Party Control of the Delaware State Senate Decided Today

Stay in the know this week: No Images? [Click here]( [Ballotpedia: The Encyclopedia of American Politics]( The week in review: February 18 - February 24 What’s on tap next week: February 25 - March 3 State - Partisan control of the [Delaware State Senate]( will be decided in one of the most closely watched [special state legislative elections]( of the year thus far. The chamber became split 10-10 in early January 2017 after Democrat [Bethany Hall-Long]( vacated the [District 10]( seat to be sworn in as [lieutenant governor of Delaware](. Vying to replace her are Democrat [Stephanie Hansen](, Republican [John Marino](, and Libertarian [Joseph Lanzendorfer](. If Marino wins the election, Republicans will control the chamber for the first time in more than 40 years and break the state’s [Democratic trifecta](, which has been in place since 2009. The race has also drawn attention as one of the first electoral contests to take place since [Donald Trump]( (R) took office, giving it the potential to offer a preview of how competitive down-ballot races might play out during Trump’s first term. In the [2016 presidential election](, District 10 voters backed Democrat [Hillary Clinton]( over Trump 54 to 41 percent. The last time the seat itself was up for election, however—in 2014—Democrats carried it by just 267 votes. The Republican candidate in the 2017 special election, John Marino, was also the Republican candidate for the seat in 2014. - Spending in this race has been high relative to usual elections in this chamber. The News Journal reported that more than [$1 million]( had been spent in the race as of February 21. Hansen had raised $414,000 and spent $231,000. A [PAC]( supporting her had spent an estimated $550,000. Marino had raised close to $150,000 and spent $96,000. A PAC supporting him had spent $35,000. Comparatively, winners of elections in the past across the full chamber had [spent]( between $50,000 and $100,000, on average. - Both[former]( Vice President [Joe Biden]( (D) and [former]( Governor of Maryland [Martin O’Malley]( (D) spent time campaigning on behalf of [Stephanie Hansen]( (D) in Delaware last week. [Learn more: Delaware State Legislative Special Election]( Local - As of February 20, the total [spending]( in the election for three seats on the [Los Angeles Unified School District]( school board has reached $3,358,847. Outside spending—when a group or political action committee chooses to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure—for the 11 other city contests, including the race for mayor, totals $465,803. There is no limit to outside spending in elections, as long as the candidate or the candidate’s campaign plays no part in managing the spending. The majority of the spending was in District 4, where board president [Steve Zimmer]( is running for re-election. Roughly $1,256,121 has been spent in an effort to defeat Zimmer, while Zimmer’s campaign has spent about $705,157 on his behalf. A primary election will be held on March 7, and the general election will be held on May 16. The Los Angeles Unified School District is the largest school district in California and served 646,683 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 10 percent of all public school students in the state. - Earlier in the month, local teachers union [United Teachers Los Angeles]( formally endorsed Zimmer and contributed $150,000 to an independent campaign on his behalf. On January 17, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan (R), who served from 1993 to 2001, made a $1 million contribution to an independent campaign backing one of Zimmer’s challengers, [Nick Melvoin](. Both Melvoin and another Zimmer challenger—Allison Holdorff Polhill—have benefited from allied independent campaigns on their behalf. Respectively, $242,157 and $183,415 has been spent on each candidate. - These large donations highlight the role unions have previously played in LAUSD board elections. According to the Los Angeles Times, Riordan has often been at odds with the teachers union, dating back to his time as mayor. Riordan and billionaire-philanthropist [Eli Broad]( donated [big money]( in the 2013 LAUSD election to defeat union-backed candidates. During the elections in [2015](, a political action committee controlled by the California Charter Schools Association Advocates served as the pipeline for contributions to candidates without union support. That year, three of the four candidates backed by the pro-charter organization won election to the board. [Scott Mark Schmerelson]( was the only union-backed candidate to win, defeating incumbent [Tamara Galatzan]( by over 3,000 votes. Zimmer was backed by unions during his campaign in 2013, and his supporters successfully framed the large donations made by billionaires to defeat Zimmer as positive points for his re-election. [State politics]( The Week in Review Ballot measures update: 2017: - So far, [five statewide measures]( are certified to appear on the ballot in 2017 in [Maine](, [New York](, [New Jersey](, and [Ohio](. Over the previous five odd-year election cycles, an average of about seven citizen-initiated measures and 34 total statewide measures have appeared on ballots. Moreover, voters in Puerto Rico will decide [a referendum]( on June 11—and another in October depending on the results of the June referendum—asking whether they want statehood or independence/free association. - The next [signature filing deadline]( for citizen initiatives in 2017 is in [Ohio]( on July 5. - Two [indirect initiatives](—one addressing [casinos]( and [one addressing Medicaid expansion]( under the ACA—were certified as valid and sufficient and sent to the legislature in Maine; they will go before voters if the legislature does not approve them unaltered. 2018: - [Five measures are certified to appear on statewide ballots in 2018]( so far, and a signature petition for a [citizen-initiated measure in Nevada]( designed to establish an automatic voter registration system was certified as sufficient. It will be sent to the legislature and later to voters if the legislature does not approve it within the first 40 days of its 2017 session. Over the previous five even-year election cycles, an average of 61 citizen-initiated measures and 173 total statewide measures have appeared on ballots. VERBATIM FACT CHECK [Did Delaware Senate candidate Stephanie Hansen change her position on standardized testing opt-out?]( The February 25th election for Delaware's 10th District senate seat may determine which party controls the chamber. In a recent debate, Republican John Marino criticized Democrat Stephanie Hansen for changing her position on standardized test opt-out, claiming, "I find it interesting that my opponent Stephanie Hansen is speaking on opt-out now when she had her position just a few days ago on her website was completely different than that [sic]." [Did Hansen change her position on allowing students to opt out of standardized testing?]( No. Hansen's campaign website did not address opt-out, and only referred to her support for legislation to "curb over-testing." Monday, February 20 Lawsuit Over Legislation in Iowa - A union that represents 40,000 government workers filed a [lawsuit]( to try and stop legislation signed into law last week impacting collective bargaining in Iowa. An attorney representing the group called the new law draconian in the official complaint, which seeks an injunction to halt the law’s implementation. One particular point of contention in the lawsuit is the provision in the law that exempts police and firefighters from changes to collective bargaining. The suit argues that the law violates the state constitution by creating what it terms as “favored” and “disfavored” groups of government workers. - Iowa Attorney General [Thomas John Miller]( (D) [announced]( that he would not defend the state in the lawsuit filed against the legislation. He said that he would instead advise the governor on seeking outside legal assistance in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. In his announcement, Miller noted that some of the organizations affected by the new law had supported him in the past. Iowa is one of four Republican trifectas that has a Democratic attorney general. The other three are Kentucky, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. - The[Iowa General Assembly]( passed House File[291]( last Thursday, which would limit most public-sector union contract negotiations to only base wages. These unions would no longer be allowed to negotiate over things like health insurance, evaluation procedures, and leaves of absence for political purposes. HF 291 passed the[state House]( with all Democrats and six Republicans dissenting and passed the[state Senate]( along party lines. HF 291 sparked three days of debate and protest at the state capitol. Gov.[Terry Branstad]( (R) signed the bill into law on Friday. Republicans won control of the state Senate in the[2016 elections](, making Iowa one of 25[Republican trifectas](. Presidential Popular Vote Legislation in New Mexico - The [New Mexico State Senate]( approved a [bill]( that would allow it to join 10 other states in a push for national presidential elections to be decided by popular vote. Senate Bill 42 was passed 26-16 along party lines and is the first of its type passed in the country this year. The bill’s sponsor, [Mimi Stewart]( (D), said that moving towards a national popular vote would “begin the process of regaining the voters’ trust in our elections and ensure their voices are equal to every voter across the country.” The chamber’s Republicans criticized the move coming on the heels of Donald Trump’s victory in November 2016. “Just because we didn’t get our way means we pout and change the entire system,” said [Cliff R. Pirtle]( (R). Trump won the Electoral College vote but lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton (D) 45.9 to 48 percent. Prior to the 2016 presidential election, a [split between the popular vote and electoral college]( had only happened three times: 2000, 1888, and 1876. Because Democrats control the house in New Mexico, SB 42 could pass through the legislature. To become law, however, it would need to be signed by Gov. [Susana Martinez]( (R). In order to override a veto, Democrats would need help from Republicans in order to meet the two-thirds majority requirement. New Mexico is currently one of 19 states under [divided government](. LRCA Passes First Session Vote in Virginia - Following approval by the [Virginia House of Delegates](, a [constitutional amendment]( that would empower the legislature to approve or reject any administrative rule cleared its first hurdle to make the [2018 ballot](. The measure would authorize the[state legislature]( to review any administrative rule to determine if it is consistent with the intent of the statute that the rule was developed to interpret, implement, or enforce. The amendment needs to be approved again by both chambers of the legislature during its 2018 session to be certified for the ballot. Virginia is currently under [divided government](, with a Republican-controlled legislature and a Democratic governor. - This is one of [two bills]( under consideration in the state legislature to give legislators more control over administrative rules. - [A similar law]( was put on the ballot by the legislature in Idaho and approved by voters in November 2016. Tuesday, February 21 Maryland Semiautomatic Weapon Ban Upheld - The [U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit]( ruled 10-4 to [uphold]( Maryland’s ban on semiautomatic guns with certain military-style features. The ban upheld in this case is similar to ones passed by seven other states in recent years. Writing for the majority, Judge [Robert King]( said, “assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are not protected by the Second Amendment.” In the dissenting opinion, Chief judge [William Traxler]( spoke out against the court’s majority, claiming that they have “gone to greater lengths than any other court to eviscerate the constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms.” Of the 15 judges on the court, 10 were appointed by Democratic presidents, while five were appointed by Republican presidents. Planned Parenthood Defunding Vetoed in Virginia - Virginia Gov. [Terry McAuliffe]( (D) [vetoed]( legislation that would have blocked state funding for Planned Parenthood. The law would restrict funding for abortions that don’t qualify for matching funds under Medicaid, which is limited to cases of rape, incest, or what the law calls gross fetal anomalies. In a statement, McAuliffe said that such a law would impede quality of life in the state. Supporters of the legislation [said]( that it “ensures that hospitals, federally qualified health clinics and rural health clinics are funded over abortion centers.” A veto override would require a two-thirds majority vote from both chambers. Virginia is currently one of 19 states under [divided government](. - The[Virginia State Senate]( voted 20-19 along party lines to approved the bill on February 14, while the[Virginia House of Delegates]( passed the legislation on February 7. McAuliffe had publicly stated he would veto the legislation when it was sent to him. Medical Marijuana in Indiana - The [Indiana House of Representatives]( voted [98-0]( on a bill that would approve medicine derived from marijuana as a treatment for epilepsy. The cannabidiol oil cannot be used by patients in the same way marijuana is used recreationally, but compounds in the oil have been shown to lessen the effects of some forms of epilepsy. The [state Senate]( previously passed a similar bill, so the two chambers will now work together to reconcile any differences in the two pieces of legislation. Indiana is currently one of 25 [Republican trifectas](. Opiate Legislation Filed in South Carolina - A group of Republican lawmakers [filed]( 10 pieces of legislation to address what they see as a growing opioid and heroin epidemic in the state. One piece of legislation would require doctors to participate in a prescription drug database to track patient prescriptions between doctors. According to Rep. [Phyllis Henderson]( (R), only about 30 percent of physicians currently participate in the state database, and such participation is mandatory in other states. A press release issued by the legislators said that “the proposed pieces of legislation, and other pieces forthcoming, will be a strong attempt to address the statewide issue of heroin and opioid abuse.” South Carolina is currently one of 25 [Republican trifectas](. - Last week, New Jersey Gov.[Chris Christie]( (R) signed[legislation]( into law that limits initial prescriptions for pain-killing opioids to five days and requires insurance companies to accept addicts into treatment programs without delay. Christie had challenged the legislature to send him a bill aimed at opioids within 30 days of his January 10 State of the State address. The Medical Society of New Jersey spoke out against the law, saying it limits doctors’ ability to treat patients. Supporters of the law, however, said that it allowed doctors to extend prescriptions beyond the five days if painful symptoms were still occurring. Nearby, New York, Maine, and Massachusetts have previously passed similar laws with seven-day limits on pain prescriptions. New Jersey is currently one of 19 states with a[divided government](. Maine Initiative Certified - The [Maine Medicaid Expansion Initiative]( was [certified]( to appear before the state legislature during its 2017 session. The measure would require the state to provide[Medicaid]( services through MaineCare for persons under the age of 65 and with incomes equal to or below 138 percent of the federal poverty line, as provided for by the [Affordable Care Act](. If the legislature approves the initiative as written, it will be enacted. If the legislature defeats or ignores the initiative, it will appear on the[ballot]( in[Maine]( for the election on[November 7, 2017](. Supporters of the initiative submitted 70,302 signatures to the[secretary of state's office]( on January 25, 2016, which was more than the 61,123 valid signatures needed for the measure to be certified. 66,434 of those signatures were deemed valid. There is currently one measure certified for the ballot in [2017 in Maine]( and another measure awaiting action by the legislature. - Maine's[Medicaid]( program is known as MaineCare. As of January 1, 2017, Maine had not expanded Medicaid under the[Affordable Care Act]( (ACA). In his 2014[State of the State]( address,[Governor Paul LePage]( (R) stated his opposition to Medicaid expansion, saying that "[w]e must protect our hard-working families from the higher insurance premiums and higher taxes that will result from further expansion." The[state legislature]( passed bills expanding Medicaid under the ACA five times, but Gov. LePage vetoed each bill. Primary Election for Wisconsin Superintendent - Wisconsin held a[primary election]( for[superintendent of public instruction](. Incumbent[Tony Evers]( and [Lowell Holtz]( were the top two vote-getters and advanced to the April 4 general election over [John Humphries]( and[Rick Melcher](. Evers is seeking a third term in office. The office of superintendent of public instruction in Wisconsin is a nonpartisan position. However, candidates can and often are supported in their bids for election by partisan groups. Marsy’s Law Passes Oklahoma House - The [Oklahoma House of Representatives]( [passed]( [HJR 1002](, which would establish a [Marsy’s Law]( in the state. If it is also passed by the [Oklahoma State Senate](, the constitutional amendment would be placed on the [2018 ballot]( in Oklahoma. The amendment would provide crime victims with specific rights, such as the right to be notified about and present at proceedings, to be heard at proceedings involving release, plea, sentencing, disposition, or parole of the accused, to be reasonably protected from the accused, to be notified about release or escape of the accused, to refuse an interview or disposition at the request of the accused, and to receive restitution from the individual who committed the criminal offense. A [similar measure]( has been proposed for the [2017 ballot]( in Ohio. Oklahoma is currently one of 25 [Republican trifectas](. - The type of crime victim legislation addressed by this measure is often referred to as a Marsy's Law.[Henry Nicholas](, the billionaire co-founder of Broadcom Corp., started campaigning for this kind of legislation to increase the rights and privileges of victims; he was the primary sponsor of the original 2008 Marsy's Law in California and was behind similar 2016 initiatives in [Montana](, [South Dakota](, and [North Dakota](—which all passed—and legislative proposals in Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, North Carolina, and [Nevada](. The legislation is named after Henry Nicholas' sister Marsy Nicholas, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Henry and his mother were also confronted by Marsy's ex-boyfriend after his release from prison; they were unaware of his release from prison on bail. Wednesday, February 22 Kansas Tax Veto Upheld - Kansas Gov. [Sam Brownback](’s (R) veto of proposed tax increases [survived]( the Republican-controlled [Kansas State Senate]( by three votes. The proposed legislation was projected to raise $2 billion over the next two years by increasing income tax rates and eliminating some business tax exemptions. The [lower chamber]( voted to override the veto, getting one more vote than the 84 necessary. In defending his veto, Brownback said he supported finding savings in the state budget rather than increasing taxes. Kansas is currently one of 25 [Republican trifectas](, and Republicans hold 116 of the 165 seats in the state legislature. Constitutional Carry Becomes Law in New Hampshire - New Hampshire Gov. [Chris Sununu]( (R) signed a [bill]( into law that makes New Hampshire the 12th state to implement what is commonly referred to as constitutional carry. The legislation allows citizens to carry firearms without a permit, such as a concealed carry permit. A similar bill passed both chambers last year but was vetoed by then-Gov.[Maggie Hassan]( (D). With Sununu’s victory in the [2016 gubernatorial election](, New Hampshire became one of 25 [Republican trifectas](. Kentucky Looking at Expanding Gubernatorial Control Over University Boards - A [Kentucky State Senate]( committee advanced a [bill](to the full chamber that would give the governor powers to reorganize university boards or remove board members. The bill came in response to Gov. [Matt Bevin](’s (R) dissolution and replacement of the University of Louisville board earlier this year, citing dysfunction within the board. This caused the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to place the school on probation. Senate President [Robert Stivers]( (R), the bill’s sponsor, said he hoped it addressed the concerns raised by SACS and would reinstate the school’s accreditation. A court blocked Bevin’s replacement of the board, but the legislature eventually made the changes through legislation. Kentucky is currently one of 25 [Republican trifectas](. Louisiana Concludes Special Budget Session - The [Louisiana State Legislature]( concluded a special [session]( aimed at closing a $304 million budget deficit for the current fiscal year. The agreed upon plan uses $99 million from the state’s rainy day fund, in addition to cuts to state agencies and drawing funding from other sources. Gov. [John Bel Edwards]( (D) said the deal left everyone “reasonably satisfied,” but said that he wants legislators to focus on budget stabilization in the future. According to The Advocate, over the last 15 years, Louisiana has had a mid-year budget deficit in nine of them. Louisiana is currently one of 19 states under [divided government](. Montana Legislative Referral Certified - The [Montana State Legislature]( [certified]( a [measure]( for the [2018 ballot]( that would renew a six-mill tax on real estate and personal property to provide funding for the Montana University System (MUS) from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2028. A six-mill tax rate is equivalent to $6 for each $1,000 of a property's taxable value, and projects to provide an estimated $20.9 million in fiscal year 2020 and $21.5 million in fiscal year 2021. MUS is comprised of sixteen public institutions of higher education, including two state university systems and three community colleges. So far, it is the only measure certified for the 2018 ballot in Montana. - In[1920](, Montanans approved[Initiative 18](, which enacted a 1.5-mill tax for 10 years to provide funding for the state university system. The six-mill tax for higher education was first levied after a public vote in[1948]( and was reauthorized at the ballot box every 10 years, including in[1958](,[1968](,[1978](,[1988](,[1998](, and[2008](. The highest margin of approval for the tax was 67.24 percent in 1978, and the lowest margin of approval was 51.51 percent in 1958. The average approval rate of the seven times the tax was voted on was 60.10 percent. Automatic Voter Registration Measure in Nevada - The [Nevada State Assembly]( passed an indirect initiative [27-15]( along party lines that could lead to the automatic voter registration of qualified citizens when receiving services, such as applications and renewals, from the Department of Motor Vehicles. To become law, the [Nevada Automatic Voter Registration Initiative]( would need to also be approved by the state Senate and signed by the governor. Otherwise, it will appear on the [November 2018 ballot]( for voter approval. As of December 2016, California, Connecticut, Oregon, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. had authorized automatic voter registration systems, all through their respective Department of Motor Vehicles. Nevada is currently one of 19 states under [divided government](. Another LRCA Passes First Session Vote in Virginia - Following approval by the [Virginia House of Delegates](, a [constitutional amendment]( that would authorize the[state legislature]( to suspend or nullify administrative rules and regulations by a simple majority vote of the[house]( and[senate]( cleared its first hurdle to make the [2018 ballot](. The measure would also empower the legislature to establish a legislative committee or commission to suspend administrative rules and regulations until the end of the next regular session while the legislature is not in a regular session. The amendment needs to be approved again by both chambers of the legislature during its 2018 session to be certified for the ballot. Virginia is [one of 12 states]( that require an LRCA to pass in two consecutive legislative sessions. - This is one of [two bills]( under consideration in the state legislature to give legislators more control over administrative rules. - [A similar law]( was put on the ballot by the legislature in Idaho and approved by voters in November 2016. Thursday, February 23 Washington Gov. Signs Executive Order on Immigration Enforcement - Washington Gov. [Jay Inslee]( (D) [signed]( an executive order stating that state workers and agencies could not use resources to request documents about someone’s immigration status or religious affiliation. In a statement, Inslee said that the order would shift workers’ focus to serving customers. “Their role is to fulfill missions of providing services to Washingtonians, not enforcing immigration statutes,” he said. The governor did say, however, that the state would honor any federal criminal arrest warrants in immigration cases. Washington is currently one of 19 states under [divided government](. - Washington’s Attorney General is currently involved in a lawsuit with the federal government over immigration. [Bob Ferguson]( (D) and Minnesota Attorney General[Lori Swanson]( (D) filed suit following an[executive order]( that barred individuals from seven countries from entering the United States and suspended the refugee admissions program. As of February 6, 16 of the 19 other Democratic attorneys general in the country had [filed]( a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the lawsuit. Arkansas House Passes Voter ID Amendment - The [Arkansas House of Representatives]( voted [73-21]( to approve [HJR 1016](, a [legislatively referred constitutional amendment]( that would require individuals to present valid photo identification to vote in person or absentee. The amendment would empower the[state legislature]( to determine what types of photographic identification count as valid and whether exceptions to the requirement should be made. It would also require the state to provide valid photographic identification free of charge to eligible voters. The amendment was proposed in response to the[Arkansas Supreme Court]( striking down a[voter identification statute]( as unconstitutional in 2014. In order to become law, HJR 1016 would need to be passed by the [Arkansas State Senate]( and then approved by voters on the [November 2018 ballot](. Arizona House Approves LRCAs to Repeal Proposition 105 - The [Arizona House of Representatives]( approved two versions of an [amendment]( that would repeal [Proposition 105](, an amendment that prohibits the [legislative repeal]( of voter-approved [initiatives]( and [referendums]( in the state. Voters passed Prop. 105 as a citizen initiative in [1998](. [House Concurrent Resolution 2002]( would repeal all provisions of Proposition 105. [House Concurrent Resolution 2007]( would repeal Proposition 105’s provisions related to veto referendums, but not initiatives. Both HCR 2002 and HCR 2007 passed the lower chamber 35 to 25. The [Arizona Senate]( still needs to pass the amendments for them to appear on the ballot for voter approval in [2018](. Arizona is currently one of 25 state governments with a [Republican trifecta](. - This is one of [at least five different proposals]( introduced in Arizona’s 2017 legislative session to restrict the initiative and referendum process. Other proposals include a [distribution requirement](, a ban on out-of-state contributions to initiative campaigns, a [pay-per-signature ban](, and a mandatory notice on petition sheets explaining that Prop. 105 prohibits the legislature from amending or repealing citizen initiatives. - Arizona ballots in 2016 featured two initiatives: [one to legalize marijuana](—which failed—and [one to raise the minimum wage](—which passed. Special elections and appointments As of this week, [six state legislative seats]( have been filled through special elections in 2017. Another 22 elections (not including runoffs) have been scheduled in 12 states to fill vacancies. Due to redistricting, additional [state legislative special elections]( may be held in North Carolina in 2017. The special elections have been called in response to a federal court order that ruled 28 state legislative districts unconstitutional because of racial gerrymandering. The U.S. Supreme Court issued an [order]( on January 10, 2017, that would cancel the 2017 special elections in North Carolina. The change would move elections under new maps to the regularly scheduled 2018 elections. The court is expected to decide whether to take up an appeal of this order. - An average of 89 seats were filled through special elections in each of the past three odd years ([2011](: 94, [2013](: 84, [2015](: 88). - An average of 44 seats were filled through special elections in each of the past four even years ([2010](: 26, [2012](: 45, [2014](: 40, [2016](: 65). Upcoming special elections include: February 25, 2017: - [Delaware State Senate District 10]( February 28, 2017: - [Connecticut State Senate District 2]( - [Connecticut State Senate District 32]( - [Connecticut House of Representatives District 115]( March 7, 2017: - [Alabama House of Representatives District 58]( (primary) What’s On Tap Next Week Saturday, February 25 Delaware Special Election - Partisan control of the [Delaware State Senate]( will be decided in one of the most closely watched [special state legislative elections]( of the year thus far. - See also:[Delaware state legislative special elections, 2017]( Tuesday, February 28 Connecticut Special Elections - Partisan control of the [Connecticut State Senate]( is up for grabs with a pair of seats up for special election. Connecticut Democrats headed into the November 2016 election with a 21 to 15 majority but left in an even 18 to 18 split with Republicans. In early January 2017, two resignations from the Senate—[Eric Coleman](, a Democrat, and[Robert Kane](, a Republican—dropped the chamber's partisan balance from 18-18 to 17-17. A seat in the [Connecticut House of Representatives]( is also up for election. - The chances of these races actually altering the chamber's partisan composition are slim based on historical results in the districts. In three elections between 2012 and 2016, the[District 2]( seat—vacated by[Eric Coleman]( (D)—leaned heavily Democratic. Coleman's margins-of-victory ranged from 58 percentage points to 71 percentage points.[Hillary Clinton]( (D) won District 2 over[Donald Trump]( (R) in the 2016 presidential election, 83 to 14 percent.[District 32](, on the other hand, leaned heavily Republican in elections between 2012 and 2016.[Robert Kane]( (R), who vacated the seat in January 2017, won three elections in this time period with margins-of-victory ranging from 27 percentage points to 35 percentage points. Donald Trump won District 32 over Clinton in 2016, 57 to 39 percent. - See also: [Connecticut state legislative special elections, 2017]( [Local politics]( The Week in Review Elections Update - In 2017, Ballotpedia is covering [municipal elections]( across 51 of America's 100 [largest cities]( by population and several of the [largest counties]( by population, [local judicial elections]( across six states holding elections for general and limited jurisdiction trial courts and one state holding elections for municipal jurisdiction trial courts, [school board elections]( across 464 of the 1,000 largest school districts by student enrollment, all [local recalls](, all [local ballot measures]( in California, and notable local ballot measures across the United States. - So far this year, Ballotpedia has covered two city elections, one county election, 22 school board elections, and five school board primary elections. Ballotpedia will cover approximately 100 local ballot measures in California in 2017. - One local ballot measure election occurred in California on January 10, when [a fire district parcel tax]( was approved. The next local ballot measure elections in California are on [February 28](—when [a property owner-only election]( will take place in Santa Barbara County—and [March 7](—when local voters will decide 19 measures. Los Angeles city voters will decide four measures, including [Measure S](, a development-related initiative. Tuesday, February 21 Dallas corruption trial to begin - In [Dallas](, jury selection began in the [trial]( of former [Dallas County]( Commissioner John Wiley Price. Price, who represented southern Dallas County for more than three decades before the FBI raided his office in June 2011, faces 11 counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud, and income tax evasion. He is accused of trading nearly $1 million in money, cars, and land for his political influence. Price’s executive assistant Dapheny Fain and political consultant Kathy Nealy will also face trial on political corruption charges. Since his indictment in 2014, Price has maintained his innocence. Testimony in the trial is expected to begin between February 24 and 27 and both prosecution and defense attorneys have agreed to finish the trial no later than June 30, 2017. Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the [ninth-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. New child welfare commissioner appointed in New York - [New York City]( Mayor [Bill de Blasio]( (D) appointed a new [commissioner]( to head the city’s embattled child welfare agency. David Hansell will assume leadership of the agency in March 2017, and is expected to rely more heavily on data to assess agency performance than previous commissioner Gladys Carrion. Carrion resigned in December 2016 amid allegations that the agency failed to protect children in its care. Hansell is a lawyer with a background in social services, city government, human resources, and activism. He reported to the New York Times that one of his first tasks as commissioner would be to conduct a full review of the agency’s functions to strengthen what is working and change what isn’t. New York City is the [largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - New York City is holding [municipal elections]( for mayor and city council this year. A primary election is scheduled for September 12, 2017, and the general election will be held on November 7, 2017. Seattle mayor delivers State of the City address - During his annual State of the City address, [Seattle]( Mayor [Ed Murray]( (D) [proposed]( tax increases to fight homelessness and improve education in the city. Murray is seeking a $55 million per year property tax levy to fight what he has called a homelessness state of emergency in the city. This would nearly double the city’s spending on homelessness with an estimated $275 million coming in over five years. The money would go toward mental health treatment, addiction treatment, and providing affordable housing for the homeless. Murray also proposed a soda tax to fund programs aimed at reducing disparities in education outcomes between the city’s white students and students of color. The tax was estimated to contribute about $16 million per year, with soda distributors paying two cents per ounce. Other cities, such as San Francisco and Philadelphia, have enacted soda taxes to fund initiatives. Both tax proposals require the approval of the city council to be placed on the ballot. Murray said he would activate the Emergency Operations Center to help people without homes. The center is traditionally only activated during natural disasters or major city events. Seattle is the largest city in Washington and the [21st-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - Murray is running for re-election this year, which will take place on November 7, 2017. Seattle is also holding [elections]( for two seats on the city council. Wisconsin primary elections - A [primary election]( was held for three circuit court judgeships in Wisconsin. The top two vote recipients for each seat advanced to the general election on April 4, 2017. Thirty-seven of the 48 Wisconsin circuit court seats up for election in 2017, or 77 percent, are uncontested. Of the 11 contested elections, only three had more than two candidates file and thereby required a primary election. Those were the Branch 3 judgeship on the Manitowoc County Circuit Court, the Branch 1 judgeship on the Polk County Circuit Court, and the judgeship on the Trempealeau County Circuit Court. The latter two judgeships both featured an incumbent running for re-election, whereas the Manitowoc County election was for an open seat. All three races drew three candidates each. - A [primary election]( was held for 15 school board seats across five of Wisconsin’s largest school districts by enrollment. The largest of the districts holding primary elections in 2017 was the [Madison Metropolitan School District](, which served 27,274 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 3.1 percent of all public school students in the state. Wisconsin will hold its general election for school boards on April 4, 2017. All 50 of the state’s largest school districts will be holding elections, with a total of 126 school board seats on the ballot. - [Click here]( to learn more about developments in Wisconsin’s largest school districts and their school board elections in 2016 and 2017. Wednesday, February 22 Trump rescinds transgender bathroom directive - The U.S. [Department of Justice]( and the U.S. [Department of Education]( [released]( a joint letter rescinding an Obama administration directive that allowed [transgender]( students to use the bathroom and locker room corresponding with their gender identity. The decision, made by President Trump, created friction between Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Under the order, states and individual school districts will retain the ability to make their own policies on transgender bathroom use. While the order shifts regulations for gay and transgender students from the federal to the state and local level, it also includes language stating that schools must protect transgender students from bullying. - Bathroom access emerged as a major issue in March 2016 when North Carolina passed [HB2](. - On March 23, 2016, the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act ([HB2]() [passed]( the North Carolina legislature and former Governor [Pat McCrory]( (R) signed the bill into law. The act stated that individuals in government-operated facilities must use the bathroom that corresponded with the sex listed on their birth certificate. The bill reversed an earlier ruling as well as local ordinances that allowed transgender individuals to use the restroom of their preference. Chicago property tax rebate money causes friction - Debates over how to spend roughly $15 million in leftover property tax [rebate]( money has led to tension between Chicago Mayor [Rahm Emanuel]( (D) and the [Chicago City Council]( over the previous month. Emanuel proposed a spending package that earmarked most of the money to upgrade city park infrastructure, equip all police officers with body cameras by the end of 2017, rehabilitate vacant homes, and fund after-school programs. He changed provisions of this package after a bloc of aldermen announced their plans to vote against the proposal. A compromised was reached with the city council budget committee after Emanuel removed several provisions of his plan—including spending $500,000 to plant 1,000 trees—and promised to earmark additional funding for anti-violence programs. Opponents, including Ward 22 Alderman [Ricardo Munoz](, argue the compromise still doesn’t include specific funding for street-level anti-violence programs. The budget committee voted 20-4 to bring the proposal before the full city council for further consideration. Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the [third-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Protests interrupt Portland council meeting - Soon after it began, a [Portland]( City Council meeting in Oregon was [interrupted]( by protestors demanding the resignation of Mayor [Ted Wheeler]( (D). Protesters accused Wheeler, who took office more than one month prior, of not doing enough to advance the city during his tenure. They called for Wheeler to step down and let city council president Chloe Eudaly take his place. The protest was organized in the wake of the fatal police shooting of Quanice Hayes. Hayes was shot and killed by officers when he refused to drop what was later identified to be a replica of a gun. Protesters indicated that they would continue to interrupt council meetings until Wheeler resigned. Roughly an hour into the protest, security intervened and told the protesters to leave the council chamber or face arrest. In all, 13 people—seven adults and six minors—were arrested during the protest. Police said arrests were made because no permit was obtained for the protest or for the road closures it caused. Wheeler supported the actions of the police bureau in response to the protest, but he also noted that the police must work with the government and the community to ensure a high level of police accountability. In contrast, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) charged that police handled protesters violently and called for Wheeler to take action against the police department. Portland is the largest city in Oregon and the [29th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. What’s On Tap Next Week Tuesday, February 28 California school board primary - A [primary election]( will be held in the [Burbank Unified School District]( for two of five school board seats. If no candidates receive a majority of votes cast in the primary, a general election will be held on April 11, 2017. Incumbents Larry Applebaum and Charlene Tabet face challenger Steven Frintner. In this school district, primary elections function as general elections do in other states, and general elections function as runoff elections do in other states. Burbank USD served 16,332 students during the 2014-2015 school year—approximately 0.3 percent of all public school students in the state. Chicago special election - A [special election]( will be held for the Ward 4 seat on the [Chicago City Council](. [Sophia King]( was appointed in April 2016 to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of [William Burns](. The winner of the special election will serve the remaining two years of Burns’ term, which expires in 2019. Five candidates, including King, filed to run in the race. In January 2017, former president [Barack Obama]( endorsed King. If no candidate wins a majority of the vote, the top two vote recipients will advance to a runoff election on April 4, 2017. Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the [third-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Wednesday, March 1 Georgia judge retires - In [DeKalb County, Georgia](, Probate Judge [Jeryl Rosh]( will leave [office]( less than one year after winning re-election in an unopposed race. Rosh, who has served as the county’s probate judge since 2003, announced her retirement two days into her new term, citing a family medical issue that arose in November 2016. Under Georgia law, the probate court’s associate judge assumes the position for the remainder of the four-year term if the job becomes vacant. Associate Probate Judge [Bedelia Hargrove]( will replace Rosh effective March 1. Critics argued that Rosh’s move allowed her to hand-pick a successor and shut out other candidates by using state law to prevent an election for the open seat. The associate probate judge position was first created when Rosh appointed Hargrove in December 2016. At that time, Rosh did not mention her intention to retire when seeking approval for the appointment. Neither Rosh nor Hargrove responded to interview requests with The Atlanta City Journal. Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia and the [40th-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. Friday, March 3 Nebraska filing deadlines - In [Omaha](, the filing deadline will pass to run in the [election]( for mayor and eight city council seats. A primary election will be held on April 4, 2017, and the general election will be held on May 9, 2017. Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska and the [42nd-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. - In [Lincoln](, the filing deadline will pass to run in the [election]( for three seats on the city council and the airport authority. A primary election will be held on April 4, 2017, and the general election will be held on May 2, 2017. Lincoln is the second-largest city in Nebraska and the [72nd-largest city]( in the U.S. by population. [Donate Securely Online]( The Lucy Burns Institute, publisher of Ballotpedia, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Donations to the Lucy Burns Institute or Ballotpedia do not support any candidates or campaigns. Ballotpedia The Encyclopedia of American Politics 8383 Greenway Blvd., Suite 600 Middleton, WI 53562 Only want to receive federal news?