Wyoming and Alabama to end mask mandates

Wyoming Becomes Latest GOP-Led State To Drop Mask Mandate | Forbes - Alison Durkee:

March 8, 2021 - "Wyoming will lift its statewide mask mandate on March 16 along with other restrictions on businesses including restaurants and bars, Gov. Mark Gordon announced Monday.... In addition to lifting the mask mandate, restaurants, bars, gyms and theaters will be allowed to resume 'normal operations,' Gordon said, with more details on the lifted orders to be announced later this week. Gordon’s office cited the state’s 'continually improving health metrics' as the reason behind the change, as well as the governor’s 'approach of balancing public health with protecting livelihoods.'

"The governor had previously lifted some restrictions in the state starting March 1, including on businesses like salons and barber shops, but the mask mandate stayed in effect. Wyoming imposed its mask mandate in December as Covid-19 cases in the state surged, and it requires people to wear masks indoors in businesses, government facilities, healthcare settings and on public transportation, with some exceptions. The state currently has social distancing guidelines in place for restaurants that do not restrict capacity, but directs tables to be spaced apart and requires people to be seated at tables or booths, among other social distancing recommendations....

"Wyoming follows Texas and Mississippi in dropping their mask mandates, which has sparked controversy and been decried by President Joe Biden as 'Neanderthal thinking.' Montana, Iowa and North Dakota have also lifted their mask orders in recent months. The rescinded guidance is part of a broader trend of states getting rid of various Covid-19 restrictions as cases have dropped following a holiday season surge and as more Americans get vaccinated. 

"The wave of reopenings, which public health officials have opposed, has been seen in both Republican and Democratic-led states: Connecticut’s Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont lifted the state’s capacity restrictions on businesses like restaurants and gyms last week, for instance, while New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday the state would raise capacity for indoor dining to 75% outside of New York City.

"Arkansas is poised to lift its mask mandate on March 31 if certain health metrics are met, and Alabama will follow April 9, after Gov. Kay Ivey extended her mask order last week for another month but said she will not extend it further. 

"A number of other Republican governors have been hesitant to follow suit and overturn their own mask mandates, however, with leaders in West Virginia, Utah, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland and Massachusetts all signaling last week they had no intention to immediately revoke their orders."

Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2021/03/08/wyoming-becomes-latest-gop-led-state-to-drop-mask-mandate/

New lockdowns in US; Border closings in Australia

Oregon, New Mexico order lockdowns, other states consider options | Fox News - Peter Aitken:

November 15 - "Oregon and New Mexico governors issued orders for tighter measures in the face of spiking coronavirus cases, including near-lockdown conditions.

"New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham closed statewide in-person services for non-essential activities starting Nov. 16. It will last for two weeks, although that may be extended.

"Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued a similar order, called a 'Two-Week Freeze.' Starting Nov. 18., most indoor facilities, such as gyms and restaurants will close, and indoor capacity for essential services such as grocery stores and pharmacies will be limited. 'Since I announced a Two-Week Pause one week ago, we are seeing an alarming spike in both cases and hospitalizations,' said Brown. 'The virus is spreading in the community and, every day, it is infecting more and more Oregonians'.... 

"North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announced a mask mandate that would take effect immediately and run through December.... Burgum ordered all bars and restaurants to limit capacity and suspend service between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo embraced the overnight curfew for dining services, a move the governor said aligns with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. 'We did that with New Jersey on bars and restaurants, with the closure of 10 p.m.,' Cuomo said during a Friday conference call with reporters.... Nevada Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak repeatedly argued that containing the virus is largely up to individuals." 

Read more: https://www.foxnews.com/us/oregon-new-mexico-order-lockdowns-other-states-consider-options

Australia back on COVID-19 alert as cases jump in southern state | Al Jazeera:

November 16, 2020 - "The Australian state of South Australia has reported 14 new coronavirus cases, a dramatic increase from the previous day, prompting other states to tighten internal borders amid concerns of a new virus hot spot. South Australia ended a months-long streak of no COVID-19 infections on Sunday, reporting three locally-acquired coronavirus cases after a worker from a quarantine hotel infected family members, the authorities said....

"Since the neighbouring state of Victoria came out of a lengthy lockdown earlier this month, Australia has had several days of no new coronavirus infections. The country has only recorded near 28,000 coronavirus infections and just over 900 deaths due to strict measures such as international and state border closures, lockdowns, mandatory social distancing and widespread testing and tracing....

"Western Australia, which borders South Australia, ordered new arrivals from the state to undertake mandatory tests and self-quarantine for 14 days; the island state of Tasmania ordered immediate self-quarantine for people who had arrived from South Australia in the past week and the Northern Territory ordered people arriving from the state to enter supervised quarantine. Local media reported passengers arriving from South Australia being in tears when told they would have to go into 14-day quarantine when touching down in Western Australia on Monday morning."

Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/16/australia-back-on-covid-19-alert-as-cases-jump-in-southern-state

UPDATE: According to today's Guardian, the current South Australian outbreak was begun by a care worker who contacted the disease in a quarantine hotel and spread it in the community. Note that the other Australian states' response has been to start packing people, infected and non-infected indiscriminately, into their own quarantine hotels. Good luck with that strategy, Australia. - gd  

North Dakota Libertarians get 2020 ballot line

Libertarian Party regains ballot status in North Dakota | Grand Forks Herald - Jeremy Turley:

January 8, 2020 - "The Libertarian Party of North Dakota has regained its status as an official political organization in the state, meaning it will have a separate column for its candidates on the statewide primary ballot in June and the general election in November.

Secretary of State Al Jaeger distributed a letter ... stating that the party's petition for ballot status had been approved after the party turned in the signatures of at least 7,000 eligible North Dakota voters to Jaeger's office in October.

The party lost its ballot status in 2018 after its only candidate on the statewide primary ballot failed to receive 300 votes. That candidate, Roland Riemers, was running on the Libertarian ticket for Jaeger's position.

The party advocates for smaller government and lower taxes, according to its website."

Read more: https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4856054-Libertarian-Party-regains-ballot-status-in-North-Dakota
'via Blog this'

Cannabis initiatives on 4 state ballots

4 More States Could Legalize Medical or Recreational Marijuana Next Week - Hit & Run : Reason.com - Jacob Sullum:

Michigan
"Proposal 1 would allow adults 21 or older to possess 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana in public, transfer that amount to other adults "without remuneration," possess up to 10 ounces at home, and grow up to 12 plants for personal consumption. The initiative also would establish a licensing system for commercial production and distribution.... Support for Proposal 1 averaged 54 percent in six polls conducted from late February to early October....

North Dakota
"Measure 3 would go further than any initiative enacted so far by ... legalizing 'any nonviolent marijuana activity, except for the sale of marijuana to a person under the age of 21'.... The North Dakota initiative is also unique in requiring 'automatic expungement of the record of an individual who has a drug conviction for a controlled substance that has been legalized'.... North Dakota voters approved medical marijuana by a 28-point margin in 2016, but  ... [s]urveys conducted in February and August put support for legalizing recreational use at 46 percent and 38 percent, respectively....

Utah
"Proposition 2 would authorize the production and distribution of marijuana for medical use by patients with any of 10 qualifying conditions and recommendations from their doctors. As of 2021, state-approved patients would be allowed to grow up to six plants at home if they do not live within 100 miles of a licensed dispensary. Support ... averaged 68 percent in nine polls conducted from mid-February to mid-October. Even after the LDS church joined the coalition opposing the initiative, two polls put support at 64 percent....

Missouri
"Amendment 2, Amendment 3, and Proposition C would all authorize production and distribution of marijuana for medical use....The measures differ mainly in the way they define qualifying conditions, ... maximum amounts ... home cultivation, ... tax rates ... limits they would impose on the number of dispensaries, and the power they would give local governments to ban them. A poll conducted in August found that 54 percent of Missouri voters think the medical use of marijuana should be permitted."

Read more: https://reason.com/blog/2018/10/29/4-more-states-could-legalize-medical-or
'via Blog this'

Farmers for Free Trade run anti-tariff ads in ND

Farmers for Free Trade Purchases Billboards, Radio Ads in North Dakota Ahead of Commerce Secretary Ross’s Thursday Visit | KTIC Radio:

August 22, 2018 - "Farmers for Free Trade purchased billboard and radio ads to send a clear message to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who will visit North Dakota this Thursday with Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Steve Censky.... For the week of August 20, eight billboards throughout Fargo will rotate with the message, 'Secretary Ross, Tariffs Hurt ND Farmers.'

"The billboards are running now.... Radio ads that highlight the impact of tariffs on North Dakota farmers will run on Thursday, August 23rd in the Fargo market.

"'Farmers and manufacturers have been patient, giving time to the president to see if these will work. But prices are plummeting and export markets have been taken over by foreign competitors. We hope that Secretary Ross hears from North Dakota farmers, manufacturers and workers that it’s time to end the trade war, so America’s heartland can start thriving once again. It’s past time that we open new markets to American exports instead of erecting new barriers,' said Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade.

"Soybean exports are a core component of North Dakotan farmers’ bottom lines. North Dakota exports roughly two-thirds of its annual $2 billion soybean crop to China. Already this year, Chinese buyers have cancelled all of their orders for food-grade soybeans, valued between $1.2 to $1.5 million. If the United States and China don’t resolve the trade dispute, farmers may not be able to meet their payments and could lose financing to plant next year’s crop. These slashes to the bottom line are unsustainable, and farmers want to see the president focus on open access to international markets for their products."

http://kticradio.com/agricultural/farmers-for-free-trade-purchases-billboards-radio-ads-in-north-dakota-ahead-of-commerce-secretary-rosss-thursday-visit/
'via Blog this'

Farmers for Free Trade: https://www.farmersforfreetrade.com/

ND Libertarian candidate denied recount sues

ND Libertarian candidate sues for recount | Grand Forks Herald - Jack Dura, Bismarck Tribune:

July 10, 2018 - "The only Libertarian who appeared on North Dakota's statewide primary ballot is asking the state Supreme Court for a recount, alleging errors that affected his vote total.

"Roland Riemers appeared in the June 12 primary as the Libertarian candidate for secretary of state. Officially, he received 247 votes statewide for his party's nomination for the office — short of the 300 votes he needed to advance to November's general election....

"[T]he Secretary of State's Office maintains he was the only candidate in his column, and cannot request a recount, according to a June 20 letter.

"The Libertarian also pointed to possible issues with ballot counting and crossover voting for candidates of different parties as reasons for his vote total.

"'I think it's quite possible to pick up 53 votes across the entire state out of 100-some thousand votes that were cast," Riemers said.

"Republican Secretary of State Al Jaeger said, as Riemers had no opposition within his column for his party's nomination for secretary of state, he has no basis for a recount.... 'I don't want to respond more than what we already did. Now it's in the court's hands, and it'll be up to them to decide what they think should be done.'"

Read more: https://grandforksherald.com/news/government-and-politics/4471009-nd-libertarian-candidate-sues-recount
'via Blog this'

Libertarians end year with 38-state ballot access

The 2016 Election's Biggest Winner: Gary Johnson and The Libertarian Party? - IVN.us - W.E. Messamore:

November 12, 2016 - "The Libertarian Party is now an officially recognized party for the next election in [38] states, the highest ever for the burgeoning third party. Here’s a breakdown of the gains state by state from the LP’s website:

• The Texas LP retained ballot access with Railroad Commission candidate Mark Miller receiving over 5 percent. The party would have had to collect over 80,000 signatures to get back on the ballot if no statewide candidate received 5 percent. This will save the party approximately $220,000 in petitioning cost.
• The LP retained ballot access in North Carolina for four years with Gary Johnson and the gubernatorial candidate, Lon Cecil, each getting over 2 percent. The party would have had to collect over 100,000 signatures to get back on the ballot if neither the presidential nor gubernatorial candidate got 2 percent, saving the party approximately $250,000 in petitioning cost.
• Iowa and Kentucky LPs are recognized parties for the first time, with Gary Johnson getting over 2 percent in both states.
• The New Hampshire LP is a recognized party for the first time in two decades due to gubernatorial candidate Max Abramson getting over 4 percent.
• The DC party is recognized for the second time ever, with candidate for Delegate to the US House of Representatives Martin Moulton getting over 17,000 votes.
• The LP retained ballot access in North Dakota, with Gary Johnson getting over 6 percent.
• In Connecticut, Libertarian Dan Reale for US House in the second congressional district, Richard Lion for US Senate, and Gary Johnson for President all received over one percent of the vote. As a result, the party will not have to petition in these races in the next election.
• Massachusetts’ LP is a recognized party again, with Gary Johnson getting over 3 percent.
• West Virginia’s LP retained ballot access for four years due to David Moran receiving over 2 percent in his race for governor.

"Instant ballot access in these states’ next election, just like the Republican and Democratic parties get, is a coveted status that will save the Libertarian Party a small fortune in money, time, and energy previously wasted on petitioning efforts just to get on the ballot.

"That’s resources that can go toward more fundraising, registering more voters, campaign ads, poaching disaffected voters from the two major parties, and making the case for Libertarian policies to unaffiliated independent voters."

Read more: http://ivn.us/2016/11/12/2016-elections-biggest-winner-gary-johnson-libertarian-party/
'via Blog this'

California, Massachusetts, & Nevada cannabis legalization initiatives pass

Voters Legalize Marijuana in Three States - The New York Times - Thomas Fuller:

November 9, 2016. - "Voters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada legalized marijuana on Tuesday in what advocates said was a reflection of the country’s changing attitude toward the drug.

"A similar measure in Maine led by less than a point with 98 percent of precincts reporting. Voters in Arizona defeated a legalization measure.

"Leading up to the election, recreational marijuana use was legal in four states: Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, along with the District of Columbia.

"With the addition of California, Massachusetts and Nevada, the percentage of Americans living in states where marijuana use is legal for adults rose above 20 percent, from 5 percent.

"A Gallup poll in October found nationwide support for legalization at 60 percent, the highest level in the 47 years the organization has tracked the issue. Support is rising even though some public health experts warn that there have been insufficient studies of the drug’s effects, and that law enforcement agencies lack reliable tests and protocols to determine whether a driver is impaired by marijuana.

"Supporters in California portrayed legalization as both a social justice and a criminal justice issue, saying the measure would help redress the disproportionate numbers of arrests and convictions among minorities for drug crimes.

"A bill to legalize marijuana in Vermont, supported by Gov. Peter Shumlin, a Democrat, failed this year. But in Massachusetts, public support for legalization rose during the fall, even with bipartisan opposition from the state’s top elected officials and an organized anti-legalization campaign.

"In addition to Tuesday’s votes on recreational marijuana, Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota all passed medical marijuana initiatives."

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/election-ballot.html?_r=0
'via Blog this'

End drug war, forfeiture, says ND Libertarian

ND Libertarian candidate: 'War on drugs' a failed policy | INFORUM - Patrick Springer, Fargo-Moorhead Forum:

July 4, 2016 - "Marty Riske's platform is unconventional for a candidate seeking the North Dakota governor's office. He advocates legalizing marijuana and stopping civil forfeiture of property seized in criminal investigations.

"The Fargo businessman, whose only earlier run for political office was a bid years ago for the Grand Forks City Council, is running as a Libertarian Party candidate.... His candidacy is motivated by his drive to spread the Libertarian philosophy in the hope of altering public policy....

"At the top of his list: what Riske calls 'prohibition' of marijuana. It's a policy he said has failed, with disastrous results, including costly prisons crowded with non-violent drug offenders. 'I saw that as a major catastrophe,' Riske said of the nation's 'war on drugs.'

"Those opposed to legalizing marijuana are ignoring the drug's wide prevalence, even though it is illegal, he said. 'We are currently consuming vast quantities of marijuana right here in Fargo, North Dakota," Riske said.... 'Let's not pretend that this is going to be a new thing.'

"Riske also is a staunch backer of marriage equality, and supports gay marriage. The state has no role in deciding who should marry, he said.... The Libertarian view, Riske added, is, 'Everyone is sovereign in their own body.'

"Riske advocates performance audits of all state departments and agencies, which he said would determine whether taxpayer money is being effectively spent. Nonprofits must be audited so donors know how their money is spent, and the same should be true of state programs, he said....

"Riske owns the M.J. Capelli Family Hair Salons in Fargo, and got his start in business when he and a partner launched the Walrus waterbed stores in North Dakota. "His political past included hosting a fundraiser for Democrat Byron Dorgan and voting for Republican Ronald Reagan....

"'He's been one of the founders and leaders of our party," said Jack Seaman, who runs MinDak Gold Exchange in Fargo and is the Libertarian candidate for the U.S. House. 'Marty is a true champion of liberty.'

"At its most basic, the core of Libertarian philosophy is nonaggression, 'Live and let live,' Seaman said. This apparently is the first North Dakota election in which the Libertarians have fielded a full slate of statewide candidates, a sign the party is catching on, Seaman said."

Read more: http://www.inforum.com/news/4066184-nd-libertarian-candidate-war-drugs-failed-policy
'via Blog this'

ND Libertarians select candidates for 2016

Libertarians select slate of candidates for 2016 - Brett Williamson, Bismarck Tribune:

November 7, 2015 - "Libertarians from North Dakota and South Dakota gathered Saturday at the Baymont Inn and Suites in Mandan and selected candidates for the 2016 election.

Candidates selected for North Dakota were: Jack Seaman for U.S. House, Robert Marquette for U.S. Senate, Joshua Voytek for lieutenant governor, Kevin Johnson for District 16 representative, Nick Bata for insurance commissioner, Tom Skadeland for public service commissioner, and Roland Riemers for state auditor.... The Libertarian nominations for governor and state treasurer were postponed to a later date.

"This was a convention for the people looking for a change in their government.

"In the 2014 elections, the Libertarian Party was able to capture more than 5 percent of the vote for certain races and was added to the 2016 ballot. This is not their first year on the ballot, but it is the first year the Libertarian Party was added because of votes rather than petition....

"The convention was a time for change for the North Dakota Libertarian Party. Along with selecting candidates for 2016 races, the four-year North Dakota Libertarian party chairman, Roland Riemers, was replaced in a vote by Anthony Mangnall....

"In 2014, Mangnall ran for tax commissioner and was able to pull 6.4 percent of the vote to the Libertarian Party."

Read more: http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/libertarians-select-slate-of-candidates-for/article_1e88a0c6-33ff-5a91-a982-dcc9779e6c83.html
'via Blog this'

North Dakota LP attains ballot access for first time

North Dakota LP attains ballot access for the first time in its history | Libertarian Party:

November 10, 2014 - "For the first time in party history, the North Dakota Libertarian Party has met the vote test to attain ballot access.

"In a non-presidential general election, the candidate for attorney general or secretary of state must get at least 5 percent of the vote for automatic ballot access.

"Roland Riemers, the LPND candidate for secretary of state, received 5.3 percent of the vote in the election...

"This is only the second time a minor party has met the vote test in North Dakota, the other time being the Reform Party in 1996, when Ross Perot was its presidential candidate, according to Ballot Access News.

"In addition, Jack Seaman, candidate for the U.S. House, received 5.8 percent, and the candidate for tax commissioner, Anthony Mangnall, got 6.4 percent. Both candidates were in three-way races with Democrats and Republicans."

Read more: http://www.lp.org/blogs/staff/north-dakota-lp-attains-ballot-access-for-the-first-time-in-its-history
'via Blog this'

Libertarian highlights from the 2014 midterms

Libertarian Election Results 2014 - J. Wilson, A Libertarian Future:

November 5, 2014 - "Libertarian candidates may not have won very many elections this year, but we’ve had some high percentage victories. In some states, that means we’ll get the ballot access we deserve for the next election. Guaranteed ballot access is important because it’s time and money that we won’t have to waste next time. Libertarians will be able to spend more time and money campaigning, and less time getting arbitrary signature counts.

"These high percentage Libertarian election results also send a clear message to both of the two parties. Voting Libertarian tells them they won’t receive our consent, and will have to work harder if they ever want our votes. If they don’t, we’re more than happy to keep voting Libertarian.

"These Libertarian election results show just how many Americans are fed up with the two party system and want a third major party.

• Top Voter Percentage: Randall Lord from Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District with 26.56% (55,224 votes) 
• Runner Up: Lucas Overby from Florida’s 13th Congressional District with 24.75% (55,273 votes) 
• Top Vote Total: Adrian Wyllie for Governor of Florida with 222,565 votes (3.75% of the vote) 
• Runner Up: Bill Wohlsifer for Attorney General of Florida with 168,946 votes (2.9% of the vote) 

"Ballot Access: Hawaii, for winning more than 4% of the vote in all State Senate races. Maryland, for winning more than 1% in the Governor’s Race. Mississippi, for winning more than 2% of the vote in House elections. North Dakota, for winning more than 5% of the vote in a Statewide Race. Utah, for winning more than 2% in a Statewide office. Wisconsin, for receiving more than 1% of the vote in a Statewide Race. Wyoming, for winning more than 2% of the vote in the House election....

"More to come!"

Read more: http://alibertarianfuture.com/2014-election/libertarian-election-results-2014/#sthash.ToC0ljkF.dpbs
'via Blog this'

ND Libertarian Party qualifies for 2014 primary ballot

Libertarian Party ballot approval - Nick Smith, Bismarck Tribune:

August 30, 2013 - "The North Dakota Libertarian Party was formally granted eligibility Friday to place candidates on the June 2014 primary ballot.

"Under North Dakota Century Code organizations seeking to place candidates on the primary ballot must provide at least 7,000 valid signatures prior to 4 p.m. on the 64th day prior to a primary or special election.

"Secretary of State Al Jaeger issued a release Friday morning stating that his office had received petitions with the more than 7,000 necessary signatures....

"In 2012 the Libertarian Party had candidates on the general election ballot for Congress and the Public Service Commission. The party’s gubernatorial candidate was disqualified from the ballot due to improperly filing paperwork and later gained ballot access as an Independent."

Read more: http://bismarcktribune.com/news/columnists/nick-smith/libertarian-party-ballot-approval/article_f5538b4e-1196-11e3-b8ae-001a4bcf887a.html
'via Blog this'