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There’s a lot going on, so every Wednesday, the DLCC is sending a roundup of the state legislative stories you might have missed. It’s September 30th and here is the state of the states.
For questions and suggestions, e-mail us.
- The DLCC is investing $16 million to win state legislative campaigns in an election where the next decade of democracy hangs in the balance. This investment brings the committee’s total political spending for the cycle to a record-breaking $35 million.
- Over the weekend, the DLCC launched its ’48 for 10′ slate — a group of 48 Democratic candidates across the country who have the chance to flip 10 legislative chambers this fall. In just a few days, this slate raised over $100,000.
- President Barack Obama announced a second slate of endorsements in state legislative races — which have never been more important with redistricting around the corner and the need for a blue wall to protect against a conservative Supreme Court.
- We just added Michigan’s Paul Smith to our GOP Hall of Shame. He’s called for the murder of Muslim people, referred to teachers and public servants as “parasites that live off taxpayers,” and advocated violence against the country’s first Black president — and was investigated by the Secret Service. These views remind you of a certain moment from the presidential debate last night?
- The DLCC announced its slate of Ohio Spotlight candidates yesterday ahead of the first presidential debate. Democrats have the momentum to flip the two seats necessary to break the GOP supermajority in the House and to make gains in the Senate.
- Arizona Republican Representative Anthony Kern attacked his Democratic opponent, Judy Schwiebert, for supporting LGBTQ+ protections and opposing conversion therapy. He said that was “a sampling of…who she really is.” You’re 100% right, Anthony — Judy is someone who will stand up for the rights of everyone. Thanks for the free promo!
- In a fundraising email, Michigan GOP House candidate Chase Turner shamed his Democratic opponent for being endorsed by Equality Michigan and the Michigan Education Association. We can’t figure out what’s wrong with empowering the LBGTQ+ community and improving the public education system, but we can get behind calling Chase out for opposing equality and teachers.
- Minnesota GOP Senator Dan Hall filmed a video with upbeat music comparing the murder of George Floyd to discussions at the capitol regarding the “sanctity of life” beginning at conception. Someone who claims to be pro-life should be pro-life for Black people, too.
- Liz Harris, a candidate for the Arizona House, created and posted a threatening GIF of a train with a Trump skull running over a Joe Biden car. Aside from being utterly horrified, we’re impressed a Republican finally learned basic design skills.
- GOP in-fighting alert! After failing to impeach Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Republican lawmaker John Becker is trying to charge the governor with terrorism, as well as some other criminal activities. Tough!
- Georgia GOP Representative Brett Harrell said, “if you support public education, please support a Republican.” Hard sell, since Republicans have underfunded the Quality Basic Education formula in Georgia 17 out of the last 19 years.
- Arizona GOP Senator Paul Boyer credited himself for restoring funding for the state’s children’s health insurance program. There’s just one little problem: he voted against restoring KidsCare. Pro tip: misleading people about your record only works if you don’t get fact-checked.
- Texas Representative Angie Chen Button got called out for her disastrous record on health care. In response, she disguised a quote from a Republican strategist as a newspaper fact check — not exactly a display of confidence! This is a big year for Republicans trying to act like their health care records aren’t absolute trash.
- Democratic lawmaker Neil Breslin of New York was selected to chair a national committee that will convene lawmakers from across the country to study racism in insurance.
- Shoutout to the Minnesota DFL for calling out GOP Senator Roger Chamberlain, who lied through his teeth about promoting the fascist, sexist, and racist manifesto you’ve seen in this newsletter in recent weeks.
- California Democrats recognized the “unsung essential workers” of the COVID-19 crisis by equipping farmworkers with information on paid sick leave and workers’ compensation.
- With this weekend marking 30 days left until Election Day, there’s only so much time left to elect Democrats who will fight for health care, reproductive rights, voting rights, racial justice, and environmental protections. The battle for our democracy is nearing the finish line — and our country’s future hangs in the balance.
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