

    It was despicable act, to be sure. But it was also terribly effective.

    Parent

    Such a bittersweet night (5.00 / 3) (#43)
    by CST on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:57:30 AM EST
    But this morning I'm trying to focus on the fact that we're in a better place today than we were yesterday.   Two steps forward, one step back.   If only we hadn't taken 100 steps back in 2016.

    Maybe we'll finally get that infrastructure bill... Not holding my breath though.

    AZ (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:09:01 PM EST
    has now flipped blue many are projecting. The votes are not just coming in for McSally and Sinema keeps inching further and further ahead.

    It was a historic vote in Colorado. (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 09:27:30 PM EST
    As J noted above, we elected our first openly gay Governor. In addition, Democrats took control of the Senate and increased their advantage in the House. They won every state wide office, including AG and SoS. Our new SoS is a bright young woman with a background in voting rights, Jena Griswold, who is someone I can see holding higher office (Gov/Senate) down the road.

    Also of note, two amendments were passed to take redistricting out of the hands of politicians.

    The Democrats and Gov. Polis have everything they need to put forth an aggressive agenda on health care, education, gun safety, transportation and the like.

    We went from purple to blue - in fact, there are only two state wide elected Republicans left, a CU Regent and Cory Gardner. Enjoy being tRumps lickspittle, Cory you're toast come 2020.


    Well, (none / 0) (#1)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 08:02:05 PM EST
    it looks like we are on our way to flipping the house. Only need 20 more seats.

    Only? (none / 0) (#2)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 08:08:51 PM EST
    So far, I'm not seeing the blue wave everyone was looking for. Carville on MSNBC looked downright dejected.

    Locally, for me, MSNBC is projecting Casey and Wolf winners in PA. I am happy with that so far. Scott Wagner is nearly as repugnant as Bone Spurs.

    I'm not seeing it either (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by Jeralyn on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 08:09:49 PM EST
    Certainly no early blowout for the Dems.

    Parent
    It materialized gradually. (5.00 / 3) (#26)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 04:28:43 AM EST
    The 34-seat pick-up for House Democrats is a pretty big deal. It's larger than the 31-seat margin in 2006.

    Parent
    It's especially (5.00 / 2) (#107)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:58:51 PM EST
    a big deal with all the gerrymandering that the GOP has done across the country.

    Parent
    Wait for Orange County (none / 0) (#17)
    by MKS on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:50:59 PM EST
    and California  

    Many pick ups likely there.  Orange County went for Hillary by 9.  So, the GOP's days are numbered here.

    And I have seen a popular vote projection of +10 nationally. That is larger than other "wave" elections.

    Parent

    Rest in peace, Orange County (1889-2018). (none / 0) (#54)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 02:45:42 PM EST
    From Gustavo Arellano of the Los Angeles Times, whose sarcastic but informative column "¡Ask a Mexican!" was a must-read when he was editor of the late, great alternative OC Weekly:

    "Orange County, the California collection of 34 cities and 3.2 million residents once described by President Reagan as 'where all the good Republicans go to die,' died Tuesday. It was 129 years old.

    "Long famous for its wealth, whiteness and conservative values, Orange County is survived by its offspring, who include a population that is about 60% people of color, some of the most crowded and poor neighborhoods in the United States and a Republican Party that's on the ropes. Once reliably red, the official cause of O.C.'s passing is a case of the blue flu, which turned its politics more purple than Barney the dinosaur."

    ;-D

    Parent

    We are (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 08:49:41 PM EST
    going to take the house. The thing is it is not the blowout everybody was hoping for but the gavel goes to Nancy Pelosi as long as we win the seats.

    Parent
    Looks like a pretty big win (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:00:32 PM EST
    In the house.

    We knew TN would tell us early about the Senate.

    I'm happy enough with one chamber.

    And we are winning governors all over.  Illinois Kansas.

    Parent

    Three progressive women to the House (none / 0) (#14)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:35:45 PM EST
    from southeastern PA alone (Dean, Scanlon, Wild). Still waiting on PA-1 (Scott Wallace); too close to call so far. All thanks to the fact that we won the state Supreme Court two years ago, which then struck down the Republican gerrymander, and imposed fair (federal) districts. Our state legislature, unfortunately, is still gerrymandered; next target. (Dems won Governor and Senate tonight, too, but those were not close.) Turnout in our heavily-D township, btw, was 75%.

    Parent
    Good things are happening (none / 0) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:44:38 PM EST
    All over.  Dave Bratt is losing.  Gianforte (rep body slam) is losing.  Chris Kobach lost.

    Parent
    Scott Walker is losing (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:45:59 PM EST
    oops, not three ... four new women (none / 0) (#34)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 08:53:48 AM EST
    representing our corner of PA: Houlihan as well as Dean, Scanlon and Wild. Unfortunately, in the face of well-financed (and false) dark money attack ads, my friend H. Scott Wallace (grandson of 3d-term FDR VP Henry S. Wallace, who ran against Truman and Dewey for President in 1948 as a Progressive) narrowly lost his congressional race (1% margin) to a self-proclaimed "moderate" Republican, a former FBI agent. Still, we won four of five races in the newly de-gerrymandered districts.

    Parent
    Kornacki is at 95% on Dems taking House. (none / 0) (#8)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:05:17 PM EST
    He was at 65% when I switched over to Netflix. That is a grand improvement. Feeling better about the House now. Still got my eye on Beto in TX. It's looking like a squeaker.

    Parent
    Lots of Beto vote (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:08:55 PM EST
    still to come in.  

    A Beto win alone would constitute a wave

    Parent

    Crud! (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:11:23 PM EST
    No sooner that I posted the above, MSNBC projected Cruz to win.

    Parent
    Even in losing Beto wins (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:25:16 PM EST
    I would love to see Ted go but Beto has arrived

    He will probably start running for president tomorrow and I'm ok with that.

    He has given Texas democrats a huge gift with all the organizing

    Parent

    Can I just say how much I hate (none / 0) (#13)
    by vml68 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:27:09 PM EST
    these projections. I wish they would just wait till all the votes are counted before they declare a winner.

    Parent
    Yes! (none / 0) (#18)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:57:54 PM EST
    I think they should wait til they are all counted. I remember going to bed believing my guy had due to projections. Next morning the ra e had flipped to the other candidate.

    Parent
    WTF, Florida??! (none / 0) (#4)
    by vml68 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 08:23:58 PM EST
    I thought Gillum was a sure thing.
    I just don't understand how the people here continue to vote for Rick Scott.

    There are no sure things in Florida. (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 04:44:47 AM EST
    Sure, it's disappointing, but look at it from a historical perspective. The 49% share of the vote won by both Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams in Florida and Georgia, respectively, is in itself an amazing accomplishment in those southern states.

    20 years ago, such races with African-American gubernatorial nominees would not have even been remotely clos in the South. The GOP was compelled to resort to nakedly racist appeals and voter suppression in minority communities in order to pull out two squeakers.

    The long-term demographic trend is clearly tilted toward Democrats. A year ago, few people had heard of either Gillum or Abrams. These two races were always going to be an uphill climb for Democrats this year, and even more so for two African-American candidates. I'm very proud of both of them tonight.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    No offense Donald. (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 06:15:10 AM EST
    But I'm tired of Democrats claiming victory for almost winning. Almost means you go home and look for a job. There is no power in "almost."

    Parent
    There is also no power in b*tching. (none / 0) (#56)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 02:55:20 PM EST
    Rather than spark yet another round of armchair critiques and criticism from people who like to consume their politics vicariously, the Abrams and Gillum campaigns ought to inspire those armchair warriors who consider themselves Democrats and progressives to finally get off their a$$es, and join the active movement to take down and dismantle the racist white socio-political infrastructure which has long underscored the status quo and plagued the South.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Not sure what or who (none / 0) (#70)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 09:09:34 AM EST
    your comment is aimed at. As for me, I do what I am physically capable of doing. Which is vote. I display candidate yard signs in front of my house. I get out my checkbook. For the first time, since Bone Spurs was elected, I now contribute to candidates in places where I cannot vote. I never did that before. I write to my elected representatives (though I'm sure Scott Perry wishes I would stop). I can't walk more than a couple of blocks or stand in one place for more than a few minutes. Knocking on doors is not an option. I work full time and that for me, is a daily struggle. My wife has had to take on the added burden of helping get dressed in the mornings because of the problems with my legs.

    And for those reasons, I can offer criticism about Democrats taking victory laps when they lose.


    Parent

    While I have no doubt that race played a role (none / 0) (#65)
    by vml68 on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 09:21:18 PM EST
    in Gillum's loss, I believe the "progressive" label was also a big factor. Florida was not ready to handle a twofer.
    I can be proud of Gillum and still lament the fact that he lost. DeSantis is going to get the opportunity to appoint 3 Supreme court judges :-(!

    It is starting to look like in addition to a recount for the Senate seat, we MIGHT also get a recount for Governor.

    In my Senate District 18, the democratic candidate Janet Cruz is ahead by just 289 votes. Also, headed for a recount.

    Parent

    Honestly (none / 0) (#68)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:17:31 AM EST
    the things that are happening should put the fear of God in the GOP. It was like the initial voting had good news for them but there have been little earthquakes happening all over the country. It looks like Aunt Lydia Karen Handel is finally going down. We almost took out the rep in the 7th congressional district here.

    Parent
    They were asking for volunteers for (none / 0) (#69)
    by vml68 on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:03:00 AM EST
    absentee ballot curing. Deadline is 5pm today.
    I was feeling a bit stressed because I couldn't make it but it looks like they have more than enough volunteers.
    I know it is a long shot but I am keeping my fingers crossed that this somehow works out for Gillum and Nelson.

    Parent
    Lucy McBath is official in GA6 (none / 0) (#71)
    by CoralGables on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:13:18 AM EST
    as a blue house fell on Handel. And GA7 still counting?

    Parent
    Yes, the GA district (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by KeysDan on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 11:56:36 AM EST
    once held by Gingrich and, then, the disgraced Tom Price (whose corruption was too much, even for Trump).   The special election/runoff between Karen Handel and Jon Ossoff drew national attention, but it took gun-control activist, Democrat Lucy McBath, to defeat the Trump-supporting, anti-gay Handel.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#87)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 05:02:06 PM EST
    Aunt Lydia can now go back to Gilead. And I thought they had called the 7th but they are still counting. Woodall's lead now is down to 900 votes. We should know the final count tomorrow as I understand it.

    Parent
    Gillum (none / 0) (#6)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 08:50:06 PM EST
    is surely lost. The senate seat might not be.

    Parent
    Very disappointing (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 09:17:03 PM EST
    Biggest of the night so far

    Parent
    After the primary (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by CoralGables on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 10:29:36 PM EST
    I said that Florida Dems may have blown it by not picking Gwen Graham. Based on how the female democrats are doing across the country, it looks pretty accurate.

    Parent
    I think (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 12:54:49 AM EST
    you are probably right. Graham possibly could have run and won. Certainly she wouldn't have had the north florida rednecks show up in such numbers against her in the very least.

    Parent
    As someone who actually votes (none / 0) (#75)
    by ragebot on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:29:54 AM EST
    in Florida I was a little shocked that Gillum did as well as he did.  

    One of the biggest draws to move to Florida is there is no income tax as well as a rather low tax rate over all.  There is a high gas tax which is justified by pols as putting a big burden on tourists who visit Florida.  Gillum made it clear he would be raising taxes in his speeches.  The thing is the guv really does not raise taxes, the legislature does and it is firmly in the hands of conservatives.

    Gillum also has the shadow of an FBI investigation following him.  His former BFF who lobbied for CRA funds and got some big bucks had half way turned on him and released damaging statements about following the money.  Without getting too far into the weeds as to why many Floridians view Tallahassee as one of the most corrupt cities in Florida and have for a long time.

    While it is easy to say Gwen would have been a better candidate she would probably have lost her seat in the House if she had run.  Another factor in this race is that Michael has depressed voter turnout in the Florida Panhandle.  There are still places around Mexico Beach where the roads are still impassable.  Not to mention that many voters are doing things like fixing holes in their roof; assuming they still have a roof.

    While it is legal there are also lots of voters who distain big out of state donations going to a candidate and there were many ads about Soros and Bloomberg money going to Gillum.

    Also keep in mind that the Florida Republican establishment was not happy with DeSantis and felt dissed that Putnam was not the candidate.

    In a normal year with no Michael and an establishment Republican candidate my guess is Gillum would have done a lot worse.

    As for voting for Scott he did a bang up job after Michael.  Some of his most telling ads were showing Nelson saying he spent a week in the Panhandle after Michael and did all he could with a split screen of Scott in a PR stunt handing out food and water well after Nelson left.  Then in big bold letters the question was asked "What has Nelson ever done".  

    Parent

    Kind of off topic to your post. (5.00 / 3) (#80)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 11:52:22 AM EST
    But you mentioned the lack of income tax in Florida. I am a former Florida resident (Jax and Tampa area). I am also a former resident of Texas. Both states with no state income tax. I now live in PA where I pay Federal, State and local income tax.

    That said, I earn more money here than I ever would had I continued to live in either of those two states. Texas and Florida both have notoriously low wages. Florida most likely because the abundance of service work. Texas likes to brag about the companies moving there. I believe one reason for the relocations is wages. Companies know they can move to Texas and pay less.

    Both states have a gross lack of services. And high user fees. A mere seatbelt ticket in Texas can cost you upwards of $200 (but hey pols can claim its not a tax). I pay way less to register my car in PA. No sales tax on groceries or clothing. Otherwise it's 6% statewide. Sales taxes in Texas are near 10% in some areas. I don't remember what it cost in Florida. And I like having roads plowed within hours of a snowstorm.

    I've been in DFW during and after both ice and snowstorms. The entire region comes to a standstill. For days. Nothing moves. And if it does, it's usually a pickup truck off in the ditch. Seriously, I had to drive my Mini Cooper from Granbury to DFW airport right after an ice storm a few years back when my mother was still there. It's about a 60 miles drive. I counted no less than 37 pickups trucks in the ditch on side or in the median on that drive. Texans loves them some pick em up trucks. Ice, not so much.

    My point being, lack of a state income tax, is in my opinion, a red herring or smoke screen as to livability. You get what you pay for and/or you end up paying the state one way or another.

    Parent

    I grew up in Miami (none / 0) (#84)
    by ragebot on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 01:35:25 PM EST
    undergrad degree in Tampa at USF and MS/JD in Tallahassee.  I did see snow once in Tallahassee as a student and once after I graduated.  It melted so fast that snow plows were unneeded.  State tax is 6%(with food and medicine exceptions and a few others) but counties and cities can add to that.

    As I posted Florida has a high gas tax (course so do a lot of places) that means tourists pay a significant part of it.  There is also a bed tax (for beds in hotels) that tourists pay the majority of.

    As for wages and cost of living/quality of life it varies greatly.  In places like Miami wages and cost of living are fairly high while in more rural areas wages and cost of living are much lower.  But there is a large portion of the population who are retired and wages are not an issue.  There are also a lot of recent immigrants who are farm workers and have few options other than low paying jobs.

    No question Scott improved the economy, probably at a cost to the environment, and wages are increasing across the board.  Not trying to defend him as he is not my favorite, but his attack on Nelson as a 'do nothing' pol and his asking voters to name anything Nelson had done hit home.

    My understanding is that state seat belt laws are a response to a requirement of federal funds for interstate highways.  Not sure what tickets cost in Florida but I know a friend who got a $US193 ticket for a moving violation.

    My parents moved to Paris, TX after my Dad partially retired and went to work for the Indian Health Service as a doctor.  One Christmas I flew into DFW right after an ice storm and my Dad picked me up there.  He had snow chains and it was no problem for him on the roads.  In a lot of places where snow is a kinda rare event when it does happen it can be a disaster for some folks; while more to the North it is a regular event they prepare for.  One of my brothers lives in Ft. Collins and he gets snowed in sometimes.  At some point no matter how well you prepare snow can over power everything.

    I have traveled enough and spent enough time in other places to have some idea what they have to offer.  With an advanced degree and a JD I was able to make good money in Florida and if I had it to do over again I doubt I would change any thing including living and working in Florida.


    Parent

    Exactly (none / 0) (#85)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 02:57:31 PM EST
    Just re-tagged cars in Maryland, very reasonable, sales tax reasonable, tax savings is a wash. Better mass transit here, healthcare is pretty wonderful, if you must drive here all the time it can get stressful but mass transit is downright relaxing once you know the system. Heck I don't even really have to know the system, missing a stop I always find something new to see or know about. And education here is just freakin stellar. Should have moved my disabled child here years ago. He managed to survive my stupidity thank God.

    Parent
    A lot of really bad polling (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 10:28:18 PM EST
    They seem to have overestimated democrats all over.

    FL, MO, GA, TN

    I must admit I would have expected them to underestimate them.

    538 had the expected House gain (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by CoralGables on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:18:18 AM EST
    to be +35 seats for the Dems. When everything is counted it will likely be +34 or +35. Pretty damn accurate on their House polling aggregator.

    Parent
    I'm talking about (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:27:53 AM EST
    Gillum, Bredesen, McCaskill, Abrams,  Beto.

    Seriously funky polling.

    Parent

    I (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 11:09:47 AM EST
    always thought Beto was going to out preform the polls. The Fl polls were consistently way off, even the raw numbers that I saw(before modeling) showed a consistent 5-6 point lead for the dems so those results were very surprising. Perhaps under polling in the panhandle because of the hurricane skewed the results a bit, but it's hard to imagine that big a swing.

    My first impression is that the macro polling (ie nationwide generic house ballot) and the micro (ie individual cd's) preformed well, the state-wide polls, not so much, especially in FL. My guess is that the Republican rural strongholds were systematically under-polled.

    Of course in the back of my mind I cannot rule out some vote counting skullduggery.

     

    Parent

    AZ, Indiana, Ohio gov. (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:32:16 AM EST
    Hmmmmm, well as soon as we (none / 0) (#82)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 12:18:25 PM EST
    Understand how 18% of black women voted for DeSantis, we might understand a wee bit better how other polling was off.

    Parent
    I said the house gain would be 40+ (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:28:28 AM EST
    Looks like all close Senate races are going GOP. (none / 0) (#20)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Nov 06, 2018 at 10:28:37 PM EST
    Looks like FL, TX, TN, AZ and MO are lost. I thought the Dems would pick up at least one of those seats.

    ... please consider tonight's result in Honolulu City Council District 4 (East Honolulu), which so happens to be my old stomping grounds on Oahu:

    WATERS, Tommy....17,795
    OZAWA, Trevor....17,723

    That's a 72-vote margin out of 35,518 cast. Now mind you, this as a rematch of the district's 2014 race, which ended up as follows:

    OZAWA, Trevor....16,374
    WATERS, Tommy....16,333

    That was a 41-vote margin out of 33,707 cast.

    Just sayin'.

    Mueller time? (none / 0) (#31)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 07:57:18 AM EST

    VANITY FAIR
    VANITY FAIR
    @VanityFair
    NEW: Sources say Trump advisers are girding themselves for Mueller to deliver the results of his investigation to the Justice Department as early as Wednesday, although it's more likely he'll wait till later this month

    "I'm Very Worried About Don Jr.": West Wing Insiders Brace for the Mueller Storm
    vanityfair.com
    6:08 PM · Nov 5, 2018 · SocialFlow



    Definitely looks like Mueller Time (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 02:21:09 PM EST
    The GJ meets on Friday.  Speculation things happen this week.

    Another crazy Friday.  Mueller is 10 moves ahead of Cheeto.

    Parent

    Glenn Kirschner just said (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 02:23:23 PM EST
    In a movie this would be the car chase scene.

    Parent
    Rosenstein "summoned" (none / 0) (#53)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 02:39:18 PM EST
    To the White House

    He has refused to resign before

    Parent

    No longer in charge (none / 0) (#59)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 04:32:55 PM EST
    Of the probe

    Parent
    I understand (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 04:58:40 PM EST
    he has put Clovis' campaign manager on the beat?

    Parent
    He just (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 05:03:11 PM EST
    Lit the fuse

    Parent
    Just read Chris Kobach (none / 0) (#62)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 05:38:55 PM EST
    Is a top candidate

    Parent
    Kris, not "Chris" (5.00 / 4) (#66)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 10:25:36 PM EST
    If only his middle name were Kenneth, he'd have "some really fine" initials.

    Parent
    Yeah, (none / 0) (#64)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 06:24:32 PM EST
    he started a freaking forest fire that the GOP is going to allow to burn for 2 months until the house changes hands. They will never do anything about all this.

    Parent
    Jon Tester (D.MT) won (none / 0) (#47)
    by KeysDan on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 01:17:54 PM EST
    re-election to the US Senate.  Tester was a particular target of Trump for having opposed Dr. Ronny Jackson as head of the Veterans Administration.  Jackson was, allegedly, drunk on the job, created a hostile work environment, and distributed medications indiscriminately.  However, Jackson did attest to Trump's terrific health status, including his weight at 239 pounds and demonstration of cognitive abilities with flying colors.

    Also, Democrat Ned Lamont was elected governor of Connecticut.

    Jeff Sessions resigns (none / 0) (#48)
    by ragebot on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 01:40:29 PM EST
    at the request of the prez

    First link (none / 0) (#49)
    by ragebot on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 01:47:00 PM EST
    Whitter replaces Sessions (none / 0) (#50)
    by ragebot on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 01:51:22 PM EST
    Unconfirmed reports are that he will first move to declassify FISA stuff and that he will replace Rosenstein as directing the Muller investigation.

    Prez says nominee is in mind and will be named at a later date.

    Feh (none / 0) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 02:50:23 PM EST
    at this point the only people that is going to work on is the same rubes he's been fleecing for quite a while at this point. It's amazing the lengths he has been going to in an attempt to protect a likely Russian asset like Carter Page. He might as well keep up the carny stuff right now because once the formidable Adam Schiff takes the place of Nunes it's game over with this kind of nonsense.

    And if he thinks he can do anything about the Mueller investigation at this point he's fooling himself. Mueller has gotten so much information and so much farmed out to states and federal districts that's it is too late for any monkey business from Trump to be effective.

    Parent

    Whitaker (none / 0) (#63)
    by Zorba on Wed Nov 07, 2018 at 06:10:34 PM EST
    Matthew Whitaker.

    Parent
    RGB in hospital (none / 0) (#77)
    by ragebot on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:54:22 AM EST
    She broke three ribs in a fall in her office.  One more than the two ribs she broke in a fall in 2012 that was not disclosed at the time.

    I am wondering about life time tenure for justices.  Rehnquist should have retired earlier than he did and it was obvious that he was not functioning at 100%; yet he stayed on till the bitter end.

    FDR's ill advised attempt to force justices to retire at 75 may not be as bad an idea as it was at the tme when it was viewed a purely political.

    There were calls for RGB to retire when Obama was prez and the Dems controlled the Senate.  Since Trump will have a majority in the Senate for two more years at a minimum, with the possibility of four more years as prez those calls seem to have been a good idea.


    Don't get to excited (5.00 / 3) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 10:56:23 AM EST
    She ain't goin no place

    Parent
    I guess the real protests have started (none / 0) (#86)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 04:40:25 PM EST
    Funny, so many protests have occurred since November 2016 I didn't realize that the protest we were all actually prepping for has arrived.

    Wow, how did this happen? What a horrible two years for all of us.

    Way less horrible (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 05:41:54 PM EST
    Than last week.  This is why winning the House was way more important than winning FL.

    Parent
    I don't know which is way less (none / 0) (#91)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:05:33 PM EST
    Horrible Captain.

    What I will say, when going through hell keep going and we shall overcome. There are no other options.

    Parent

    IMO (none / 0) (#92)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:18:02 PM EST
    It's not even close.

    The house will not allow the investigation to be killed and buried.

    They know why they were elected

    Also they should make it clear to republican senators they will be he'd accountable in two years.  Republicans are set to have a very bad and vulnerable year in 2020.

    Parent

    I (none / 0) (#94)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:37:33 PM EST
    wish I could share your optimism. tRump and the craven caucus hold seemingly unfettered power for the next 56 days, and even then it will probably take weeks or even months for the Dems to gear up.

    Even if he is eventually impeached, conviction in the Senate seems unlikely.  Even 2020 is light years away for our Republic, meanwhile the damage these vandals can do is immeasurable.

     

    Parent

    It will not take week or months (none / 0) (#95)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:47:13 PM EST
    They sent letters today to everyone involved in the Mueller investigation that destroying any records would be a crime.

    I do not think this new DOJ tool will attempt to stop the investigation.  The white house is hiring dozens of new lawyers.  

    No doubt Trump picked him because of his views.  

    The house democrats are spoiling for a fight.  And republicans have given them the tools to win.

    Parent

    Yep (none / 0) (#98)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:01:22 PM EST
    "stern" letters are always a winner, I'm telling you they will burn down the DOJ if needed to win this fight. The Democrats have limited leverage in the short run, sure they can expose the rot but the electoral payoff is still years away.

    I'm also skeptical of the Democrats will to fight, they have rarely if ever showed any kind of killer instinct in my lifetime.

    Parent

    I guess we will find out (none / 0) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:13:09 PM EST
    Those "stern letters" are called preservation orders.

    Parent
    And btw (none / 0) (#96)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:50:18 PM EST
    All Mueller has to do is hand it off the state AGs

    If you do not believe Mueller has planned for this I don't think you have been paying attention.

    Parent

    FOX NEWS (none / 0) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:55:31 PM EST
    George Conway, husband of K-A, (none / 0) (#109)
    by Peter G on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:59:56 PM EST
    who appears to be a sane Republican (George, that is, not Kelly-Anne), co-authored an op-ed in the NYT with Neal Katyal, who was Solicitor General under Obama, opining that under the Constitution's Appointments Clause Whitaker cannot serve as Acting Atty General, because he does not presently hold a Senate-confirmed position. Here's a different and rather detailed analysis.

    Parent
    My reason for that link (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:10:33 PM EST
    Is that guy is a regular legal guy on FOX NEWS.

    My speed read of your link seemed pretty positive for the rule of law.  To me.

    Parent

    Yes, no surprise there (none / 0) (#123)
    by Peter G on Fri Nov 09, 2018 at 12:19:18 PM EST
    This strict reading of the Appointments Clause is based on Justice-Thomas-style "strict construction"/"textual" constitutional law theory. Not the position that liberal constitutional law experts would be expected to take. Believe it or not, constitutional law reasoning is not always and everywhere a mask for partisan politicking.

    Parent
    Of (none / 0) (#100)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:19:43 PM EST
    I'm paying attention, I'm fkng obsessed with this sht. I have a fair amount of confidence in state charges being brought if needed, however those will also take some time to gear up and it's unclear constitutionally if tRump himself can be prosecuted by a state while in office.

    Meanwhile we have a full-blown criminal syndicate in charge and I am not being hyperbolic, that meanwhile terrifies me.

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:22:43 PM EST
    We have had one for two years.

    I can hold off igniting my hair for 2 months.

    Parent

    Two (none / 0) (#105)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:40:12 PM EST
    years of of un-cornered rats, as the walls get tighter the danger mounts.

    Parent
    You really need (none / 0) (#106)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:42:48 PM EST
    To drop CNN

    Parent
    Trust (none / 0) (#108)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:59:30 PM EST
    me my, analysis of the situation is mine and mine alone, I've always been a pessimist and even this blue wave does not boost my confidence that much.

    Parent
    Btw (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 05:42:38 PM EST
    It was a wave.  Largest democrat gains since post Watergate.

    Ftr (none / 0) (#90)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 05:46:09 PM EST
    The democrat (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 06:21:40 PM EST
    Has pulled ahead in the AZ recount

    Parent
    Nelson is closed to 15,000 (none / 0) (#102)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:26:31 PM EST
    Votes.  It's possible republicans only gain one Senate seat in spite all the suppression BS and 2018 being the favorable environment for republicans in decades.

    Parent
    Scott just filed a lawsuit (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:39:23 PM EST
    Which IMO is a good sign

    Parent
    I think (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:08:18 PM EST
    he knows the votes are not there for him in the senate. He is having a literal meltdown. There seriously must have been some fraud going on in Florida and he's up to his neck in it.

    Maybe even Gillum will pull it out in a recount. We can always hope. He rescinded his concession.

    Parent

    It seems for "some reason" (none / 0) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:24:17 PM EST
    bout 25,000 ballots in Broward Co, a major democrat county,  have no vote for senator.  Just blank.

    Among other things we know so far.

    But I agree totally about the desperate.

    Parent

    And Tester too (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by MKS on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:22:52 PM EST
    I went to bed Tuesday night thinking Tester Sinema and Nelson all lost.  Now maybe all three win.

    Parent
    That would (none / 0) (#115)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:33:07 PM EST
    be awesome if we got all three. So far we are at 2 out of 3.

    Parent
    Careful (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:38:11 PM EST
    Still half a million AZ votes to count

    Parent
    IDK (none / 0) (#122)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Nov 09, 2018 at 07:25:51 AM EST
    Republicans are saying that there is no way McSally is going to make up the votes because the areas that are coming in are just expanding Sinema's lead FWIW.

    Parent
    Something (none / 0) (#117)
    by FlJoe on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 08:40:28 PM EST
    sure has Scott spooked
    Florida governor Rick Scott is launching a lawsuit based on the claim first floated by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) that Democrats are trying to "steal" the state's election.
    Why is it always projection with these guys?

    "No ragtime group of liberal activists or lawyers from DC will be allowed to steal this election from the voters in this great state," Scott said in a press conference where he announced his voter fraud lawsuit against Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes for the county's slow-going absentee ballot counting.


    Parent
    What's a "ragtime group"? (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by jondee on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 09:36:34 PM EST
    like the Preservation Hall Jazz Band?

    I've heard of a ragtag group..

    Parent

    I suppose it must be... (5.00 / 2) (#124)
    by Jack E Lope on Fri Nov 09, 2018 at 12:47:53 PM EST
    ...this: Best Ragtime Musicians in Liberal, KS.   But the bands listed are far from Liberal - at least 300 miles away.

    I just can't resist the easy opportunity to make sport of Rick Scott's behavior.

    Parent

    Almost funny (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 09, 2018 at 02:22:19 PM EST
    Florida governor and Senate candidate Rick Scott demanded an investigation be opened into allegations of voter fraud in Broward County -- but apparently did not submit an official request for one.

    The Tampa Bay Times reported that according to a spokesperson from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Scott has not submitted a written request that would trigger such an investigation.



    Parent
    I was wondering that too (none / 0) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 09:41:03 PM EST
    Probably meant ragtag? (none / 0) (#121)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 11:45:17 PM EST
    More (none / 0) (#103)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 08, 2018 at 07:33:45 PM EST
    There are currently 33 Republican governors. After this election, if results hold, Republicans will have a far narrower 26-seat majority. Republicans will also have a majority in both houses of state legislatures in 30 states, while Democrats will have a majority in 18 states. Fourteen states will be entirely under Democratic control, 21 states will be entirely under Democratic control and 13 will have a governor who represents a different party from the majority in the state legislature.

    One state, Nebraska, has a unicameral, nonpartisan legislature. The Georgia gubernatorial race has not yet been decided as of Thursday.

    Democrats took control of the Colorado Senate, the New York Senate, the Maine Senate, the Minnesota House, the Connecticut Senate and both the Senate and the House in New Hampshire. For New York, total Democratic control of the state government could lead to the implementation of progressive policies such as making New York a sanctuary state.

    Democrats also made significant headway with attorney general positions. The party picked up new attorney general seats in Colorado, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin, and 27 of the country's attorneys general will be Democratic this year.

    Attorneys general often band together in challenging presidents; Republicans sued to overturn the Affordable Care Act, and Democrats have challenged President Trump on issues such as the original travel ban and easing environmental regulations. New York elected Letitia James to the state attorney general post, making her the first black woman to hold statewide office in New York.  



    Parent
    In a surprise to absolutely no one (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 09, 2018 at 02:34:56 PM EST
    Flake floats GOP primary run against Trump

    Gotta say I would love to get the job of making anti Flake commercials.