The Ballotpedia News Update, 2009 archive

# January[edit]

### Tax cut amendment in Colorado[edit]

Former lobbyist Freda Poundstone has introduced a tax-limiting amendment as a possible initiative for the 2010 Colorado ballot, eliciting a strong reaction from some.

Poundstone's proposals would drastically cut taxes and fees paid on car registrations, telephone bills and more. State Senator Chris Romer said, "This would destroy government as we know it." Sen. Romer is a Democrat.[1][2]

### Smarter Growth okay for 2010 in Florida[edit]

A 4-3 majority of the Florida Supreme Court ruled on December 18 that an initiated constitutional amendment proposed for the 2010 ballot in Florida may include two competing citizen initiatives on growth management. The court said the proposed "Smarter Growth" amendment is "not materially misleading."[3][4]

### Casino amendment in Texas?[edit]

Casino companies are lobbying the Texas State Legislature to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would allow a dozen resort-style casinos to be built, and also allow slot machines at race tracks and the three recognized Native American tribes in Texas. Competing bills are expected as the Texas legislature convenes, looking for ways to make up the state's growing budget gap.[5]

### Oregon initiative change proposed[edit]

Citizen-sponsored ballot initiatives that gain enough signatures to qualify for the ballot would first be sent on a detour through the Oregon Legislature under a proposal being floated in the 2009 session. Supporters say the change, if enacted, would lead to a more deliberative process. Opponents says it would curb the state's tradition of direct democracy.[6]

### New York gov supports fewer signatures for local measures[edit]

Governor David Paterson's state budget for 2090-2010 includes a section that would reduce signature requirements for initiating a referendum for municipal consolidation or dissolution. Under current law, a permissive referendum for voting on consolidation or dissolution of a village, special district, or town is triggered if 60 percent of the registered voters sign a petition to that effect. Under the proposed legislation, 25 percent of the registered voters could trigger a requirement for a permissive referendum.[7]

### Nashville rejects "English Only"[edit]

Nashville residents rejected the English First and "Hear The People" charter amendments on Thursday, January 22.

### Tenth Circuit invalidates Oklahoma residency requirement[edit]

The Tenth Circuit announced on January 21 that it is rejecting a request by Drew Edmondson that it re-consider its December 18 ruling in the case of Yes on Term Limits v. Savage. Oklahoma had asked for an en banc rehearing, but no judge wanted to rehear the case.[8] At issue is a federal lawsuit filed by Yes on Term Limits challenging Oklahoma's residency requirements for petition circulators.[9][10]

# February[edit]

### Farmers, Humane Society seek Ohio agreement[edit]

Representatives of the Ohio Pork Producers Council and other Ohio farmers met in February 2009 with representatives of the Humane Society of the United States to see if legislation about the elimination of gestation stalls for sows, veal crates and cages for layers could be agreed on between the two parties, short of HSUS putting a ballot initiative on the Ohio ballot, as it recently did in California with California Proposition 2 (2008).[11]

### Duelling ballot title lawsuits in Missouri[edit]

Supporters and opponents of the Missouri No Public Funds for Stem Cell Research Initiative (2010) have filed lawsuits against the Missouri Secretary of State's office. Each side believes the ballot title as written mis-states what the measure does.[12]

### Oklahoma legislator proposes union limitation[edit]

Sally Kern, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, has proposed legislation that would prevent teacher's unions from "distributing materials at professional meetings for the purpose of influencing the results of an election for state or local office or a ballot measure, or for the purpose of soliciting funds for or against a candidate for state or local office or a ballot measure." Jill Dudley, president of the Moore Association of Classroom Teachers, said, Kern comes "out against us anytime we seem to do anything." Kern says she wants to protect Oklahoma teachers from listening to political advocacy at official school activities.[13]

### California election set for May 19[edit]

In order to free up $5.8 billion to help close the state's $42 billion budget gap, a special election will take place on May 19 where voters statewide will vote on a package of constitutional amendments.[14]

### Budget deal in California may add more propositions[edit]

Interview with Maldonado

State senator Abel Maldonado wants three new constitutional amendments in exchange for his vote on a budget package that includes $14.3 billion in tax increases.

The three propositions Maldonado wants are:

* California No Pay for No Budget (2009)
* California No Raises in Deficit Years (2009)
* California Top Two Primary (2010).[15]

### Arkansas casino amendment rejected fourth time[edit]

On February 13, 2009, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel rejected the fourth revised version of a proposed constitutional amendment intended as a ballot initiative because the wording is, in his view, too ambiguous.

Businessman Michael J. Wasserman wants to get a ballot initiative passed that will enable his company, Wasserman's Arkansas Hotels and Entertainment, to operate casinos in Boone, Crittenden, Garland, Jefferson, Miller, Pulaski and Sebastian counties.[16]

### California may amend previous propositions[edit]

The California state budget problems in 2009 have led to the possibility that Proposition 98 from 1998, Proposition 10 from 1998 and Proposition 63 from 2004 will go back before the voters on a special 2009 ballot so that dedicated funds approved by the voters when these propositions were passed can be used for the state's general fund.[17]

### South Dakota legislature wants reform[edit]

Members of the South Dakota State Legislature want to change laws governing the initiative process in South Dakota to require additional donor disclosure. One new law, SB180, would apply that when organizations give more than $10,000 to a ballot measure committee, someone from the organization would have to file a signed statement with election officials swearing that the money wasn't raised for the purpose of influencing the ballot question, or file a full report as a ballot committee. A second bill defines "treasury funds" as "funds of an organization that were not raised or collected from any other source for the purpose of influencing a ballot question."[18]

### Initiative reform proposed in Arizona[edit]

The Arizona Reform the Initiative Process Amendment (2010) has been proposed as a reform of Arizona's laws. Its provisions if enacted would:

* Ban signature-gatherers from getting paid by signature or page.
* Require gatherers to register with the Secretary of State's Office.
* Fine those who fail to register.
* Reduce the number of total signatures that need to be gathered for an initiative to reach the ballot. (See Arizona signature requirements.)
* Move up the petition filing deadline by about two months.
* Require people or groups organizing a citizens initiative to submit a copy of the proposed text to the Legislature as well as to the secretary of state.
* Say the Legislature will hold a public hearing on the proposal and hear testimony, but for informational purposes only.
* Allow legislative staffers to propose text or draft suggestions to "improve" a proposal. The organizers have the right to reject the suggestions.
* Give the legislative staff the authority to establish the official name of a ballot measure in an effort to avoid misleading ballot titles.
* Allow about an extra month for challenges to be made against the initiative filing before it qualifies for the ballot.
* Increase the number of signatures that the secretary of state must randomly verify from 5 percent to 10 percent of the total submitted.
* Move up the date to file arguments for or against an initiative or referendum.

### Gay marriage amendment in Colorado[edit]

Stu Allen, of Lakewood, Colorado, has started the steps of shepherding a Colorado Gay Marriage Amendment (2010) through the process of qualifying for the 2010 ballot in Colorado.

### Special election in California[edit]

A special statewide election is very likely to take place in California on either April 7, April 14, April 21, May 19 or June 2 to vote on at least four proposed constitutional amendments. The ballot will include:

* California Senate Constitutional Amendment 12 (2009)
* California Senate Constitutional Amendment 13 (2009)
* California Assembly Bill 583 (2009)
* California SCA 4 (2009)

The ballot may also include:

* California Spending Cap Amendment (2009)
* California End the Two-Thirds Requirement Amendment (2009)
* California Assembly Bill 220 (2009).[19]

### Initiative for North Carolina?[edit]

HB 47, to authorize use of ballot initiatives in North Carolina, was introduced on February 4, 2009 in the North Carolina House of Representatives by Blust, Blackwood, Current, Moore and Starnes.[20]

# March[edit]

### Politicians want to change Oregon's I&R laws[edit]

Laws governing the initiative process in Oregon

Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown is asking the state legislature to adopt a proposal that would:

* Require signature gatherers to register and take a training course earlier than they are required to so under the state's current laws.
* Allow the government to invalidate any signatures collected by a petition circulator who has been convicted of fraud, forgery or identity theft.[21]

### Politicians want to change Colorado I&R laws[edit]

Laws governing the initiative process in Colorado

Politicians Terrance Carroll, Brandon Shaffer, Josh Penry, Mike May, and Lois Court are co-sponsoring legislation introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives on March 24 that would:

* Require that petition drive management companies who hire paid circulators go through a licensing process.
* Circulators would be required to go through a government-sponsored training procedure before they would be allowed to collect signatures legally.[22]

### Michigan Senate approves property tax amendment[edit]

On March 18, 2009, the Michigan State Senate by a vote of 29-8 approved legislation that would put a constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot for Michigan voters that would, if enacted, prevent property taxes from going up when home values decline. The bill now goes to the Michigan House of Representatives, where 74 of the 110 members of the state house will have to vote in favor for it to go on the November 2010 ballot in Michigan.[23]

### Secret ballot amendment proposed in Florida[edit]

On March 11, 2009, a committee of the Florida House of Representatives approved a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would guarantee workers in Florida the secret ballot. Four Democrats on the committee voted against the measure, which is sponsored by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. R-Delray Beach. The proposed amendment is the Florida Secret Ballot Amendment (2010).[24]

### New $8 billion budget gap in California[edit]

Although six of the seven statewide ballot propositions on the May 19 ballot in California (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F) are intended to close an approximately $42 billion budget gap, the California Legislative Analyst's Office, an agency of the state government, said in early March that tax revenues flowing into the state treasury are "well below" the projections it used earlier in the year, and that California's government now faces an additional $8 billion gap in addition to the earlier $42 billion gap.[25]

### Split California in 2?[edit]

In the aftermath of California Proposition 2 (2008), a movement to split California into two states has arisen. Bill Maze, the president and founder of "Citizens for Saving California Farming Industries," says, "We have to ask ourselves, 'Is there a better way to govern this state?'" The group believes that the state's inland counties are very politically and culturally different from the more coastal counties, and they don't want to be governed by the prevailing dominant policies that spring from those more populous counties. They've established a website called "Downsize California."[26][27]

### Ballot titles in California[edit]

Roger Niello, a Republican in the California State Assembly, has introduced California Assembly Bill 319. AB 319 proposes to transfer responsibility for writing the ballot titles of statewide California propositions from the California Attorney General's office to the office of the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). AB 319 would also have the LAO come up with the fiscal estimates for statewide ballot propositions, rather than the current system under which the fiscal estimate is compiled jointly by the Department of Finance and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee along with an estimate by the LAO.[28]

### Electronic bingo in Alabama[edit]

Marcel Black of the Alabama House of Representatives has proposed an Alabama Electronic Bingo Amendment (2010) for the June 2010 ballot in Alabama. To make that ballot, 63 of the state's 104 members of Alabama House of Representatives and 21 of the 32 senators in the Alabama State Senate will have to vote to put it on the ballot. The measure would authorize fourteen gambling centers to operate electronic bingo in nine counties. The proposed amendment to the Alabama Constitution would also create a State Gaming Commission and impose a state tax on electronic bingo.[29]

### Casino for Vikings Stadium in Minnesota?[edit]

A Minnesota Casino Revenues for Vikings Stadium Amendment (2010) may appear on the 2010 ballot in Minnesota. The measure has been proposed by Tom Hackbarth, a Republican member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. His idea is to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot, which would allow a casino in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The tax revenues generated through that casino would then go to pay for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.[30]

### $265.8 million bond measure possible in Maine[edit]

Gov. John Baldacci is asking the Maine State Legislature to put on a $265.8 million bond package, the Maine Transportation and Energy Bonds (2009), on the Maine 2009 ballot.[31]

The bond package under consideration includes bonds for:

* Collaboration between Southern Maine Community College and the University of Maine to be developed at the Brunswick Naval Air Station.
* Renovations at Maine's university campuses, which would include a $5.4 million project at the University of Southern Maine's Bailey Hall in Gorham and a $1.4 million project at the UMaine School of Law in Portland.
* A technology proving center for off-shore and near-shore wind power.
* $128 million in funding for transportation projects, including upgrades to the International Marine Terminal in Portland.

### March 3 vote on Measure B, Nguyen recall[edit]

On March 3, Los Angelenos voted down the hotly-contested Solar B by a very narrow margin, while over in San Jose, Madison Nguyen retained her seat in a recall. Across seven counties, voters had mixed opinions on phone tax, sales tax and parcel tax measures.

### Four initiatives qualify for Maine ballot[edit]

Three ballot initiatives and one veto referendum have obtained enough signatures to qualify for the 2009 ballot in Maine.[32]

* Excise Tax Repeal
* Tax Relief (TABOR)
* Medical Marijuana Initiative
* Repeal the School Consolidation Laws Referendum

### Texas casinos?[edit]

Democratic state senator Rodney Ellis is leading an effort in the Texas State Legislature to get a 2/3rds vote in the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives to put a constitutional amendment before the state's voters on the Texas 2009 ballot to create up to 13 urban Vegas-style casinos in Texas.[33]

# April[edit]

### Wisconsin voters mixed on school measures[edit]

On April 7, Wisconsin voters split on 44 local school measures, defeating 22 and approving 22. Voters in other Wisconsin school districts have school choices to make on April 21, 28 and May 19.

# May[edit]

* Colorado grocery beer and wine sales bill dies, debate continues
* Connecticut judicial branch receives federal stimulus funds
* Activists in Oregon gear up to fight tax hike through veto referendum
* Texans to vote on open beaches
* Marijuana amendment possible for Minnesota 2010 ballot
* Washington group withdraws ballot challenge
* Nevada Supreme Court rules against Culinary Union
* Abortion initiative filed in Montana
* Are Racinos in Arizona's future
* Arizona legislators advance health care proposition
* California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8
* California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8 will be released Tuesday, May 26
* Referendum 71 language filed in State of Washington
* Language for same-sex marriage referendum filed in Maine
* California voters reject tax, fund shift propositions
* California Secretary of State approves Schwarzenegger recall petition
* Redistricting initiative filed in Utah
* Attorney General in Arkansas rejects "secret ballot" initiative wording
* Energy cooperative sues village of Rockton over referendum
* Nebraska petition law restricts speech, lawsuit claims
* Recall confusion raises questions in Chattanooga
* Oklahoma 2010 ballot keeps growing
* California voters in a "no" mood

# June[edit]

* Federal judge impeached
* New judicial nominating commission formed
* Barry Albin receives tenure on the NJ Supreme Court
* Judge faces hearing on judicial impropriety
* Partial birth abortion ban upheld
* District of Maryland workload may rise
* Court of Appeals judge to retire
* Family court judge faces misconduct charges
* Retirement Act ruled unconstitutional
* Suit against Catholic Diocese of Pueblo permitted
* Maine chief justice's statement on the budget
* Legislation reviewed by the Judicial Council
* Arkansas ballot initiative may extend terms of county officials
* Montana group broke campaign laws, official says
* Missouri court rejects and revises proposed affirmative-action ban
* Legislators in six states consider health insurance reform proposal
* Ohio gambling supporters and opponents clash
* Virginia housing-authority referendum encounters difficulty
* New Jersey petition underway to reform Board of Education
* Delaware residents rally against alcohol referendum petition
* Ohio passes livestock care ballot initiative
* Minnesota to vote on instant-runoff voting method
* Palo Alto approves tax ballot measure
* Maryland speed-camera petition falls just short of certification
* Oregon legislature places new restrictions on initiative process
* Arkansas Attorney General rejects union-ballot proposal
* Maine town may overturn ban on political activity
* Arizona affirmative-action ban on 2010 ballot
* Taxpayers Right to Vote Act filed in California
* Schwarzenegger supports federal review of Proposition 8
* Florida judges strike signature law, freeing development initiative
* Oregon legislature tightens signature requirements
* Washington D.C. elections board rejects marriage referendum
* Milwaukee judge finds sick leave initiative unconstitutional
* Dueling development initiatives push forward in Florida
* Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry vetoes new signature requirements
* Nevada legislature enacts new distribution requirements

# July[edit]

* State attorney general appointed to circuit court
* Texas citizens file petition against change in land use
* Federal judge grants signature privacy TRO
* Federal lawsuit filed alleging judicial selection process is unfair
* Texas Democrats recommend three judges for federal seat
* California oil-drilling initiative to move to ballot this year
* Legal challenge to the Tennessee Plan dismissed
* Lawyer appointed to Nebraska court
* Justice appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court
* Order against Lieutenant Governor stayed
* South Dakota Circuit Judge delays smoking ban
* Judge follows in father's footsteps
* California activists gear up for marijuana initiative
* District judge appointed in Kentucky
* Bundle of three tax initiatives gathering signatures in Colorado
* Washington sales tax proposal to not be on ballot
* Michigan Democrats announce possible 2010 ballot proposals
* California voters to decide on tax increase in November
* Support for Washington annexation referendum dropped
* Maine tax code repeal supporters aim for June 2010 ballot
* Missouri Lt. Governor fights Employee Free Choice Act
* Foes of expanded domestic partnership rights file signatures
* Kentucky county alcohol referendum on ballot
* Cuyahoga County Commissioners approve ballot measure
* Ohio officials reject vote on slots for 2010
* Smoking ban referendum short by 221 signatures
* Nominations for the Middle District of Florida
* Spotlight on South Dakota Secretary of State amidst possible referendum
* California petition beginning that would reform initiative process
* Cañon City seeks relief from TABOR
* Crist must make a judicial appointment
* Magistrate judge recommended for seat on federal district court
* Iowa Court of Appeals judge to retire
* Irene Berger federal nomination
* New chief judge appointed for the Eastern District of Washington
* Recommendation made for District of Vermont
* California fireworks initiative to be on ballot
* Court supervision confirmed in UEP case
* Oakland voters raise taxes, divert spending
* Ohio casino proposal to be on ballot
* Underage drinking at Chief Judge's home
* District of South Dakota nominations made
* Fourth circuit judge announces retirement
* New chief justice sworn in
* Oregon governor signs tax bills, opponents push for ballot
* Washington domestic partnership law likely to be put on hold
* Detroit Police Department consent decree ruling
* Cocaine sentencing guidelines
* Stay of execution granted for Pennsylvania man
* LAPD consent decree case
* District of Oregon recommendations made
* Oklahoma ruling revamps medical malpractice rules
* New judgeships authorized
* Superior court judges recommended to Obama
* Superior court rotation suspended due to budget constraints
* Airlines barred from questioning FBI in 9/11 suit
* Lawsuit filed against Ohio casino petition
* McDaniel rejects another Arkansas ballot title
* California initiative to test law-makers for drugs may be on ballot
* Denver Bronco sentenced on drug charges
* Air ambulance safety ruled hospital responsibility
* Washington budget initiative to be on this year's ballot
* Wisconsin might hold vote on voter ID card next year
* Senate judiciary committee making progress on backlog of vacancies
* Defendent and judge face off in courtroom
* Change to method of judicial selection sought in Nevada
* Arizona residents want town's tax increases to go on the ballot
* Colorado Supreme Court hears arguments on Secret Ballot Initiative challenge
* Federal judge to retire from the bench and join law firm
* Judge, state conflict over pay cut
* Missouri secretary of state appeals court ruling on affirmative action initiative
* 24 year old case finally gets a ruling
* Hattiesburg ward case appealed to Fifth Circuit
* Indiana town to vote on hospital expansion
* Vacancies announced in the Tenth Judicial District
* Arizona governor wants sales tax measure on November ballot
* Wisconsin law diploma privilege
* Judge Boyko throws the book at broker
* PDA's forbidden for Michigan jurors
* Massachusetts invalidates contracts requiring arbitration
* Missouri groups plans initiative to reform judicial selection
* Arizona Supreme Court hears arguments on First Things First challenge
* Madison County residents petition for limit on property taxes
* Washington D.C. same-sex marriage law goes into effect as planned
* Maine same-sex marriage law likely to be put on hold
* New York governor signs government consolidation bill
* Nominees for LA Supreme Court vacancy announced
* Ralph DeZago to run for Kansas Attorney General
* New judge appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals
* Light-rail petition stopped as fight heads to Missouri Supreme Court
* Cuyahoga County residents push for government reform
* Washington's King County primary election a month away
* Death sentence vacated
* Manchester proposed tax cap heads to court
* Minnesota lawmakers remove reverse referendums from state law
* Judge Wood to retire
* Former Georgia congressional candidate to appeal ballot access ruling
* Nevada 2010 ballot includes amendment to appoint judges
* South Dakota group petitions for marijuana vote
* Furloughs for state employees halted
* Minneapolis Park Board circulates petition for financial independence
* New Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice named
* North Dakota attorney general says no taxpayer money for ballot measures
* Court of Chancery seeks new judge
* Charles County residents have no authority to petition tax increase, officials say
* Monroeville school board may still add tax levy to ballot
* Illinois proposed recall amendment waits on Senate decision
* Public pension data released
* Arizona Senate supports ban on public campaign money
* Michigan town submits zoning petition for referendum
* Personhood amendments proposed in Colorado and Montana
* Washington property tax initiative likely to move to ballot
* New York county legislators approve government downsizing proposal
* South Dakota smoking referendum challenged
* Carpeneti Alaska's new Chief Justice
* Washington immigration initiative unlikely to make ballot
* Massachusetts lawmakers consider amending petition policies
* Tucson safety initiative means more taxes for residents
* Oregon businesses fight permanent tax hikes
* Arkansas initiative to lengthen terms certified
* Princess Anne residents fight property tax rate increase
* New Jersey legislators give voters say on open space
* Rhode Island legislature considering state name change
* Judge rules against housing referendum in Virginia
* Ohio streetcar measure makes its way to the ballot
* Split decision for California school parcel taxes

# August[edit]

* State sunshine headlines, August 2009
* Finalists chosen for 4 trial bench vacancies in Minnesota
* Oregon tax hike referendum likely to be on January 2010 ballot
* Maine may investigate alleged illegal fundraising
* Opponents lay out arguments against Ohio casino initiative
* Maine implements absentee ballot service
* Criminal Appeals judge to enter race for Alabama Supreme Court
* Florida lawsuit calls for new petition forms
* Washington's "Top-Two" debate will go to court
* Nevada Supreme Court reviews judge's legitimacy
* Virginia Gubernatorial debate centers around taxes
* Upcoming vacancy on the Utah Court of Appeals
* New York Governor signs law that could prove costly for villages
* Alaska Bar Poll rating 19 applicants for Supreme Court released
* SEIU backs Florida fair district proposals for 2010
* Washington R-71 signature count 2/3 complete
* Ohio livestock care bill officially on November ballot
* Recommendations made for the Western District of Wisconsin
* Deadline set for Oregon gas tax opponents
* Ohio casino initiative will impact fundraisers, says governor
* Judge appointed to the Idaho Court of Appeals
* Platte County votes YES on hospital district mill levy
* Proposition 8 federal court case begins on January 11
* Montana county's residents accept and reject school tax levies
* Applicants narrowed for Iowa Court of Appeals seat
* Ohio ballot board approves casino initiative language
* Nader suit against state of Hawaii moving forward
* Seattle voters say NO to plastic bag tax
* Annexation bill may stir up referendum in North Carolina
* Texas judge faces trial regarding death penalty
* Great Falls voters reject propery tax levies
* New Jersey town to vote on moving date of municipal elections
* South Dakota smoking ban heads to court next week
* Colorado county votes to put clean energy measure on ballot
* GOP joins in Mississippi Voter ID campaign
* Sen. Susan Collins plans to stay neutral on Maine same-sex marriage
* Utah citizens look to create two new commissions
* Missouri affirmative action initiative faces another ACLU lawsuit
* Ballot activist groups in Massachusetts file 30 initiatives by deadline
* Tire deflating judge resigns administrative post
* Georgia Supreme Court justice named
* Washington R-71 donor names to be made public
* Louisiana Supreme Court race candidates qualified
* California courts seeking budget deficit solutions
* Fenced hunting ban resurfaces for 2010 North Dakota ballot
* 18 applicants for seat on Iowa Court of Appeals
* Four nominees named for federal California district courts
* Oregon activists refile cannabis legalization act
* Opponents of Massachusetts 40B get ready for 2010
* John Fund wins John Lilburne Award for August
* Sotamayor confirmed
* Politicians blame budget woes on ballot measures
* Justice court judge accused of sexual misconduct
* Crist makes long delayed appointment
* Hawaii federal court seeks new judge
* Lawmakers introduce bill to ban federal health care in Florida
* Montanans file initiative to reform eminent domain laws
* Group files 7th ballot title lawsuit against Carnahan
* Gay marriage opponents in Maine file signatures
* Ohio Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit against casino proposal
* Arizona budget stalled by sales tax increase initiative
* Massachusetts liquor retailers consider tax exemption initiative
* Country is in a recall mood, according to Los Angeles Times

# September[edit]

* Hannah Giles
* Washington tax increases possible, voters to decide on spending limit
* Arizona Representative not charged in false statement about petition
* West Virginia drops appeal in petition case
* Ohio senator proposes recall statute
* Massachusetts group circulating petition for IRV issue
* South Dakotans propose amending stem cell research limits
* Alaska tax challenged in court
* Maine school consolidation debate heats up
* Maine ads stir controversy
* Florida personhood amendment approved for circulation
* Cleveland mayor endorses Ohio's casino initiative
* Signatures filed for Oregon tax hike referendum
* South Dakota secret ballot measure petition dropped
* Gay marriage supporters in California file Prop 8 repeal measure by deadline
* Medical marijuana initiative gaining steam for 2010
* R-71 returns to court regarding signature privacy
* Washington coalition aims to defeat I-1033
* Herbert nominates new judge to Utah Court of Appeals
* Oregon 2010 minimum wage to remain unchanged
* U.S. District judge Jerry Buchmeyer dies
* Maine Chamber of Commerce withdraws support for TABOR II
* South Carolina may introduce statewide recall election
* Mississippi Voter ID likely to be on 2011 ballot
* Ohio Supreme Court allows veto referendum vote on racetrack slots
* Oregon business groups support 2010 tax hike referendum
* California parties expected to wage war on "Top Two" proposition
* Former district judge Brian Sandoval announces run for Governor
* District judge to resign due to insufficient pay
* Court lacks authority to change I-1033 language, says judge
* Washington judge rules camera records must be made public
* Lawsuits filed against Missouri judicial selection ballot measure
* Toledo says NO to tax allocation and council reduction
* Grants Pass votes to remove 5 council members from office
* Voting underway in Toledo
* Josephine and Lane County voters casts ballots today
* Colorado Governor to propose TABOR reforms
* Arizona among states wanting health care amendments
* Mississippi Voter ID petition deadline weeks away
* Vehicle tax for state parks may be on 2010 ballot in California
* Arizona sales tax measure may be 2010 initiative
* Governor Pat Quinn moves forward with ethics reform
* Push to eliminate estate tax in Ohio begins
* Clean government amendment case to be heard by Colorado Supreme Court
* Florida GOP leader calls for stop to fair district proposals
* Lawsuit filed to block search for new Hawaii Supreme Court justice
* Signatures on R-71 will remain private for now
* Montana Attorney General approves language of controversial ballot initiative
* Montana Supreme Court justice to retire
* Ballot title approved for Missouri reform of judicial selection
* Washington R-71 lawsuit dismissed a second time
* Oregon state fair removes canvassing restrictions at the last minute
* Washington I-1033 supporters file lawsuit regarding ballot language
* Federal judge maintains ban on R-71 petition release
* Maine same-sex marriage measure officially on November ballot
* David Schlegel Honored with September Lilburne Award
* Maine secretary of state releases order of ballot questions
* Superior Court judge dismisses R-71 challenge
* Superior Court judge dismisses R-71 challenge but states concerns about signatures
* Washington R-71 qualifies for November ballot

# October[edit]

* First Hispanic judge appointed to Ohio appellate court
* Automatic recount in Clatsop County recall
* Six states prepare to face off in November 3rd elections
* Wisconsin's justices can hear cases involving campaign donors
* Pennsylvania Supreme Court race in a dead heat
* Irene Berger confirmed to federal bench
* Washington judge rejects increase of donor limit
* California voters will decide on taxes, land use and fireworks
* Barbour appoints first black judge of his tenure
* Longest serving Texas judge stepping down
* Candidates for the Alaska Supreme Court narrowed
* Clatsop County voters cast ballots today
* Federal judge reverses ban on exit polling in New Jersey
* TABOR 2 supporters seek investigation, attorney general says "no"
* Hawaii judiciary to furlough
* Maine TABOR 2 campaign files complaint with ethics commission
* Washington finance campaign law to be discussed in court
* Medical marijuana initiative turns heads, confuses the mind
* Maine finance campaign law challenged
* High times at the University of Southern Maine
* Ohio Supreme Court rules on Chillicothe speed camera referendum
* High Priority: Legal purchase of medical marijuana the center theme of documentary
* Oklahoma Supreme Court rules against release of case records
* Applicants for Wisconsin Court of Appeals announced
* The tools to survive a mid-week slump
* League of California Cities files "lockbox" initiative
* SCOTUS upholds R-71 ban on petition names
* Recent Question 1 poll reveals Mainers are evenly split
* 11 apply to fill Montana Supreme Court vacancy
* Day 3 in New England: Less roads, more questions
* Supreme Court Justice temporarily blocks R-71 names
* First candidate of the 2010 Alabama Supreme Court race begins campaign
* Maine Questions 3 and 5 fly under the political radar
* California court upholds Prop 63 tax on wealthy
* Planes, trains or snowmobiles: My speedbump to Maine begs questions
* Supreme Court Justice O'Connor to hear Arizona voting-rights case
* Alaska officials reject ballot measure settlement
* Texas early voting begins Monday
* Clark defeats Faircloth for seat on Louisiana Supreme Court
* Nevada voting law stirs controversy
* R-71 signature privacy case continues
* Oregonians worried about ballot title bias
* Four federal judge nominees approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee
* Washington Supremes say judicial records not public
* Washington Court of Appeals lifts ban on R-71 petitions
* Colorado Supreme Court rules on Secret Ballot title challenge
* Eyman petitions to stay private for now
* Oregon legislature prepares to write tax measure ballot titles
* Mining restriction proposal filed for Michigan's 2010 ballot
* Two applicants announce for 2010 Montana Supreme Court opening
* Constitutional amendment forums open across Texas
* Five-way race for Snohomish County Superior Court
* State judge nominated for federal judgeship
* Law professor nominated for federal judgeship
* Tim Eyman files lawsuit to block release of petition signatures
* Nevadans seek injunction on state's petition rules
* North Dakota pharmacy ownership repeal initiative filed for 2010
* Washington's I-1033 opposition receives funding boost
* California Chief Justice Ronald George condemns ballot initiatives
* Schwarzenegger vetoes bill to ban pay-per-signature
* Illinois General Assembly to decide on proposed recall amendment this week
* Ohio slots put on hold, governor asks for clarification of executive authority
* BP's first trip winds to a close
* Both sides of Maine Question 1 concerned about resource allocation
* Battle over Ohio's Issue 2 heats up
* New poll shows I-1033 with a lead, many undecided
* Ohio absentee ballots now being accepted
* Just in case you missed some Maine interviews
* Missouri group files petition on referendum for restoring judicial elections
* Grover Norquist says YES to Maine's TABOR II, protestors say "Go home"
* Texas Governor appoints first Latina woman to Supreme Court
* Nevada bill on judicial discipline passed
* Nevada Assembly passes Bill 496
* Today it's all about marriage and taxes
* The many facets of TABOR II
* Chief justice lawsuit resolved
* Two new nominees for the federal courts announced
* Missouri early voting petition approved
* Healthy Democracy Oregon Honored with October Lilburne Award
* Taxes, taxes, taxes
* Maine TABOR supporters launch online service
* Protect Maine Equality tackles Question 1
* Florida judge rules that NCAA documents are public
* District judge nominees approved by Senate Judiciary Committee
* Opposition to Maine's marijuana initiative speaks out
* After all the waiting, finally here
* Louis Butler nominated to federal court, angering state Rep
* Federal judge orders Prop 8 supporters to disclose internal campaign strategies
* Maine officials approve investigation of same-sex marriage fundraising
* Reporting from Maine, almost!
* Washington's I-1033 likely to pass, according to polls
* Volunteers begin collecting signatures for Utah Ethics Commission Initiative

# November[edit]

* Frivolous expenses charged by New York judges
* Colorado gun rights initiative filed for 2010 ballot
* North Dakota man proposes eliminating property taxes for 2010 ballot
* Switzerland bans minaret building
* Missouri personhood amendment heads to court
* South Dakota abortion donor case settled
* Expensive ballot propositions? Blame the legislature, says reform group
* Prop 98 means $1 billion more for education in time of general decline, says LAO
* Low voter turnout in Arizona city brings the idea of all mail-in election
* Illinois activist proposes "Putback Amendment"
* South Dakota smoking referendum approved for 2010 ballot
* Six states propose marijuana measures amid a rise in support
* Eyman privacy case awaits Referendum 71 ruling
* Utah GOP opposed to ethics initiative
* California gaming tribes rank near top of nation's political givers
* Montana 2006 recall effort billboard may have violated law
* Nominees for Utah Court of Appeals announced
* Beer and wine grocery sales may be on Colorado ballot
* Hamilton confirmed to Seventh Circuit
* Massachusetts dog track betting not gone--yet
* Texas ballot measures show low turnout throughout the state
* Rhode Island looking into marijuana issue
* Massachusetts statewide sales tax measure gaining momentum
* Hearing date set for Idaho ballot access lawsuit
* Secret Ballot initiative filed in Nevada
* Same-sex marriage opponents file lawsuit against D.C. board
* D.C. board rejects same-sex marriage ban on ballot
* Impeachment proceedings against Thomas Porteous to continue
* Recommendations made for upcoming vacancy on the 7th Circuit
* Marijuana activist gets $30k from national group
* Mississippi Voter ID initiative surpasses signature halfway mark
* Oregon autism community moves forward with vaccine initiative
* California water bond measure may re-ignite the north/south war of 1982
* 1992 measure re-appears in midst of Oklahoma's down economy
* New Montana ballot proposal filed
* Ripple effect of Maine's gay-marriage decision hits New Hampshire
* Delaware forest referendum supporters must work to get it on ballot
* 'Political downsizing': Western New York may be setting trend
* Oregon Supreme Court makes minor changes to tax ballot titles
* Pam Murray recall appears to be successful
* Ohio representative proposes new initiative law
* Nevada personhood amendment faces legal challenge
* South Dakota smoking referendum eligible for ballot, signatures to be reviewed
* WATCH asks Minnesota judge to resign
* Texans hope to get top tier universities after amendment passage
* Rhode Island Governor vetoes gay issue bill, says voters should decide
* Pennsylvania Supreme Court denies third party candidate
* Tulsa sees three charter amendments pass
* California utility PG&E appears to have signatures for "right to vote" measure
* North Carolina county sales tax measure yields high campaign spending
* Maine ballot question indirectly affects New York
* Tribal leader in favor of December measure placed on leave
* Issue of gay marriage hits New Jersey
* Helena newspaper editorial calls voter turnout 'shameful'
* Dog track to close in Massachusetts because of measure
* Maryland court to rule on petition signature validation process
* Book highlights 'limited' ballot measures in Kentucky
* Healthcare measure may be coming to Kansas in 2010
* Iowa voters hoping for same-sex marriage vote
* Kootenai County, Idaho leaders taking steps after jail expansion voted down
* Nebraska voter verification goes electronic
* Connecticut senate nomination race is heating up
* Florida judge rules against blogger
* Hetherington appointed to Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals
* Washington's Tim Eyman may return for 2010 ballot
* Barbara Madsen will be State of Washington's new Chief Justice
* Michigan insurance rate reduction petition approved
* Maine tax code people's veto approved for June 2010 ballot
* Tribal amendments may return in Montana
* Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Honored with November Lilburne Award
* Arkansas group backing illegal immigration measure
* Alabama may incorporate initiative & referendum
* Arizona judge voids 2009 law
* The National Initiative For Democracy releases youtube video
* South Dakota judge to rule on legality of smoking ban referendum
* Oregon campaign launches to overturn same-sex marriage ban
* New Jersey open space bond passes
* Both statewide proposals pass in New York
* All three Ohio amendments pass
* Mainers overturn same-sex marriage, reject tax-cutting measures
* Washington voters said "yes" to domestic rights and "no" to I-1033
* Ohio county faced ballot shortage issues
* All eleven Texas amendments pass
* Republican Joan Orie Melvin wins a seat on Pennsylvania Supreme Court
* Gaertner appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals
* Judge appointed to new seat in Northwest Judicial District
* Two measures on today's ballot for New Yorkers
* Federal judge Melvin Brunetti dies at age 75
* New Jersey voters decide today for open space
* Maine anti-tax group takes Secretary of State to court
* Opponents raise millions against Washington's I-1033
* Oregon anti-tax group files lawsuit against ballot titles
* South Dakota petition delays indoor-smoking ban

# December[edit]

* Judge appointed to Arizona Court of Appeals
* New presiding judge of Maricopa County Superior Court appointed
* Veteran Judge of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court Dies
* Dog racing in New England meets finish line as ban takes effect
* SCOTUS to decide in January whether to take R-71 case
* Healthcare issue prompts U.S. Congressman to switch parties
* Lawsuit aims and fires at Maryland petition laws
* Judge chooses sides in Maine petition fight
* Federal judge conducts initial apperance for suspect of the attempted terror plot in Detroit
* Obama makes two nominations for the District of South Carolina
* Casino issue arises in Maine as signatures are filed
* Maryland may see bill that loosens petition requirements
* Federal judge rules that Michigan residency requirement is unconstitutional
* New York appellate judges defend trial judges from criticism
* ACLU and CICF team up to fight restrictive Nebraska petition laws
* Texas city residents arguing for alcohol measure
* Abortion ballot measure leader comes under investigation
* Missouri eminent domain ballot title litigation raises concerns about motive
* Three ballot measures approved for the Colorado 2010 ballot
* Two groups have submitted signatures for California's 2010 ballot
* New report exposes secrecy in the discipline of federal judges
* 'Fighting Sioux' referendum ban unconstitutional, says tribal attorney
* New Hampshire hoping to improve ballot access through house bill
* Robert Henry leaves 10th Circuit to become President of Oklahoma City University
* Nevada marijuana supporters aim for legalization in 2012
* Criminal charges filed against Arizona chief superior court judge
* Maryland Citizen Group Honored for Work to Keep Referendum Process Open and Accessible
* Ohio slots opponents claim sufficient signatures for 2010 ballot
* Washington proposed bill would make initiative & referendum signatures public
* More groups come out against 2010 effort to repeal Prop 8
* Wisconsin lawmaker appointed to Court of Appeals
* Parnell makes his first Supreme Court appointment
* Bill Bowen appointed to Arkansas Supreme Court
* Michigan 2010 insurance initiative spurs debate
* Ninth Circuit suspends disclosure order on Prop 8 backers
* Montana Supreme Court recommendations sent to Governor
* Washington's domestic partnership law goes into effect today
* Five questions most likely to appear on Massachusetts 2010 ballot
* Danilson appointed to Iowa Court of Appeals
* Nguyen confirmed to Central District of California
* Same-sex marriage measures raised over $100 million in 2008
* Oregon anti-tax activist and gubernatorial candidate indicted for tax evasion
* Maine tax veto under scrutiny, notaries didn't notify state of name change
* Decline of California property values leads to first-ever downward tick due to Prop 13

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## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Rocky Mountain News, "State tax cut plan hailed, assailed," January 27, 2009
2. ↑ Rocky Mountain News, "Poundstone takes aim at taxes, government," January 27, 2009
3. ↑ Two growth measures may make 2010 ballot, January 15, 2009
4. ↑ Court clears way for growth amendment
5. ↑ Star-Telegram, "Casino interests gear up for a Texas push," January 27, 2009 (dead link)
6. ↑ News-Review, "Ore. initiatives might go first to lawmakers," January 28, 2009
7. ↑ Great Neck Record, "Feb. 5 Meeting for Public on Local Government," January 30, 2009
8. ↑ Ballot Access News, "10th Circuit Refuses to Rehear Case on Out-of-State Circulators," January 21, 2009
9. ↑ Text of the 10th Circuit's decision in "Yes on Term Limits v. Savage" (dead link)
10. ↑ Edmond Sun, "Court reverses initiative petition ruling, December 18, 2008
11. ↑ Pork Magazine, "HSUS Extends Efforts to Ohio, Illinois," February 20, 2009
12. ↑ KOMU-TV, "Ballot Battle," February 12, 2009 (dead link)
13. ↑ Norman Transcript, "Teacher's union reps upset with proposal," February 17, 2009
14. ↑ Los Angeles Times, "With budget stalemate over, next move is up to California voters," February 20, 2009
15. ↑ Sacramento Bee, "Maldonado's price for budget vote: 3 constitutional amendments," February 19, 2009
16. ↑ The Morning News, "Attorney General Rejects Casino Amendment," February 13, 2009
17. ↑ Inside Bay Area, "Editorial: Budget deal a step forward, but voters must pass five ballot measures," February 15, 2009
18. ↑ Aberdeen News, "Campaign spending laws need fixing," February 11, 2009 (dead link)
19. ↑ Los Angeles Times, "The Next Special Election: April? May? June?" February 9, 2009
20. ↑ Ballot Access News, "Bill to Establish Initiative in North Carolina," February 9, 2009
21. ↑ The Oregonian, "Brown wants to further regulate Ore. initiatives," March 23, 2009
22. ↑ Speaker Carroll aims to end ballot fraud, March 24, 2009
23. ↑ Associated Press, "Michigan Senate OKs property tax change for ballot; measure heads to House," March 18, 2009
24. ↑ Florida Times-Union, "Hill blasts secret ballot measure," March 12, 2009
25. ↑ San Diego Union-Tribune, "State budget springs a leak," March 14, 2009
26. ↑ Website of "Downsize California"
27. ↑ New York Times, "Farmers Lead a Bid to Create 2 Californias," March 13, 2009
28. ↑ Rocklin Today, "AB 319 will reduce misleading information for ballot initiatives," February 26, 2009
29. ↑ Birmingham News, "Alabama representative proposes 14 gambling centers throughout state," March 6, 2009
30. ↑ Morris Sun Tribune, "Too bad but we all might have to get used to these words: L.A. Vikings and Go Packers," March 6, 2009 (dead link)
31. ↑ Maine Morning Sentinel, "Baldacci unveils $306M bond proposal," March 8, 2009
32. ↑ WMTV, "Maine Citizen Initiatives Certified; Will Go To Legislature," February 24, 2009
33. ↑ Fort Worth Star Telegram, "Tarrant’s top elected leaders cool to casino legislation," March 1, 2009 (dead link)

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