The post provides detailed information about candidates on the Republican ballot for the 2024 primary election in Mecklenburg County, covering various positions like the council of state, US Congress, and the NC Court of Appeals.
There are intriguing storylines in the Republican primary, such as candidates vying for governor, congressional seats, and lieutenant governor, including figures like Dale Folwell, Mark Harris, and Jim O'Neill.
The article highlights the backgrounds, key issues, and noteworthy aspects of the candidates, ranging from their experience in politics, stances on critical matters like education and healthcare, to any controversies or unique characteristics.
The US Supreme Court ruled that Colorado cannot use the 14th Amendment to remove a candidate from the Presidential ballots, highlighting the importance of federal power over state powers.
The unanimous decision of the Supreme Court showcases their commitment to interpreting the law based on the Constitution and not succumbing to political pressures or biases.
The decision allows for potential Congressional actions regarding candidate disqualification, with implications on the certification of future election results in case of alleged insurrection.
The toxic mass delusion known as 'Q' has resurfaced and is causing concerning impacts in society, including misinformation and seditious behavior.
Various interesting articles have been shared, covering topics like transphobia, period trackers, ADHD communities, neuroscience breakthroughs, and underground party scenes.
In the tech and media world, worker-owned platforms, unique internet content, diaspora community accounts, and the impact of online platforms on society are discussed.
Elections change who is in power, which means new people in Congress will have different ideas and priorities for what laws to push. This can lead to big shifts in policy.
When an election ends, politicians often feel freer to make bold decisions since they don't have to worry about upcoming votes. This can lead to unexpected changes during the months after the election.
The results of an election send strong signals to everyone involved in politics about what issues might work well or not. This affects not just elected officials, but also interest groups and lobbyists who will adjust their strategies based on the election outcome.
Puerto Rico's statehood has become a hot topic after Hurricane Maria, with many believing it could improve federal responses to disasters. There's ongoing discussion in Congress about adding Puerto Rico and Washington, DC as new states.
To create a new state, Congress needs to pass a law, and the process isn't complicated. However, statehood can change political power, leading to lots of debates and negotiations over who gets admitted and how.
Public support in Puerto Rico is divided about statehood, with past votes showing mixed results. Congress is unlikely to admit Puerto Rico without clear majority support from its residents in upcoming voting.
Control of Congress is divided between the parties, which affects how the impeachment inquiry unfolds. The Senate can influence the process even if the House decides to impeach.
Trump is running for re-election, which changes the political strategy of the impeachment process. Both parties may act differently based on how it impacts the election.
Moderate Senate Republicans hold significant power, potentially swaying the outcome of the impeachment process based on their support or opposition to Trump. Their decisions could change everything.
Agenda setting is a key part of politics. It's not just about how people vote, but also about what issues are put up for a vote.
In the House, the Speaker has a lot of power to decide which bills are debated and voted on. This can keep popular legislation from even being considered.
Packaging bills together, known as omnibus legislation, can help pass difficult measures by attaching them to more popular ones. This strategy can create complicated political situations.
Justin Amash is a unique politician who acts on his principles, but not every member of Congress can follow his example. It’s tough to be a principled leader when you also have to get elected.
Most politicians prioritize re-election over doing what's perceived as the right thing. Local interests often clash with national goals, making it hard for them to seek broader policies.
OLC opinions and IRS memos aren't laws; they're just arguments. They can influence decisions, but they don’t bind Congress or the executive branch.
Political conflict is normal in a democracy, and we shouldn't be afraid of it. The U.S. system encourages disagreements between branches of government as a way to check power.
Congress has the most control and authority, but it often faces challenges in maintaining that power. It can keep the president in check, but it struggles to fund itself properly.
Public opinion is very important in political battles. Congress and the president respond to public views, using them to gain support or avoid backlash when pushing their agendas.
Negative agenda setting is when lawmakers don't bring up popular bills for a vote, even if they would pass. This can keep issues that many people support off the table.
The current government shutdown highlights a lack of urgency to resolve issues, with party leaders using their power to control what gets voted on, leading to inaction.
On the first day of Congress, changes might happen in leadership roles and rules, as well as efforts to address the ongoing government shutdown, showing how politics continuously evolves.
Expanding the House of Representatives will have significant costs, both one-time and ongoing. Each new member could cost around $2 million a year, adding up quickly.
The initial costs for space and resources for new members could reach around a billion dollars. This includes the need for new buildings and additional security.
While the costs may seem high, they should not stop discussions about expanding the House if there are strong reasons to do so. Political concerns might influence decisions even if the costs are justifiable.
The 115th Congress went through three phases: a partisan phase where the GOP pushed its agenda, a bipartisan phase focused on cooperation, and now appears to be entering a stalemate phase with little major legislation expected.
There is confusion around the DACA issue, as some believe Democrats prefer it as a campaign topic rather than pushing for a policy solution. Both parties seem to be balancing their legislative strategies with upcoming elections in mind.
Gun control faces challenges because intense minority opinions, like those from the NRA, can overshadow majority support. This dynamic shows how powerful dedicated interest groups can be in influencing Congress.
Being a Congressman is getting less enjoyable. Many members are spending more time on boring tasks and fundraising rather than making laws and engaging in policy discussions.
The budget process is messy and needs reform, but figuring out how to change it is complicated. Many agree it's broken, but the details of how to fix it are hard to sort out.
There's a lot of talk about an infrastructure plan, but it seems to keep getting delayed. With so many other issues on the table, it's unclear when or if it will actually happen.
Party caucus rules are crucial but not well understood. These rules help shape how decisions are made in Congress without input from the opposing party.
Control over the agenda can prevent a bill that has majority support from being passed. This means that even if most members want something, they might not get to vote on it if the majority party decides against it.
Many people are actively thinking about Congress and its function today. There are lots of good discussions and articles that you can read to learn more about how it all works.
A government shutdown doesn’t completely stop operations, but it does freeze funding for salaries and expenditures. The government can make contracts but can't pay for them without proper funding.
The Democrats are hesitant to filibuster because they don't want to take the blame for a shutdown. If they see that the Republican side can muster enough votes, they might just go along and support the bill.
Polling on issues like DACA can be misleading. Just because a lot of people support an idea doesn't mean it will help a politician's approval rating because many voters care about different issues when voting.
The way Congress is scheduled affects how decisions are made. Members plan their work around breaks and weekends, which changes how laws are discussed and voted on.
Having a celebrity like Oprah as a presidential candidate raises concerns about their ability to govern. While she might attract votes, a celebrity's lack of experience could be risky for important national decisions.
Retiring committee chairs in Congress leads to a loss of expertise and reduces their effectiveness. Strict rules on how long someone can serve in leadership roles can harm the quality of governance.
The old congressional calendar was poorly designed, causing long gaps between elections and when Congress actually met. This led to issues like the 'lame duck' sessions where outgoing officials had to make big decisions without a fresh mandate.
The Framers of the Constitution made mistakes in setting the calendar dates due to not knowing how long ratification would take. This resulted in the first Congress meeting much later than expected, leading to political instability.
The 20th amendment fixed these problems by aligning the start of congressional terms with the beginning of sessions. This helped ensure smoother transitions in government and avoid delays in handling national issues.
The House GOP is facing challenges with the end-of-session spending bills and may need Democratic votes to pass them. They have to deal with different issues like health care and disaster relief all at once.
They often use previously passed bills as vehicles for new funding to simplify the legislative process. This helps avoid certain delays and gives them a bit more control over the outcome.
In 2018, the GOP might find it hard to pass new legislation, and they're likely to focus on big issues they've postponed. There's a chance for conflict over things like infrastructure since Democrats may want more favorable conditions.
The tax bill is likely to pass before Christmas, even though many believe it is unpopular. Members of Congress usually vote based on what their districts want.
Conservative Republicans may face challenges in spending deals because they can't block legislation without Democratic support. This could lead to more centrist spending bills.
Doug Jones's win in Alabama won’t change much in the short term, but it might make Republicans more cautious and strengthen the bargaining power of individual GOP senators.
1. Passing a congressional budget resolution isn't that big of a deal. It sets some spending limits, but it doesn't actually cut spending or guarantee any laws will pass.
2. The work environment in Congress can be tough for young women, highlighting the need to address sexual harassment issues in that unique culture.
3. Senator Jeff Flake is well-liked for his kindness and politeness. Even though he's stepping down, many will miss his respectful approach to politics.
Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's actually good. Many people like things for different reasons that don't reflect their quality.
When Congress gets less input from members, it can lead to poor laws and less effective work. It's important for everyone to have a say in making rules.
With a closely divided House, leaders might struggle to maintain control and this could cause problems for passing laws. Smaller groups can create a lot of challenges.
The September 30th deadline is significant for the Graham-Cassidy bill, but it doesn't fully block repeal efforts. The Senate can still try to pass other legislation, but it may complicate future initiatives like tax reform.
Getting the Graham-Cassidy bill approved in the House might be challenging. Many House Republicans are in difficult positions regarding their votes, especially those from states that would lose under this proposal.
Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. and deserves equal support in disasters. It's important for Americans to understand that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and should receive the same aid as those in other states during emergencies.
A shift to bipartisan negotiations means Congress is moving away from sharp party lines. This kind of negotiation can help bridge gaps but also brings new challenges and demands from different political groups.
There are key must-pass items coming up, like the debt limit and appropriations. These need to be handled carefully to avoid major political clashes, and there's a chance they could create an easier deal for all involved.
The White House is struggling to control the political agenda due to various external events and internal mismanagement. This has made it hard for them to stay focused and effectively promote their policies.
The presidency often faces issues tied to the individual in power, while Congress suffers more from institutional problems. People blame the president for failures but see Congress as a whole when it doesn't function well.
A push for stronger congressional powers could weaken the institution, as seen in past reforms that have focused on streamlining power. It's important to invest in congressional capacity instead of seeking shortcuts.
With a weak president like Trump, there might be a chance for Congress to take on a more active role. However, the effectiveness of this shift remains uncertain and could change with future administrations.
Polls might not reflect true public sentiment. Many survey responses depend on how questions are asked and the current political context, which can lead to misleading conclusions.
Members of Congress often work just as hard back in their districts as they do in Washington. They use this time to explain their votes and engage with voters, which can be very demanding.
Congress is struggling with staffing and resources. Many staff members feel overwhelmed, which impacts Congress's ability to effectively do its job and maintain a check on the presidency.
Congress is going into a break after some tough political battles. Some GOP members may face less backlash for not passing health care reforms because they didn't take away people's coverage.
There's a big list of things Congress needs to deal with when they return, like the budget and tax reforms. They'll need to negotiate with each other to get things done since they rely on both parties for support.
People were misled about the Senate's agreement to block Trump from making recess appointments. It seemed like a big deal, but routine procedures were likely just used to simplify the process, showing how complicated Senate rules can be.
A new newsletter will focus on politics, offering insights free from employment-related writing restrictions. It's a move towards a more flexible style of sharing political analysis.
The content will be non-partisan, primarily looking at political science and current events. It may also include a mix of other fun topics.
The newsletter will be short and easy to read, designed to fit into a busy lifestyle. Readers should expect quick insights that can be consumed in just a few minutes.
The selection process for committee chairs in Congress is not just based on seniority, but involves strategic nominations and politics. Members must navigate various factors that influence their chances of being selected.
Democrats in the House use a unique bidding system for subcommittee assignments. Members can protect or pitch their current positions, leading to strategic choices that affect their role and influence.
The Appropriations Committee has its own set of rules that differ from other committees, focusing on subcommittee seniority instead of full committee seniority. This creates distinctive strategies and implications for members vying for valuable positions.
Members of Congress have to pay Social Security and do not receive free health care; their benefits are similar to other federal employees.
Many perks that were once available to Congress members, like free ice delivery or tax help, have been eliminated due to reforms over the years.
Members can still send mail and travel, but now they have budgets for those expenses, which makes them more careful with spending compared to the past.
The congressional budget process is complicated but important. It involves planning for the next fiscal year's budget, and the President has to submit a budget to Congress each February.
302(b) allocations divide spending among subcommittees and set limits on how much each can spend. This means subcommittees can't really cut overall spending and instead fight for larger shares of the same budget pie.
Changes in the budget process have shifted responsibility for controlling spending from the Appropriations Committee to the Budget Committee. This has affected how subcommittees operate and strategize for their funding requests.
Congress members have a budget called the Member's Representational Allowance (MRA) to pay for staff, travel, and office expenses. This budget is determined by distance from Washington, cost of living, and the number of voters in their district.
Currently, each member has about $1.4 million to $1.5 million for these expenses, which is significantly less than the $20 million suggested for better staffing. Many representatives are hesitant to increase their budgets due to political pressures from voters.
Increasing staff budgets could help Congress function better, but it's hard to achieve because voters generally don't support higher spending for their representatives or their staff. Any change would likely need to be subtle and carefully managed.
There are over 30,000 people working in the legislative branch of the federal government. This number is small compared to the total of about 2.75 million employees in the executive branch.
Members of Congress can hire their staff in various roles, but they have to follow certain rules and budget constraints. Each Representative can hire a maximum of 18 permanent staff members.
In recent years, the number of staff working for congressional leadership has increased significantly, while the number of committee staff has actually decreased.
High staff turnover can affect the efficiency of congressional offices, but it's not always as serious as it seems. Many staffers move between offices, which can mean they still have valuable experience.
The study on turnover is affected by unique situations, like the 2010 election when many staffers changed jobs because of a big shakeup. This makes the data a bit tricky to interpret.
Spending more on staff salaries doesn't automatically make offices better at representing their constituents. Each office has a budget that also covers things like supplies and communications.
Members of Congress sometimes don't know what's in the bills they vote on. This concern has led to proposals for them to certify that they've read the bills.
Legislation is often complex and requires precise language, which makes it hard to understand without help. That's why bills usually come with committee reports explaining them in simpler terms.
Many bills reference existing laws to make their intentions clear. This can create a complicated web of legal references that makes understanding the new law difficult.
Resigning from the House of Representatives involves writing a formal letter to both the state governor and the House, notifying them of the decision. This ensures that the resignation is official and follows proper procedures.
When a Representative resigns, it creates a vacancy that allows the state to hold special elections to fill the position. This process is important to keep the House fully represented.
The resignation also affects the total number of members in the House. When someone resigns, the official count of the House changes, which can impact voting and quorum requirements.
There are two key ideas at odds when it comes to government appointments: keeping Congress involved in appointments and ensuring that the government runs smoothly even when Congress is out of session. Both are important for a functioning democracy.
The way Congress operates today is very different from when the Constitution was written. Shorter breaks and more frequent sessions mean that the need for recess appointments isn't as pressing as it once was.
There's still confusion about what exactly counts as a 'recess' for making appointments. Different interpretations can lead to a lot of disagreement and may shift power between the presidency and Congress.