Topic: Washington State Politics

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Why North Carolina banned gay marriage (+video)

Republicans and African Americans in North Carolina were united in supporting a constitutional ban on gay marriage. The North Carolina is a key swing state in the 2012 presidential election.
North Carolina ready for constitutional ban on gay marriages, says poll

North Carolina will vote Tuesday on a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages and civil unions. One North Carolina poll shows only 38 percent oppose the ban.
Judge, deputy wounded in Washington court

Some are saying that budget cuts to security made the courthouse particularly vulnerable.
New Jersey passes gay marriage bill, awaits Christie veto

The New Jersey Assembly passes gay marriage bill on Thursday, sending the bill to Republican Governor Chris Christie, a possible vice-presidential candidate who has promised to veto the measure.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signs gay marriage bill into law

Gregoire signed the bill surrounded by gay rights supporters. 'I'm proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal,' she said.
Washington State headed toward gay marriage: a sign of shifting attitudes

Lawmakers voted to make Washington the seventh state to allow gay marriage. Opponents vow to force the measure onto the November ballot, but obtaining a voter veto of the new law will be an uphill battle.
Capital gains tax: a way to fund schools?

Capital gains tax proposed by a Washington State Democrat as a way to fund education. But a capital gains tax would require bipartisan effort as legislature works to address a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall.
College savings plans: Is prepaid tuition still a good idea?

College savings plans are struggling in many states because of rising tuition costs and declining returns. About half of prepaid college savings plans have stopped accepting new money.
In Tacoma, teachers needed to strike simply to keep the status quo

Teachers nationwide are fighting cuts and unwanted education reforms, but those in Tacoma, Wash., went further and went on strike. With the strike now over, what did that accomplish?
Radioactive milk found on West Coast, but levels are 'minuscule'

Radioactive milk linked to the Japan nuclear crisis has been detected in samples from California and Washington State. But the amounts are so tiny that they pose no health risk, officials say.
Democrat Patty Murray holds onto her Senate seat, just barely

Sen. Patty Murray (D) of Washington State won reelection, though not by the comfortable margins she's used to. Farther north, the drama continues as Alaskans wait to see if incumbent Lisa Murkowski won her write-in challenge to tea party favorite Joe Miller.
Recount may loom amid confusion in Connecticut governor race

The secretary of state declared Democrat Dan Malloy the winner Wednesday in the Connecticut governor race, before the release of official numbers. Republican Tom Foley says his own tally puts him ahead.
Washington, Colorado, Alaska Senate races: When will we know who won?

The Colorado, Washington State, and Alaska Senate races are undecided on Wednesday morning. They won't tip the balance of power in the Senate, but two are important to Democrats.
The Vote
Five Democratic candidates Obama is trying to save

President Obama will make a campaign swing through the West and Midwest this week, targeting five races the Democrats desperately want to win.
How mail-in ballots might confuse polls - and Election Day results

Increasing numbers of Americans can vote by mail or absentee ballots. This makes it harder for polls to gauge who the winner might be and means some close races might not be called for days.
Democrats rally behind their 'mom in tennis shoes,' Sen. Patty Murray

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington is facing a strong challenge from GOP candidate Dino Rossi. Top Democrats from Michelle Obama to former President Bill Clinton have vowed to help.
From Murkowski to Castle, sore losers abound in Election 2010

So much for endorsing your opponent and bowing out gracefully. Many Republican candidates in Election 2010 are not backing the primary winner. Some are looking for ways to stay in the race.
Senate races 101: Is the Democratic majority in jeopardy?

Republicans are almost sure to pick up seats after the 2010 Senate races are over. But they also have an outside shot at retaking the majority in the upper chamber.
Sarah Palin's 'mama grizzlies' have tough summer: Is she losing her touch?

Sarah Palin has endorsed conservative candidates in dozens of Republican primaries this year. But her chosen office-seekers have been mostly unsuccessful. Has Sarah Palin lost touch with the Republican primary voters who make up her base?
Washington's 'jungle primary': Trouble ahead for Patty Murray?

The Washington Senate seat was the marquee contest of Tuesday’s primaries. The incumbent, Patty Murray, will face Republican businessman Dino Rossi in the fall.
Electoral college reform one state closer to completion

Electoral college consists of the popularly elected representatives of each state. The reform proposal would give each state's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who captures the popular vote.
Tea party, conservatives enliven Washington GOP convention

More than 1,200 delegates wrapped up the three-day meeting, hearing speech after speech castigating big government and Democrats.
Q&A with a state attorney general: fatal flaws in healthcare bill

The Monitor talks to Rob McKenna, the Republican attorney general of Washington State, who is one of 14 attorneys general who say the new healthcare bill violates the US Constitution.
Healthcare reform: Who wins when governor, attorney general clash?

Washington's attorney general filed suit against the healthcare reform bill signed today. One problem: He didn't ask the state's governor, who supports the bill. Who wins?
Health care and job creation are important, but Obama must address racism

A racially conscious approach to lawmaking is essential to rooting out institutional racism.