thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Viral Video Alleged Gov. Whitmer Sent Health Officials to Bar Poll Challengers in Detroit

In a viral video posted Wednesday afternoon , a woman alleged that Governor Gretchen Whitmer had ordered health officials to block poll watchers and challengers from entering a Detroit ballot counting facility .
The woman , Connie Johnson , shot the video using Facebook Live .
She showed herself standing on the second floor of the TCF Center in Detroit .
The following is her account of the ballot counting on Wednesday afternoon in Detroit .
Johnson explained that ballots had arrived overnight for Wayne County .
As Johnson spoke , a crowd ’ s roar of “ STOP THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background .
The woman reported that she had left the GOP office to make copies .
When she returned , Johnson stated that she was stopped by security in the elevator .
When she called her attorney , he informed her that she had to identify herself as a poll official .
Even with that information , Johnson stated that the security officer called their supervisor to check .
Johnson was able to get up after that , but she recounted that she ’ d noticed the growing crowd .
According to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll watchers were protesting to stop the count and get into the building .
Security told Johnson that the general manager for the TCF building was restricting poll watchers and challengers from entering .
However , the manager told Johnson that he wasn ’ t enforcing security .
In Johnson ’ s account , the manager told her that Governor Whitmer had called the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ( MDHHS ) to restrict poll watchers and challengers from entering the TCF Center .
The woman shared that she ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to the bathroom being blocked by security from re-entering .
Johnson added that only the poll watchers and challengers from the Republican Party were being removed .
She shared that she ’ d witnessed poll challengers being ignored when they stated that they wanted to challenge a ballot .
She shared that the counters from that ballot ’ s district were “ non-responsive.
” “ Again , we have people here who have been poll challengers for decades .
What ’ s going on here is crazy .
It is absolutely our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not being handled correctly .
It is not being handled legally.
” Johnson added that the MDHH told individuals that the building exceeded capacity .
In the video , Johnson was the only person on her side of one floor of a 40,000 square foot building .
“ The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is locking people out of the building , saying that the building is at capacity .
You guys , this is a 40,000 square foot building .
I ’ m standing alone in an area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not at capacity .
Johnson turned the camera to the chanting crowd outside clustered at the glass doors – according to her , security would only let media through .
She finished the video by asking for prayers , and issuing a remark on the scene playing out in front of her .
“ A type of history in the making that I ’ d never thought I ’ d see.
” Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network .
Follow her latest on Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .

In a viral video posted Wednesday afternoon, a woman alleged that Governor Gretchen Whitmer had ordered health officials to block poll watchers and challengers from entering a Detroit ballot counting facility.
The woman, Connie Johnson, shot the video using Facebook Live. She showed herself standing on the second floor of the TCF Center in Detroit. The following is her account of the ballot counting on Wednesday afternoon in Detroit.
Johnson explained that ballots had arrived overnight for Wayne County. As Johnson spoke, a crowd’s roar of “STOP THE COUNT!” looped constantly in the background.
The woman reported that she had left the GOP office to make copies. When she returned, Johnson stated that she was stopped by security in the elevator. When she called her attorney, he informed her that she had to identify herself as a poll official.
Even with that information, Johnson stated that the security officer called their supervisor to check. Johnson was able to get up after that, but she recounted that she’d noticed the growing crowd.
According to her, about a thousand poll challengers and poll watchers were protesting to stop the count and get into the building. Security told Johnson that the general manager for the TCF building was restricting poll watchers and challengers from entering. However, the manager told Johnson that he wasn’t enforcing security.
In Johnson’s account, the manager told her that Governor Whitmer had called the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to restrict poll watchers and challengers from entering the TCF Center.
The woman shared that she’d watched individuals who left ballot-counting rooms to go to the bathroom being blocked by security from re-entering. Johnson added that only the poll watchers and challengers from the Republican Party were being removed.
She shared that she’d witnessed poll challengers being ignored when they stated that they wanted to challenge a ballot. She shared that the counters from that ballot’s district were “non-responsive.”
“Again, we have people here who have been poll challengers for decades. What’s going on here is crazy. It is absolutely our hope that they stop the count because it is not being handled correctly. It is not being handled legally.”
Johnson added that the MDHH told individuals that the building exceeded capacity. In the video, Johnson was the only person on her side of one floor of a 40,000 square foot building.
“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is locking people out of the building, saying that the building is at capacity. You guys, this is a 40,000 square foot building. I’m standing alone in an area of the building. This building is not at capacity.
Johnson turned the camera to the chanting crowd outside clustered at the glass doors – according to her, security would only let media through.
She finished the video by asking for prayers, and issuing a remark on the scene playing out in front of her.
“A type of history in the making that I’d never thought I’d see.”
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Constitutional Amendment on Redistricting Commission Approved by Virginia Voters

The majority of Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment this week aimed to prevent and stop political gerrymandering by changing the Commonwealth ’ s redistricting process .
Sixty six percent of Virginians answered yes to constitutional amendment question # 1 on ballots and , overall , voters in every locality were in support except for Arlington , while 34 percent voted no to the question , according to the Virginia Public Access Project .
“ This is the most comprehensive redistricting reform to ever get through a state legislature and we were absolutely thrilled , ” Brian Cannon , executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit that pushed for the amendment , told The Virginia Star .
“ Not only did Virginians understand what they were doing , but they did it in such an overwhelming fashion with two out of every three voters saying they wanted this amendment in the constitution.
” Redistricting is constitutionally mandated to take place every ten years after the most recent U.S. Census and is supposed to begin in February , but could get pushed to the summer because of delays in population data thanks to the pandemic .
Amendment # 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s congressional and legislative districts from the Virginia General Assembly to a 16-member bipartisan redistricting commission of citizens and legislators .
The newly-approved redistricting commission will consist of eight lawmakers and eight citizens .
The leaders of the Senate and House will choose the eight legislators from the two parties , meaning four Republicans and four Democrats .
The eight citizen members will be picked by a selection committee of five retired circuit judges .
Four of the judges will be chosen by the leaders of the Senate and House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The selection committee will then choose citizens from two lists of 16 applicants provided by the legislative leaders .
Among General Assembly members some support the redistricting commission while others do not .
Proponents of the commission , like Cannon and Sen. Barbara Favola ( D-Arlington ) , argue it will bring necessary fairness and transparency to the process , and ultimately stop the political party in power from gerrymandering state and local districts to their advantage .
“ People are fed up with politicians rigging the system , so it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too soon to get this reform in the state constitution , ” Cannon said .
Opponents , such as Del .
Mark Levine ( D-Arlington ) and the entire Black Caucus in the House of Delegates , say the commission selection process is flawed and will lead to more partisan gerrymandering by hand-picked legislators .
“ I think the amendment was deceptive , ” Levine said in an interview with The Star .
“ I think that many , many voters want to end gerrymandering and the people who put forward this amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My real goal is fairness and I really would prefer that it were only citizens [ on the redistricting commission ] .
I don ’ t think legislators should be on the commission.
” In order for a citizen to be eligible for the commission , they must be a resident of Virginia , be a registered voter for three years prior to applying and have voted in at least two out of the last three general elections .
There are also a number eligibility exemptions , including any person that : has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , is or has been employed by a member of Congress or the Assembly , is or has been employed by any federal , state or local campaigns or a political party , among others .
In order to bring more transparency to the work of the commission , meetings and hearings will be open for the public to attend and participate , and before proposing or voting on any new district drawings at least three public hearings will be held throughout Virginia where the public can issue comments .
Now that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will amend the state budget , passed last month by the General Assembly , to include compromised language enabling the redistricting commission as part of the deal brokered between Senate and House Democrats .
Part of language will say the selection commission members must account for the Commonwealth ’ s ethnic , gender , racial and geographic diversity , and that party leaders from the Senate and House can not appoint themselves for the commission .
According to Cannon , the first stages of forming the commission will start on November 15 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ up and running by February 1st.
” Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Virginia Capitol ” by Skip Plitt – C ’ ville Photography .
CC BY-SA 3.0 .

The majority of Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment this week aimed to prevent and stop political gerrymandering by changing the Commonwealth’s redistricting process.
Sixty six percent of Virginians answered yes to constitutional amendment question #1 on ballots and, overall, voters in every locality were in support except for Arlington, while 34 percent voted no to the question, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
“This is the most comprehensive redistricting reform to ever get through a state legislature and we were absolutely thrilled,” Brian Cannon, executive director of Fair Maps VA, a nonprofit that pushed for the amendment, told The Virginia Star. “Not only did Virginians understand what they were doing, but they did it in such an overwhelming fashion with two out of every three voters saying they wanted this amendment in the constitution.”
Redistricting is constitutionally mandated to take place every ten years after the most recent U.S. Census and is supposed to begin in February, but could get pushed to the summer because of delays in population data thanks to the pandemic.
Amendment #1 will switch the responsibility of drawing the state’s congressional and legislative districts from the Virginia General Assembly to a 16-member bipartisan redistricting commission of citizens and legislators.
The newly-approved redistricting commission will consist of eight lawmakers and eight citizens. The leaders of the Senate and House will choose the eight legislators from the two parties, meaning four Republicans and four Democrats.
The eight citizen members will be picked by a selection committee of five retired circuit judges. Four of the judges will be chosen by the leaders of the Senate and House, and then those judges select the fifth. The selection committee will then choose citizens from two lists of 16 applicants provided by the legislative leaders.
Among General Assembly members some support the redistricting commission while others do not.
Proponents of the commission, like Cannon and Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington), argue it will bring necessary fairness and transparency to the process, and ultimately stop the political party in power from gerrymandering state and local districts to their advantage.
“People are fed up with politicians rigging the system, so it’s much needed and not a minute too soon to get this reform in the state constitution,” Cannon said.
Opponents, such as Del. Mark Levine (D-Arlington) and the entire Black Caucus in the House of Delegates, say the commission selection process is flawed and will lead to more partisan gerrymandering by hand-picked legislators.
“I think the amendment was deceptive,” Levine said in an interview with The Star. “I think that many, many voters want to end gerrymandering and the people who put forward this amendment deceptively claimed that it would.
“My real goal is fairness and I really would prefer that it were only citizens [on the redistricting commission]. I don’t think legislators should be on the commission.”
In order for a citizen to be eligible for the commission, they must be a resident of Virginia, be a registered voter for three years prior to applying and have voted in at least two out of the last three general elections.
There are also a number eligibility exemptions, including any person that: has held or sought public or political party office, is or has been employed by a member of Congress or the Assembly, is or has been employed by any federal, state or local campaigns or a political party, among others.
In order to bring more transparency to the work of the commission, meetings and hearings will be open for the public to attend and participate, and before proposing or voting on any new district drawings at least three public hearings will be held throughout Virginia where the public can issue comments.
Now that the amendment has passed Governor Ralph Northam will amend the state budget, passed last month by the General Assembly, to include compromised language enabling the redistricting commission as part of the deal brokered between Senate and House Democrats.
Part of language will say the selection commission members must account for the Commonwealth’s ethnic, gender, racial and geographic diversity, and that party leaders from the Senate and House cannot appoint themselves for the commission.
According to Cannon, the first stages of forming the commission will start on November 15 and then the full commission has to be “up and running by February 1st.”
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Virginia Capitol” by Skip Plitt – C’ville Photography. CC BY-SA 3.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Ohio Commission Wants Independent Audit of FirstEnergy

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio again took aim at the company at the heart of the state ’ s controversial nuclear bailout bill .
The PUCO initiated an audit of FirstEnergy ’ s compliance with corporate separation laws and regulations .
Already , the commission is investigating the company ’ s Ohio distribution utilities ’ political and charitable spending .
Though not named in a federal indictment in a $ 60 million bribery and racketeering scheme that led to the arrest of former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder , FirstEnergy or Energy Harbor , which was formerly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to HB 6 .
The commission wants a request for proposal seeking an independent , third-party auditor to review the corporate separation during the time period leading up to the passage of HB 6 and the referendum efforts .
It plans to select an auditor by Dec. 2 , with a report due April 21 .
The PUCO has jurisdiction over FirstEnergy ’ s three electric distribution companies – Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. , Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison .
In September , Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a civil lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ratepayers to companies involved .
Yost ’ s lawsuit , filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court , names former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder , FirstEnergy and others .
HB 6 created a new Ohio Clean Air Program to support nuclear energy plants and some solar power facilities .
Electricity consumers fund the program , potentially bringing in up to $ 85 million in the 2021 fiscal year , with a surcharge that runs through 2027 .
It led to the arrest and indictment of Householder , R-Glenford , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 million “ public corruption racketeering conspiracy ” to pass the legislation .
Two of the five indicted pleaded guilty last week .
A special House Select Committee held hearings throughout the fall in an attempt to repeal HB 6 .
No action was taken before an Oct. 1 deadline that could have stopped the fees from being collected .
An Ohio native , J.D .
Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio , Georgia , Alabama and Texas .
He has served as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and publisher .
Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square .
Photo “ Perry Nuclear Powerplant ” by FirstEnergy Solutions .
CC BY-ND 2.0 .

by J.D. Davidson
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio again took aim at the company at the heart of the state’s controversial nuclear bailout bill.
The PUCO initiated an audit of FirstEnergy’s compliance with corporate separation laws and regulations. Already, the commission is investigating the company’s Ohio distribution utilities’ political and charitable spending.
Though not named in a federal indictment in a $60 million bribery and racketeering scheme that led to the arrest of former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder, FirstEnergy or Energy Harbor, which was formerly FirstEnergy Solutions, continue to reportedly be linked to HB 6.
The commission wants a request for proposal seeking an independent, third-party auditor to review the corporate separation during the time period leading up to the passage of HB 6 and the referendum efforts. It plans to select an auditor by Dec. 2, with a report due April 21.
The PUCO has jurisdiction over FirstEnergy’s three electric distribution companies – Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co., Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison.
In September, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a civil lawsuit and asked that no money go from ratepayers to companies involved.
Yost’s lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, names former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder, FirstEnergy and others.
HB 6 created a new Ohio Clean Air Program to support nuclear energy plants and some solar power facilities. Electricity consumers fund the program, potentially bringing in up to $85 million in the 2021 fiscal year, with a surcharge that runs through 2027.
It led to the arrest and indictment of Householder, R-Glenford, and four others as part of a $60 million “public corruption racketeering conspiracy” to pass the legislation.
Two of the five indicted pleaded guilty last week.
A special House Select Committee held hearings throughout the fall in an attempt to repeal HB 6. No action was taken before an Oct. 1 deadline that could have stopped the fees from being collected.
– – –
An Ohio native, J.D. Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. He has served as a reporter, editor, managing editor and publisher. Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square.
Photo “Perry Nuclear Powerplant” by FirstEnergy Solutions. CC BY-ND 2.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Republicans on Track to Retain Control of Minnesota Senate

Despite millions of dollars being spent against them , Republicans are on track to retain control of the Minnesota Senate , meaning Gov .
Tim Walz will have to finish out the remainder of his term with a divided Legislature .
Democrats won an open seat in Senate District 44 and are on track to unseat Sen. Dan Hall in Burnsville , but Republican Zack Duckworth defeated Sen. Matt Little of Lakeville .
Another defeat for the DFL came in Senate District 27 , where Republican Gene Dornink defeated incumbent Sen. Dan Sparks .
If the results hold , Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Senate , which has huge implications for next year ’ s redrawing of state and congressional maps .
Several Republicans who were considered vulnerable incumbents are on pace to win reelection , but early ballots were still being counted in some races as of Wednesday afternoon and into the evening .
Sens .
Karin Housley , Warren Limmer , Carla Nelson and David Senjem are on track to win their races , despite facing millions in outside spending against them .
Sen. Jerry Relph , however , is trailing DFL challenger Aric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day Wednesday .
In the House , Republicans are projected to cut the DFL ’ s 16-seat majority down by six seats .
Some key results include Republican Erik Mortensen ’ s win over Rep. Brad Tabke , Matt Bliss ’ victory against Rep. John Persell , and Rep. Jeff Brand ’ s loss to Susan Akland .
The GOP ’ s retention of the Senate is considered a blow to Gov .
Walz , who has grown increasingly at odds with Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka over the best course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It appears Minnesotans chose divided government again .
I ’ ll do my part again to make it work , ” Gazelka said .
“ We have a tough budget deficit as a result of the COVID lockdowns , but I ’ m optimistic we can balance the budget without raising additional taxes on anyone.
” Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News .
He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform , and reported for The Daily Caller .
Photo “ Paul Gazelka ” by Minnesota @ @ @ @

by Anthony Gockowski
Despite millions of dollars being spent against them, Republicans are on track to retain control of the Minnesota Senate, meaning Gov. Tim Walz will have to finish out the remainder of his term with a divided Legislature.
Democrats won an open seat in Senate District 44 and are on track to unseat Sen. Dan Hall in Burnsville, but Republican Zack Duckworth defeated Sen. Matt Little of Lakeville.
Another defeat for the DFL came in Senate District 27, where Republican Gene Dornink defeated incumbent Sen. Dan Sparks.
If the results hold, Republicans will retain a 34-33 majority in the Minnesota Senate, which has huge implications for next year’s redrawing of state and congressional maps.
Several Republicans who were considered vulnerable incumbents are on pace to win reelection, but early ballots were still being counted in some races as of Wednesday afternoon and into the evening.
Sens. Karin Housley, Warren Limmer, Carla Nelson and David Senjem are on track to win their races, despite facing millions in outside spending against them. Sen. Jerry Relph, however, is trailing DFL challenger Aric Putnam after holding a slim lead throughout the day Wednesday.
In the House, Republicans are projected to cut the DFL’s 16-seat majority down by six seats. Some key results include Republican Erik Mortensen’s win over Rep. Brad Tabke, Matt Bliss’ victory against Rep. John Persell, and Rep. Jeff Brand’s loss to Susan Akland.
The GOP’s retention of the Senate is considered a blow to Gov. Walz, who has grown increasingly at odds with Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka over the best course of action for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It appears Minnesotans chose divided government again. I’ll do my part again to make it work,” Gazelka said. “We have a tough budget deficit as a result of the COVID lockdowns, but I’m optimistic we can balance the budget without raising additional taxes on anyone.”
– – –
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and reported for The Daily Caller.
Photo “Paul Gazelka” by Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Spanberger Declares Victory in Seventh Congressional District, Freitas to Wait for Final Results Bef

Spanberger Declares Victory in Seventh Congressional District, Freitas to Wait for Final Results Before Conceding Race

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger ( D-VA-07 ) declared victory Wednesday night over Republican challenger and state Del .
Nick Freitas ( R-Culpeper ) in Virginia ’ s 7th Congressional District , after further early voting counts gave her a 5,132-vote lead .
Spanberger took the lead after Spotsylvania County reported its final absentee ballots and Henrico County tallied additional absentee votes , which officials overlooked because the ballots had been saved on a mislabeled flash drive , according to the Virginia Public Access Project ( VPAP ) Twitter .
“ Tonight , the Seventh District affirmed its commitment to leadership in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works for everyone , and focuses on expanding opportunity for the next generation of Virginians , ” Spanberger said in a statement .
“ Serving the Seventh District in Congress has been my honor , and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen and protect our communities.
” When Election Day votes were initially counted Tuesday night , Freitas had jumped out to a 50,000-vote lead over Spanberger , but there were still hundreds of thousands of early votes , which skew heavily toward Democrats , outstanding .
Spanberger continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday as more absentee ballots were being reported from Chesterfield , Henrico and Spotsylvania counties .
At one point , Freitas was winning by only 1,300 votes .
By late Thursday morning , Spanberger had received 50.49 percent ( 227,538 ) of votes while Freitas had 49.35 percent ( 222,406 ) , according to VPAP and the Virginia Department of Elections ( VDOE ) .
Despite the first-term representative ’ s declaration , The Associated Press , and other media outlets , have not officially called the race because there are still more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not yet conceded the race either , deciding to wait until Friday , when official results will be reported , to make a final call .
In a Twitter post Wednesday night , the delegate thanked supporters and volunteers for their work during the campaign .
Freitas wrote : “ Out of respect to them , the importance of this race , and the hundreds of thousands of votes that have yet to be canvassed in the district , our campaign will be waiting until the canvass concludes on Friday , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate statement .
Thank you , as always , for your support.
” Even with a substantial amount of potential outstanding ballots , it does not seem likely that they will alter results because the vast majority of absentee votes in the district – about 60 percent – came from supporters of Spanberger , according to VPAP .
Spanberger carried Chesterfield and Henrico , the 7th District ’ s most populous counties , by 15,000 and 25,000 more votes respectively , while Freitas had an advantage in the other eight smaller counties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Republicans held the seat since 1971 .
Freitas , who supports the president and some of his policies , won and lost counties by almost the same margins as Trump did in 2016 when he carried the district by seven percentage points .
But on Tuesday , Democratic challenger Joe Biden carried the district by less than one percentage point on his way to collecting the state ’ s 13 electoral college votes .
The current results and breakdown between counties are almost exactly the same as the 2018 congressional race when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , handily securing the two Richmond suburbs and receiving 50.4 percent of the votes to Brat ’ s 48.4 percent .
The only major difference between the 2020 and 2018 races is the overall number of votes cast .
In 2018 , there were 349,590 total votes in the 7th District , but this year there have been 449,944 so far .
The increased voting in 2020 holds true for specific counties as well .
Henrico saw an increase of 16,796 and Chesterfield had 36,977 more votes this year compared to 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties in the district .
A likely factor in that difference are the changes made to state election laws by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly earlier this year in an attempt to make it easier and safer for Virginians to vote during the coronavirus pandemic .
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Follow Jacob on Twitter .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Nick Freitas ” by Nick Freitas .

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) declared victory Wednesday night over Republican challenger and state Del. Nick Freitas (R-Culpeper) in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, after further early voting counts gave her a 5,132-vote lead.
Spanberger took the lead after Spotsylvania County reported its final absentee ballots and Henrico County tallied additional absentee votes, which officials overlooked because the ballots had been saved on a mislabeled flash drive, according to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) Twitter.
“Tonight, the Seventh District affirmed its commitment to leadership in Congress that puts Central Virginia first, works for everyone, and focuses on expanding opportunity for the next generation of Virginians,” Spanberger said in a statement. “Serving the Seventh District in Congress has been my honor, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen and protect our communities.”
When Election Day votes were initially counted Tuesday night, Freitas had jumped out to a 50,000-vote lead over Spanberger, but there were still hundreds of thousands of early votes, which skew heavily toward Democrats, outstanding.
Spanberger continued to chip away at Freitas’ lead throughout Wednesday as more absentee ballots were being reported from Chesterfield, Henrico and Spotsylvania counties. At one point, Freitas was winning by only 1,300 votes.
By late Thursday morning, Spanberger had received 50.49 percent (227,538) of votes while Freitas had 49.35 percent (222,406), according to VPAP and the Virginia Department of Elections (VDOE).
Despite the first-term representative’s declaration, The Associated Press, and other media outlets, have not officially called the race because there are still more than 19,000 potential votes outstanding.
Freitas has not yet conceded the race either, deciding to wait until Friday, when official results will be reported, to make a final call.
In a Twitter post Wednesday night, the delegate thanked supporters and volunteers for their work during the campaign.
Freitas wrote: “Out of respect to them, the importance of this race, and the hundreds of thousands of votes that have yet to be canvassed in the district, our campaign will be waiting until the canvass concludes on Friday, at which time we will be making an appropriate statement. Thank you, as always, for your support.”
Important update on where we stand in Virginia's 7th District. pic.twitter.com/fokuzuD60z — Nick Freitas (@NickForVA) November 5, 2020
Even with a substantial amount of potential outstanding ballots, it does not seem likely that they will alter results because the vast majority of absentee votes in the district – about 60 percent – came from supporters of Spanberger, according to VPAP.
Spanberger carried Chesterfield and Henrico, the 7th District’s most populous counties, by 15,000 and 25,000 more votes respectively, while Freitas had an advantage in the other eight smaller counties, according to the VDOE.
Before 2018, Republicans held the seat since 1971.
Freitas, who supports the president and some of his policies, won and lost counties by almost the same margins as Trump did in 2016 when he carried the district by seven percentage points.
But on Tuesday, Democratic challenger Joe Biden carried the district by less than one percentage point on his way to collecting the state’s 13 electoral college votes.
The current results and breakdown between counties are almost exactly the same as the 2018 congressional race when Spanberger upset then Republican Representative Dave Brat, handily securing the two Richmond suburbs and receiving 50.4 percent of the votes to Brat’s 48.4 percent.
The only major difference between the 2020 and 2018 races is the overall number of votes cast. In 2018, there were 349,590 total votes in the 7th District, but this year there have been 449,944 so far.
The increased voting in 2020 holds true for specific counties as well. Henrico saw an increase of 16,796 and Chesterfield had 36,977 more votes this year compared to 2018. The same can be said about other counties in the district.
A likely factor in that difference are the changes made to state election laws by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly earlier this year in an attempt to make it easier and safer for Virginians to vote during the coronavirus pandemic.
– – –
Jacob Taylor is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Follow Jacob on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Nick Freitas” by Nick Freitas.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Virginia Gets Four Casinos

Virginia Gets Four Casinos

Four cities have voted to bring casinos to Virginia for the first time , according to unofficial results reported on The Virginia Public Access Project ( VPAP ) .
For three of the four cities , result counts are complete , but Norfolk City is only reporting 93.9 percent of its votes , with over 42,611 of those votes in favor of the initiative versus 22,822 against .
Supporting the referenda , local officials touted new jobs , increased tax revenue , and more tourism opportunities .
Speaking on behalf of Danville , City Manager Ken Larking told The Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by year three of operation , the Caesars resort will produce $ 38 million in new revenue to the City .
This is in addition to the $ 15 million upfront payment that we will collect in 30 days and the $ 5 million we will collect as payment for the property where the resort will be located.
” The Bristol City , Danville City , Norfolk City , and Portsmouth City casinos will be operated by , respectively , Hard Rock International , Caesars Entertainment , the Pamunkey Indian tribe , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to fulfilling the trust the voters have placed in us by bringing 1,300 good-paying jobs , tourism dollars and economic development to the city , and we are incredibly excited to begin construction , ” Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg said .
The results of the Danville referendum also led to the cancellation of plans for a Rosie ’ s Gaming Emporium off-track betting location in the area , according to The Danville Register and Bee .
In a press release , Pamunkey Indian Tribe Chief Robert Gray said , “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ display of support we ’ ve received from the Norfolk community.
” In the release , the tribe set a goal to hire 90 percent of the employees from Norfolk and surrounding areas , and 50 percent of the employees would be minorities .
In October , Bristol Mayor Bill Hartley told The Virginia Star that Hard Rock hasn ’ t asked for anything from the city or residents — no tax breaks or city spending .
“ It ’ s a great boon for our city , and in the process [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything from the locality or the state other than the voters to approve the change in the law , ” he said .
“ I think a lot of people see that.
” Local churches in Bristol attracted attention for billboards opposing the casino .
“ No wealth is produced by a casino .
It is redistributing of wealth from one man ’ s hand into another ’ s hand , ” Fellowship Chapel pastor Scott Price told The Bristol Herald Courier .
“ It ’ s pretty much a Goliath versus David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple resources from which to draw , and they ’ re using those to get their message out , ” Price added .
The Virginia referenda were part of a national trend on election night .
Nebraska authorized adding casino games at its horse racing tracks , and Colorado expanded the number and type of casino games it can offer , along with eliminating some wagering limits .
Maryland , South Dakota and Louisiana approved sports betting .
Virginia casinos were legalized by the General Assembly earlier in 2020 .
The Virginia General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
That sets up a situation in which by the end of next year more than half the country could have legal sports betting , less than three years after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for all 50 states to adopt it if they chose .
“ It appears that Americans are becoming increasingly comfortable with legalized gambling , ” said David Schwartz , a gambling historian with the University of Nevada Las Vegas .
“ The addition of casinos in Virginia and racetrack casinos in Nebraska indicates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
We have reached a point where voters seem satisfied that legalizing gambling will offer positive returns for their state.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected ] The Associated Press contributed to this report .

Four cities have voted to bring casinos to Virginia for the first time, according to unofficial results reported on The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP). For three of the four cities, result counts are complete, but Norfolk City is only reporting 93.9 percent of its votes, with over 42,611 of those votes in favor of the initiative versus 22,822 against.
Supporting the referenda, local officials touted new jobs, increased tax revenue, and more tourism opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of Danville, City Manager Ken Larking told The Virginia Star, “We have estimated that by year three of operation, the Caesars resort will produce $38 million in new revenue to the City. This is in addition to the $15 million upfront payment that we will collect in 30 days and the $5 million we will collect as payment for the property where the resort will be located.”
The Bristol City, Danville City, Norfolk City, and Portsmouth City casinos will be operated by, respectively, Hard Rock International, Caesars Entertainment, the Pamunkey Indian tribe, and Rush Street Gaming.
“We look forward to fulfilling the trust the voters have placed in us by bringing 1,300 good-paying jobs, tourism dollars and economic development to the city, and we are incredibly excited to begin construction,” Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg said. The results of the Danville referendum also led to the cancellation of plans for a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium off-track betting location in the area, according to The Danville Register and Bee.
In a press release, Pamunkey Indian Tribe Chief Robert Gray said, “We are moved beyond words by the tremendous display of support we’ve received from the Norfolk community.”
In the release, the tribe set a goal to hire 90 percent of the employees from Norfolk and surrounding areas, and 50 percent of the employees would be minorities.
In October, Bristol Mayor Bill Hartley told The Virginia Star that Hard Rock hasn’t asked for anything from the city or residents — no tax breaks or city spending.
“It’s a great boon for our city, and in the process [the developers] are not asking for anything from the locality or the state other than the voters to approve the change in the law,” he said. “I think a lot of people see that.”
Local churches in Bristol attracted attention for billboards opposing the casino. “No wealth is produced by a casino. It is redistributing of wealth from one man’s hand into another’s hand,” Fellowship Chapel pastor Scott Price told The Bristol Herald Courier.
“It’s pretty much a Goliath versus David battle in that the proponents certainly have multiple resources from which to draw, and they’re using those to get their message out,” Price added.
The Virginia referenda were part of a national trend on election night. Nebraska authorized adding casino games at its horse racing tracks, and Colorado expanded the number and type of casino games it can offer, along with eliminating some wagering limits. Maryland, South Dakota and Louisiana approved sports betting.
Virginia casinos were legalized by the General Assembly earlier in 2020. The Virginia General Assembly also legalized mobile sports betting earlier this year. That sets up a situation in which by the end of next year more than half the country could have legal sports betting, less than three years after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for all 50 states to adopt it if they chose.
“It appears that Americans are becoming increasingly comfortable with legalized gambling,” said David Schwartz, a gambling historian with the University of Nevada Las Vegas. “The addition of casinos in Virginia and racetrack casinos in Nebraska indicates that casino-style gambling is on the upswing as well. We have reached a point where voters seem satisfied that legalizing gambling will offer positive returns for their state.”
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Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected] The Associated Press contributed to this report.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--DeWine Names New Chief Medical Officer, Director of Health Department

Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine announced several new additions to the Ohio Department of Health on Twitter on Thursday , citing the pandemic as the reason for the new appointees .
DeWine named Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff as the Chief Medical Officer for the Ohio Department of Health .
Vanderhoff had previously served as senior vice president and chief medical officer for OhioHealth , a healthcare outreach for the United Methodist Church , since December 2008 .
He has a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and a master ’ s degree in Business Administration from Franklin University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a profile page on OhioHealth .
DeWine also named Stephanie McCloud as the director of the Ohio Department of Health .
DeWine had previously named McCloud as director of the Ohio Bureau of Workers ’ Compensation , a role in which DeWine said she “ has done a phenomenal job.
” “ She has the experience necessary to lead ODH as it carries out its important health functions while also battling the pandemic , ” DeWine said in a tweet announcing the decision .
McCloud ’ s new position will oust Lance Himes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interim director .
Himes will now serve as the department ’ s senior deputy , where he “ will lead the coordination of work to get a vaccine out to our citizens and will continue to work directly with Ohio ’ s local health commissioners , ” DeWine said .
The governor also moved Kathleen Madden from her role as assistant director for Ohio ’ s Office of Budget and Management to chief of staff at the state ’ s Department of Health .
DeWine announced that several other key roles , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio Department of Aging director , the Mental Health and Addiction Services director , would stay the same .
“ Fighting a pandemic demands a multi-faceted response — one that requires us to focus on our short-term needs , but not lose sight of our long-term goals , ” DeWine said in his announcement .
Ohio currently has more than 221,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 5,000 confirmed deaths , according to the Ohio Department of Health .
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Ohio Star .
Follow her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Dr .
Bruce Vanderhoff ” by Mike DeWine .

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced several new additions to the Ohio Department of Health on Twitter on Thursday, citing the pandemic as the reason for the new appointees.
DeWine named Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff as the Chief Medical Officer for the Ohio Department of Health. Vanderhoff had previously served as senior vice president and chief medical officer for OhioHealth, a healthcare outreach for the United Methodist Church, since December 2008.
He has a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, according to a profile page on OhioHealth.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, who has been serving for more than a decade as a Senior Vice President and as the Chief Medical Officer at @OhioHealth, has accepted the position of Chief Medical Officer at @OHDeptofHealth. pic.twitter.com/hA8kB3ODNN — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 5, 2020
DeWine also named Stephanie McCloud as the director of the Ohio Department of Health. DeWine had previously named McCloud as director of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, a role in which DeWine said she “has done a phenomenal job.”
“She has the experience necessary to lead ODH as it carries out its important health functions while also battling the pandemic,” DeWine said in a tweet announcing the decision.
McCloud’s new position will oust Lance Himes, who had been serving as the interim director. Himes will now serve as the department’s senior deputy, where he “will lead the coordination of work to get a vaccine out to our citizens and will continue to work directly with Ohio’s local health commissioners,” DeWine said.
Lance Himes, who has been serving as interim @OHDeptofHealth Director, will be the new ODH Senior Deputy. He will lead the coordination of work to get a vaccine out to our citizens and will continue to work directly with Ohio’s local health commissioners. pic.twitter.com/zXoa3xhN8r — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) November 5, 2020
The governor also moved Kathleen Madden from her role as assistant director for Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management to chief of staff at the state’s Department of Health.
DeWine announced that several other key roles, including the Ohio National Guard adjutant, the Ohio Department of Aging director, the Mental Health and Addiction Services director, would stay the same.
“Fighting a pandemic demands a multi-faceted response — one that requires us to focus on our short-term needs, but not lose sight of our long-term goals,” DeWine said in his announcement.
Ohio currently has more than 221,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 5,000 confirmed deaths, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
—
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Ohio Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair.
Photo “Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff” by Mike DeWine.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney Wins Re-election

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney has won another term in office with 38.07 percent of voters , just ahead of the 35.72 percent of voters he won in 2016 , according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project ( VPAP ) and the City of Richmond .
That upper-30s range is also the percent of support the mayor had in recent 2020 polls .
In his first term , the mayor faced challenges including poor graduation rates in Richmond schools , controversy over his coliseum project , COVID-19 health and economic concerns , and questions of racial equity around policing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face the mayor as he enters a second term .
“ We will be discussing our specific priorities for a second term in the near future , ” Stoney ’ s Director of Communications James Nolan said in an email .
“ Suffice it to say , the Mayor will continue to focus on what he has prioritized since his first day in office nearly four years ago : building One Richmond .
That is , a city where no matter who you are , where you ’ re from , how you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the opportunity to live out your God-given talents in a place that is inclusive and equitable.
” Since Stoney ’ s election earlier this week , he has not announced any new initiatives , but his campaign website lists categories of past and future policies for affordable housing , criminal justice , diversity and inclusion , education , public transportation , COVID-19 , environmental sustainability , and economic development .
In her campaign , lead challenger Alexsis Rodgers touted similar issues focused on holistic racial equity .
In October , she told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the political tides turned , and all of the sudden there was a popular idea to put forward criminal justice and social justice reform issues , that ’ s when [ Stoney ] took initiative.
” Senator Joe Morrissey ( D-Richmond ) made a similar observation Wednesday , saying that Stoney ’ s controversial push to remove Confederate monuments came after years of taking the opposite side .
“ He decided the only way to salvage his campaign was to go after the Black vote , that is why he removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
Stoney ’ s other major challengers Kim Gray and Justin Griffin ran campaigns criticizing the mayor for mismanagement and corruption , including a $ 1.8 million contract used to remove the monuments .
Gray was thought to be a strong challenger , but she only won one district .
Rodgers took two districts , including in Gray ’ s home district .
In district four , also thought to be part of Gray ’ s base , Stoney beat Gray by 1,160 votes , but Griffin and Rodgers each took over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vote also favored Stoney in districts three , six , and seven , according to unofficial results by the City of Richmond .
“ There seemed to be a pool of people who didn ’ t want to vote for Stoney , ” pundit Paul Goldman told The Star on Wednesday .
“ Nobody could [ pull ] that group around themselves .
The group split between three people.
” Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network .
Email tips to [ email protected @

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney has won another term in office with 38.07 percent of voters, just ahead of the 35.72 percent of voters he won in 2016, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) and the City of Richmond. That upper-30s range is also the percent of support the mayor had in recent 2020 polls. In his first term, the mayor faced challenges including poor graduation rates in Richmond schools, controversy over his coliseum project, COVID-19 health and economic concerns, and questions of racial equity around policing and Confederate monuments. Those issues still face the mayor as he enters a second term.
“We will be discussing our specific priorities for a second term in the near future,” Stoney’s Director of Communications James Nolan said in an email. “Suffice it to say, the Mayor will continue to focus on what he has prioritized since his first day in office nearly four years ago: building One Richmond. That is, a city where no matter who you are, where you’re from, how you worship or who you love, you have the opportunity to live out your God-given talents in a place that is inclusive and equitable.”
Since Stoney’s election earlier this week, he has not announced any new initiatives, but his campaign website lists categories of past and future policies for affordable housing, criminal justice, diversity and inclusion, education, public transportation, COVID-19, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
In her campaign, lead challenger Alexsis Rodgers touted similar issues focused on holistic racial equity. In October, she told The Virginia Star, “This year, when the political tides turned, and all of the sudden there was a popular idea to put forward criminal justice and social justice reform issues, that’s when [Stoney] took initiative.”
Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) made a similar observation Wednesday, saying that Stoney’s controversial push to remove Confederate monuments came after years of taking the opposite side.
“He decided the only way to salvage his campaign was to go after the Black vote, that is why he removed the statues,” Morrissey said on Wednesday.
Stoney’s other major challengers Kim Gray and Justin Griffin ran campaigns criticizing the mayor for mismanagement and corruption, including a $1.8 million contract used to remove the monuments.
Gray was thought to be a strong challenger, but she only won one district. Rodgers took two districts, including in Gray’s home district. In district four, also thought to be part of Gray’s base, Stoney beat Gray by 1,160 votes, but Griffin and Rodgers each took over 2,000 votes. Three way splits of the vote also favored Stoney in districts three, six, and seven, according to unofficial results by the City of Richmond.
“There seemed to be a pool of people who didn’t want to vote for Stoney,” pundit Paul Goldman told The Star on Wednesday. “Nobody could [pull] that group around themselves. The group split between three people.”
– – –
Eric Burk is a reporter at The Virginia Star and the Star News Digital Network. Email tips to [email protected]


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--TRUMPDATE: Latest from the Team Trump Virginia Campaign for November 6

Welcome to the Friday edition of our daily Virginia Trump campaign update !
We will provide our readers with daily updates on the Trump Virginia campaign from today to November 3 ( and after…if need be ! )
.
We are in Election Day +2 , and the nation is currently still awaiting results in several key battleground states .
Joe Gloria , the Clark County , Nevada voter registrar , briefed the press on Thursday to update the vote counting process and an idea of when the nation can get an idea of more concrete numbers on the presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bulk of the mail-in ballots in the state will be counted by the weekend .
However , Gloria said by law they will accept ballots postmarked November 3 until Tuesday , November 10 .
Currently Democrat Joe Biden leads President Trump in the Electoral College race 264-214 .
A Joe Biden victory in Nevada would give Biden the necessary 270 electoral votes to become the 46th President of the United States .
But the campaign believes there ’ s a pathway to win the six electoral votes in Nevada , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the Trump campaign has launched lawsuits in numerous battleground states in order to halt the counting of votes and for ballots received after November 3 to be disqualified .
Lawsuits have been launched in Michigan , Pennsylvania and Georgia seeking that the counting of ballots be stopped , while the campaign has sought a recount in Wisconsin .
The campaign believes that if a resolution can ’ t be found in the courts , or in the Supreme Court , before electors are seated on December 14 , it would then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states , including in Arizona .
The campaign believes the call for the state of Arizona will be reversed , and Trump will be awarded the 11 electoral votes .
Outlets had previously called the race for Biden , and there are over 400,000 votes outstanding , with 282,000 outstanding in Maricopa County .
But the campaign believes if they win a majority of those outstanding ballots , that will be enough to swing the count in the president ’ s favor .
There ’ s a level of optimism in which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Georgia , North Carolina and Alaska , which would give Mr. Trump an additional 34 electoral votes .
The president leads in Pennsylvania , and those 20 electoral votes would draw Trump even with Biden at 268 .
So the winner could very well be determined by the certified results in Nevada and Arizona .
Check back every day for more Trump Virginia campaign updates !
John Fredericks is the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Virginia Star .
He is also a Trump 2020 delegate and the chairman of the Trump Virginia @ @

Welcome to the Friday edition of our daily Virginia Trump campaign update! We will provide our readers with daily updates on the Trump Virginia campaign from today to November 3 (and after…if need be!).
We are in Election Day +2, and the nation is currently still awaiting results in several key battleground states.
Joe Gloria, the Clark County, Nevada voter registrar, briefed the press on Thursday to update the vote counting process and an idea of when the nation can get an idea of more concrete numbers on the presidential race in the state. Gloria believes the bulk of the mail-in ballots in the state will be counted by the weekend. However, Gloria said by law they will accept ballots postmarked November 3 until Tuesday, November 10.
Currently Democrat Joe Biden leads President Trump in the Electoral College race 264-214. A Joe Biden victory in Nevada would give Biden the necessary 270 electoral votes to become the 46th President of the United States. But the campaign believes there’s a pathway to win the six electoral votes in Nevada, and the margin of victory could be 5,000 votes.
But the Trump campaign has launched lawsuits in numerous battleground states in order to halt the counting of votes and for ballots received after November 3 to be disqualified.
Lawsuits have been launched in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia seeking that the counting of ballots be stopped, while the campaign has sought a recount in Wisconsin.
The campaign believes that if a resolution can’t be found in the courts, or in the Supreme Court, before electors are seated on December 14, it would then fall on Republican-controlled state legislatures in those states, including in Arizona.
The campaign believes the call for the state of Arizona will be reversed, and Trump will be awarded the 11 electoral votes. Outlets had previously called the race for Biden, and there are over 400,000 votes outstanding, with 282,000 outstanding in Maricopa County. But the campaign believes if they win a majority of those outstanding ballots, that will be enough to swing the count in the president’s favor.
There’s a level of optimism in which the campaign believes the president will be victorious in Georgia, North Carolina and Alaska, which would give Mr. Trump an additional 34 electoral votes. The president leads in Pennsylvania, and those 20 electoral votes would draw Trump even with Biden at 268. So the winner could very well be determined by the certified results in Nevada and Arizona.
Check back every day for more Trump Virginia campaign updates!
– – –
Photo “President Trump” by The White House.
John Fredericks is the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Virginia Star.
He is also a Trump 2020 delegate and the chairman of the Trump Virginia Delegation.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Middle Tennessee Post Offices Hit By ‘Incredibly Rare’ Burglaries One Day Before Election

One or more people broke in and vandalized six post offices in Middle Tennessee either Sunday night or early Monday morning , one day before an election where some people voted using absentee ballots .
Nathaniel Sims , a spokesman for the U.S .
Postal Inspector in Brentwood , told The Tennessee Star in an email Thursday that people don ’ t generally break into postal facilities .
“ Out of the more than 32,000 postal facilities nationwide , burglaries are incredibly rare .
For example , in Fiscal Year 2019 , which ended on September 30 , 2019 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are available ) , the Inspection Service initiated 152 burglary cases nationwide , which resulted in 69 arrests and 54 convictions , ” Sims said .
“ It ’ s hard to speculate on the motive that leads someone to burglarize a federal facility , but the vast majority of cases appear to be connected to localized , general criminal activity .
Postal Inspectors aggressively investigate all reported burglaries and conduct thorough investigations with the assistance of local law enforcement partners to identify those responsible.
” The Nashville-based WKRN reported that one or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postal facilities in Nashville and one each in LaVergne , Madison , Hermitage , and Mt .
Juliet .
Three of those postal facilities , according to the Tennessee General Assembly ’ s Find My Legislator search engine , are in State Senate District 20 .
Republican Steve Dickerson formerly represented that district .
According to Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett ’ s website , Democrat Heidi Campbell on Tuesday defeated Dickerson by 52 percent to his 48 percent .
Campbell got 58,101 votes to Dickerson ’ s 54,299 .
Campbell and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment Thursday , and neither did officials with the Tennessee Democratic Party .
The Star had hoped to ask them whether they believe Tuesday ’ s election , especially the District 20 one , in some way connected to the post office burglaries and people voting with absentee ballots .
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden told The Star Thursday that the District 20 race attracted a huge turnout .
“ There were 210,000 absentee ballots in the state .
Davidson County accounted for 31,390 of them .
About 20,000 of that total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of absentee .
The first day of early voting included 20,000 of them .
The last day that they recorded absentee ballots , October 29 , there were 751 , ” Golden said .
“ A lot of that district ’ s [ District 20 ’ s ] votes were early votes.
” Golden said that Dickerson performed better in election day voting numbers than he did in early voting numbers .
Sims , meanwhile , said that burglarizing a postal facility is a serious federal felony , which the feds will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison AND a $ 250,000 fine .
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star .
Follow Chris on Facebook .
Email tips to [ email protected ] Photo “ Post Office ” by Kenneth C. Zirkel .
CC BY-SA 4.0 .

One or more people broke in and vandalized six post offices in Middle Tennessee either Sunday night or early Monday morning, one day before an election where some people voted using absentee ballots.
Nathaniel Sims, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Inspector in Brentwood, told The Tennessee Star in an email Thursday that people don’t generally break into postal facilities.
“Out of the more than 32,000 postal facilities nationwide, burglaries are incredibly rare. For example, in Fiscal Year 2019, which ended on September 30, 2019 (the most recent year for which stats are available), the Inspection Service initiated 152 burglary cases nationwide, which resulted in 69 arrests and 54 convictions,” Sims said.
“It’s hard to speculate on the motive that leads someone to burglarize a federal facility, but the vast majority of cases appear to be connected to localized, general criminal activity. Postal Inspectors aggressively investigate all reported burglaries and conduct thorough investigations with the assistance of local law enforcement partners to identify those responsible.”
The Nashville-based WKRN reported that one or more burglars broke into and vandalized two postal facilities in Nashville and one each in LaVergne, Madison, Hermitage, and Mt. Juliet.
Three of those postal facilities, according to the Tennessee General Assembly’s Find My Legislator search engine, are in State Senate District 20. Republican Steve Dickerson formerly represented that district. According to Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s website, Democrat Heidi Campbell on Tuesday defeated Dickerson by 52 percent to his 48 percent. Campbell got 58,101 votes to Dickerson’s 54,299.
Campbell and Dickerson did not respond to requests for comment Thursday, and neither did officials with the Tennessee Democratic Party. The Star had hoped to ask them whether they believe Tuesday’s election, especially the District 20 one, in some way connected to the post office burglaries and people voting with absentee ballots.
Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Scott Golden told The Star Thursday that the District 20 race attracted a huge turnout.
“There were 210,000 absentee ballots in the state. Davidson County accounted for 31,390 of them. About 20,000 of that total 31,390 actually came in on the first day of absentee. The first day of early voting included 20,000 of them. The last day that they recorded absentee ballots, October 29, there were 751,” Golden said.
“A lot of that district’s [District 20’s] votes were early votes.”
Golden said that Dickerson performed better in election day voting numbers than he did in early voting numbers.
Sims, meanwhile, said that burglarizing a postal facility is a serious federal felony, which the feds will punish by up to five years in prison AND a $250,000 fine.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Post Office” by Kenneth C. Zirkel. CC BY-SA 4.0.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-07--Philadelphia Election Employee: ‘No Matter How Many Times You Ask Questions’ the ‘Orange Guy Still L

Philadelphia Election Employee: ‘No Matter How Many Times You Ask Questions’ the ‘Orange Guy Still Lost’

A Philadelphia election employee said Friday that `` no matter how many times you ask questions '' about the mail-in vote counting procedures in the county , the `` orange guy still lost . ''
Just the News has been contacting counties about a guidance issued by Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar on Oct. 21 about permitting individuals with rejected mail-in ballots to vote via a provisional ballot .
When Just the News called the Philadelphia Board of Elections and asked for the director , we were connected to the Philadelphia City Commissioners office and advised to ask for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commissioners office who answered the phone said the director was working at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the ballot count , which is still taking place .
The official said he could answer our questions .
When asked if the county followed the secretary of state 's guidance or rejected it , he said the city followed the guidance .
`` All votes can get counted , ” said the official , who identified himself as Michael Marshall .
`` The provisional would count and the other one would be voided .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ system would detect if someone voted successfully by mail and tried to vote in-person as well , he said the poll book would say , `` mail-in ballot '' and a voter would have to remit it to the Board of Elections before that person would be allowed to vote in-person on Election Day .
`` By the way , no matter how many times you ask questions at all , your buddy , the orange guy , still lost .
Have a good day , '' he said and hung up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ still in the process of counting votes .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is leading President Trump by about 15,000 votes in Pennsylvania .

A Philadelphia election employee said Friday that "no matter how many times you ask questions" about the mail-in vote counting procedures in the county, the "orange guy still lost."
Just the News has been contacting counties about a guidance issued by Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar on Oct. 21 about permitting individuals with rejected mail-in ballots to vote via a provisional ballot. When Just the News called the Philadelphia Board of Elections and asked for the director, we were connected to the Philadelphia City Commissioners office and advised to ask for the director there.
The official in the commissioners' office who answered the phone said the director was working at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the ballot count, which is still taking place. The official said he could answer our questions.
When asked if the county followed the secretary of state's guidance or rejected it, he said the city followed the guidance.
"All votes can get counted," said the official, who identified himself as Michael Marshall. "The provisional would count and the other one would be voided."
When asked if Philadelphia County's system would detect if someone voted successfully by mail and tried to vote in-person as well, he said the poll book would say, "mail-in ballot" and a voter would have to remit it to the Board of Elections before that person would be allowed to vote in-person on Election Day.
"By the way, no matter how many times you ask questions at all, your buddy, the orange guy, still lost. Have a good day," he said and hung up.
Philadelphia County is one of the counties still in the process of counting votes. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is leading President Trump by about 15,000 votes in Pennsylvania.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Sharpie-Gate: Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Addresses Use of Marker for Ballots

Deputy Solicitor General at the Arizona Attorney General 's Office Michael Catlett said in a Nov. 4 letter that their office had received hundreds of complaints about the use of Sharpie markers for ballots at Maricopa County election locations , with people conveying concerns that utilizing the writing implements could have led to the rejection , spoiling or cancellation of ballots .
The letter , sent to Director of Elections Day and Emergency Voting with the Maricopa County Elections Department Scott Jarrett , included questions about issues such as the extent to which Sharpies were supplied and used at voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how many were specifically rejected due to over-votes caused when ink passed through the paper onto the other side of the ballot .
In a Nov. 5 response , the Maricopa County Attorney 's office explained that the manufacturer of the county 's vote tabulation machines suggests using Sharpie markers to fill out ballots .
`` Furthermore , Maricopa County 's ballots are designed in such a way that any 'bleed through ' caused by the ink can not create false votes or cause a voter 's intended vote to be miscounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Specifically , the ovals in the front of the ballot are staggered from those on the back of the ballot so that even if bleed through should occur , there is no impact on any race . ''
`` No ballots were rejected at voting centers , for over-votes or any other reason , '' the response noted .
`` The vote tabulation machines are programmed to alert voters when their ballots contain over-votes or stray marks that might lead to their votes for certain contests not being tabulated .
Those voters are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot and vote a new one . ''

Deputy Solicitor General at the Arizona Attorney General's Office Michael Catlett said in a Nov. 4 letter that their office had received hundreds of complaints about the use of Sharpie markers for ballots at Maricopa County election locations, with people conveying concerns that utilizing the writing implements could have led to the rejection, spoiling or cancellation of ballots.
The letter, sent to Director of Elections Day and Emergency Voting with the Maricopa County Elections Department Scott Jarrett, included questions about issues such as the extent to which Sharpies were supplied and used at voting places, how many ballots were rejected and how many were specifically rejected due to over-votes caused when ink passed through the paper onto the other side of the ballot.
In a Nov. 5 response, the Maricopa County Attorney's office explained that the manufacturer of the county's vote tabulation machines suggests using Sharpie markers to fill out ballots.
"Furthermore, Maricopa County's ballots are designed in such a way that any 'bleed through' caused by the ink cannot create false votes or cause a voter's intended vote to be miscounted," the response says. "Specifically, the ovals in the front of the ballot are staggered from those on the back of the ballot so that even if bleed through should occur, there is no impact on any race."
"No ballots were rejected at voting centers, for over-votes or any other reason," the response noted. "The vote tabulation machines are programmed to alert voters when their ballots contain over-votes or stray marks that might lead to their votes for certain contests not being tabulated. Those voters are then provided the opportunity to spoil their ballot and vote a new one."


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Pollster John McLaughlin Says That Election Polls Were Meant to Depress Trump Voter Turnout

Pollster John McLaughlin says that election polls sought to depress Trump voter turnout during the 2020 presidential contest .
`` @ @ @ @ @ trying to do was discourage Election Day turnout of Trump voters with really bad polls @ @ @ @ @ an interview on the John Solomon Reports podcast .
McLaughlin said that at one point @ @ @ @ @ asked about a Washington Post-ABC News poll that showed him down by 17 points in @ @ @ @ @ he told the president that the Wisconsin race was actually very close .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ prove to be a very tight election contest .

Pollster John McLaughlin says that election polls sought to depress Trump voter turnout during the 2020 presidential contest.
"So, what they were trying to do was discourage Election Day turnout of Trump voters with really bad polls," he said during an interview on the John Solomon Reports podcast.
McLaughlin said that at one point President Trump contacted him and asked about a Washington Post-ABC News poll that showed him down by 17 points in Wisconsin. He said that he told the president that the Wisconsin race was actually very close.
In fact, the state did ultimately prove to be a very tight election contest.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Trump Campaign: Fox News Election Guru Who Called Arizona for Biden Conflicted by Democrat Loyalties

The Trump campaign slammed the director of the Fox News decision desk , which projects the channel 's election night winners , for Democratic donations , including the 2008 Obama-Biden campaign , and his past work as a Democratic consultant .
The Trump campaign on Thursday afternoon issued a press statement claiming that Arnon Mishkin prematurely called Arizona for Democrat Joe Biden before hundreds of thousands of ballots had been counted .
The campaign noted that even left-leaning election analysts like Nate Silver have criticized the decision and have called on Fox and the Associated Press to retract their calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News are standing by what the campaign called `` his terrible decision . ''
`` Why would Mishkin put his finger on the scale for Joe Biden before so many votes are counted ? ''
the campaign statement read .
`` Mishkin is a registered Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016 , worked as a Democrat political consultant , and has a long record of donating to Democrats , including the 2008 Obama-Biden campaign .
As the votes are counted , President Trump continues to cut into Joe Biden 's lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations have refused to follow Mishkin 's lead and call the race in Arizona , because they know what the Arizona Republic knows : `` Trump received almost the exact share he would need to charge back to win Arizona 's 11 electoral votes and potentially reelection . ''
On Thursday evening , Mishkin appeared on Fox News and defended his work during a segment with Fox News anchor Bret Baier .
`` Essentially , everyone on our team is very interested politically , and so they all vote , '' Mishkin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specifically how they vote .
I do know that many of them have professional experience that 's Republican , others of them have professional experience that 's Democratic .
The Trump campaign is correct in my professional experience includes political consulting for Democrats when I worked in political consulting . ''
Mishkin said that over the past 12 years since he joined the decision desk , he has donated a total of $ 800 to political candidates .
However , he also gave more donations to Democrats prior to assuming that role .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ show Mishkin has given $ 4,500 since 2000 , with just $ 500 to a Republican and the rest to Democrats .
`` Five hundred of that went to a classmate of mine who is a congressman , a Republican congressman , and another $ 300 went to a friend of a classmate who is a Democrat , '' Mishkin said .
`` So $ 500 to the Republicans .
$ 300 to the Democrats .
Some more money back before I was the head of the decision team here .
The team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team when we come to FOX , we basically check our politics at the door and focus our statistical or political analysis on the computer and what the numbers show .
And that 's … that 's it . ''
Mishkin on Thursday evening stood by the network ' ’ s call for Joe Biden in Arizona : '' We remain confident , the entire team remains confident in this call , '' Mishkin said .
`` We believe that at the end of the day , when the count is concluded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , '' Mishkin said .
`` We have taken into account the fact that there is , that President Trump is likely to get I think he said 55 % of the votes in order to close the gap with the former vice president . ''
`` We promised when we started this that we were going to be fully transparent and we were going to lift the curtain and talk to you guys about decisions every time there was something that we had questions about , '' Baier said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past two days . ''
Trump has been increasingly critical of Fox News , tweeting last week : `` The biggest difference between now and 2016 is @ FoxNews .
They are a whole different deal .
Despite this , our campaign is doing much better , with bigger crowds and even more ( much ! )
enthusiasm , than we had in 2016 .
Big Debate & SCOTUS Win !
Real Polls have us winning everywhere ! ''
Fox News , CNN and MNSBC all declined to comment in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of those networks had policies on partisan donations or political consulting by employees of the networks .

The Trump campaign slammed the director of the Fox News decision desk, which projects the channel's election night winners, for Democratic donations, including the 2008 Obama-Biden campaign, and his past work as a Democratic consultant.
The Trump campaign on Thursday afternoon issued a press statement claiming that Arnon Mishkin prematurely called Arizona for Democrat Joe Biden before hundreds of thousands of ballots had been counted. The campaign noted that even left-leaning election analysts like Nate Silver have criticized the decision and have called on Fox and the Associated Press to retract their calls. For now, Mishkin and Fox News are standing by what the campaign called "his terrible decision."
"Why would Mishkin put his finger on the scale for Joe Biden before so many votes are counted?" the campaign statement read. "Mishkin is a registered Democrat who voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016, worked as a Democrat political consultant, and has a long record of donating to Democrats, including the 2008 Obama-Biden campaign. As the votes are counted, President Trump continues to cut into Joe Biden's lead in Arizona. Five major election decision organizations have refused to follow Mishkin's lead and call the race in Arizona, because they know what the Arizona Republic knows: "Trump received almost the exact share he would need to charge back to win Arizona's 11 electoral votes and potentially reelection."
On Thursday evening, Mishkin appeared on Fox News and defended his work during a segment with Fox News anchor Bret Baier.
"Essentially, everyone on our team is very interested politically, and so they all vote," Mishkin said. "I don't ask them specifically how they vote. I do know that many of them have professional experience that's Republican, others of them have professional experience that's Democratic. The Trump campaign is correct in my professional experience includes political consulting for Democrats when I worked in political consulting."
Mishkin said that over the past 12 years since he joined the decision desk, he has donated a total of $800 to political candidates. However, he also gave more donations to Democrats prior to assuming that role. Listings from the Center For Responsive Politics show Mishkin has given $4,500 since 2000, with just $500 to a Republican and the rest to Democrats.
"Five hundred of that went to a classmate of mine who is a congressman, a Republican congressman, and another $300 went to a friend of a classmate who is a Democrat," Mishkin said. "So $500 to the Republicans. $300 to the Democrats. Some more money back before I was the head of the decision team here. The team totally agrees with the call, the team when we come to FOX, we basically check our politics at the door and focus our statistical or political analysis on the computer and what the numbers show. And that's … that's it."
Mishkin on Thursday evening stood by the network'’s call for Joe Biden in Arizona:
"We remain confident, the entire team remains confident in this call," Mishkin said. "We believe that at the end of the day, when the count is concluded, Joe Biden will finish ahead of Donald Trump," Mishkin said. "We have taken into account the fact that there is, that President Trump is likely to get I think he said 55% of the votes in order to close the gap with the former vice president."
Baier said Mishkin's editorial team included Democratic and Republican experts, including statisticians.
"We promised when we started this that we were going to be fully transparent and we were going to lift the curtain and talk to you guys about decisions every time there was something that we had questions about," Baier said. "And that's what we did over the past two days."
Trump has been increasingly critical of Fox News, tweeting last week: "The biggest difference between now and 2016 is @FoxNews. They are a whole different deal. Despite this, our campaign is doing much better, with bigger crowds and even more (much!) enthusiasm, than we had in 2016. Big Debate & SCOTUS Win! Real Polls have us winning everywhere!"
Tweet URL
Fox News, CNN and MNSBC all declined to comment in response to inquiries from Just the News about whether any of those networks had policies on partisan donations or political consulting by employees of the networks.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Pollster Nate Silver Says Calls That Biden Won Arizona ‘Should be Retracted’

With 89 % of the vote tabulated , no news agency has yet called a winner in Pennsylvania , where President Trump leads Joe Biden by 164,418 votes , according to Politico .
In Arizona , with 88 % of the vote counted Biden is leading by 68,390 — but Fox News and the Associated Press have already called that race .
Data journalist Nate Silver , founder and editor in chief of the website FiveThirtyEight , which focuses on analysis of polls , says that was a mistake .
`` I do n't know , I guess I 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you forced me to pick , but I sure as heck do n't think the state should have been called by anyone , and I think the calls that were previously made should be retracted now , '' he wrote in an election update Wednesday night .
Arizona , Silver said , `` is still counting votes , and Trump is cutting into Biden 's lead there . ''
On election night , Fox News was the first to call the state for Biden .
Team Trump blasted the call , with top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Trump even reportedly called Rupert Murdoch , the owner of Fox News , and gave him an earful .
Eventually , Fox called on Arnon Mishkin , director of the network 's decision desk , to explain the call on the air .
`` We made it after basically a half-hour of debating is it time yet because it 's been clear for a while that the former vice president is in the lead in Arizona and was most likely to win the state , '' he said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call 'knowable , but not callable ' for about an hour .
We finally called it right now .
Yes , there are some outstanding votes in Arizona .
Most of them are coming from Maricopa [ County ] , where Biden is currently in a very strong position . ''
A few hours later , in the early morning hours of Wednesday , the Associated Press called Arizona for Biden , giving the state to a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since Bill Clinton won it in 1996 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News , and CBS have n't called Arizona for either candidate , '' the Washington Examiner reported .
`` Arizona and its 11 Electoral College votes are the only difference between the two factions of media outlets , meaning [ those who have n't called Arizona ] have Biden at 253 electoral votes and Trump still at 213 .
Trump has a much easier path to 270 Electoral College votes if he 's able to pull off a victory in Arizona . ''
While Trump 's campaign has filed lawsuits in Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recount in Wisconsin , it has so far taken no action in Arizona .

Consider this:
With 89% of the vote tabulated, no news agency has yet called a winner in Pennsylvania, where President Trump leads Joe Biden by 164,418 votes, according to Politico.
In Arizona, with 88% of the vote counted Biden is leading by 68,390 — but Fox News and the Associated Press have already called that race.
Data journalist Nate Silver, founder and editor in chief of the website FiveThirtyEight, which focuses on analysis of polls, says that was a mistake.
"I don't know, I guess I'd say that Biden will win Arizona if you forced me to pick, but I sure as heck don't think the state should have been called by anyone, and I think the calls that were previously made should be retracted now," he wrote in an election update Wednesday night.
Arizona, Silver said, "is still counting votes, and Trump is cutting into Biden's lead there."
On election night, Fox News was the first to call the state for Biden. Team Trump blasted the call, with top campaign adviser Jason Miller demanding a retraction. President Trump even reportedly called Rupert Murdoch, the owner of Fox News, and gave him an earful.
Eventually, Fox called on Arnon Mishkin, director of the network's decision desk, to explain the call on the air.
"We made it after basically a half-hour of debating is it time yet because it's been clear for a while that the former vice president is in the lead in Arizona and was most likely to win the state," he said. "It has been in the category that we call 'knowable, but not callable' for about an hour. We finally called it right now. Yes, there are some outstanding votes in Arizona. Most of them are coming from Maricopa [County], where Biden is currently in a very strong position."
A few hours later, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, the Associated Press called Arizona for Biden, giving the state to a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since Bill Clinton won it in 1996.
"Other media outlets like CNN, NBC News, and CBS haven't called Arizona for either candidate," the Washington Examiner reported. "Arizona and its 11 Electoral College votes are the only difference between the two factions of media outlets, meaning [those who haven't called Arizona] have Biden at 253 electoral votes and Trump still at 213. Trump has a much easier path to 270 Electoral College votes if he's able to pull off a victory in Arizona."
While Trump's campaign has filed lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan and vows to request a recount in Wisconsin, it has so far taken no action in Arizona.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Key Senators Demand to Know: Did Google Manipulate Get-Out-Vote Messages?

A powerful Senate committee chairman and two GOP colleagues sent a letter Thursday to Google 's top executive demanding to know if the digital giant manipulated pre-election get-out-the-vote messages on its search products to benefit liberals .
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , and Sens .
Ted Cruz , R-Texas , and Mike Lee , R-Utah , wrote Google LLC CEO Sundar Pichai that an academic monitoring project claimed to capture evidence that Google only sent out voter reminder messages to liberals and not conservatives in the final days of the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the researcher running a Google monitoring project , as saying that his participants reported that between Oct. 26 and Oct. 29 `` only our liberal field agents received vote reminders on Google 's home page .
Conservatives did not receive even a single vote reminder . ''
The senators said Epstein 's findings appeared to conflict with recent testimony Pichai gave to Congress stating that `` Google does not modify any products , including Search , to promote a particular political viewpoint ... [ we ] will not do so for the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Epstein ’ s response , it would appear your assertion that 'We won ’ t do any work , you know , to politically tilt anything one way or the other ' is not true , '' the senators wrote , asking for a reply from the Google boss within a week .
`` We will be asking Dr. Epstein to provide Congress with the evidence of Google ’ s politically biased activities his monitoring collected during this election cycle .
We are writing to provide you another opportunity to conduct a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine the veracity of your previous responses to congressional inquiry regarding this issue , and correct your answers if necessary , '' they added .
You can read the letter here .
A spokesperson for Google did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday evening .

A powerful Senate committee chairman and two GOP colleagues sent a letter Thursday to Google's top executive demanding to know if the digital giant manipulated pre-election get-out-the-vote messages on its search products to benefit liberals.
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Mike Lee, R-Utah, wrote Google LLC CEO Sundar Pichai that an academic monitoring project claimed to capture evidence that Google only sent out voter reminder messages to liberals and not conservatives in the final days of the election.
Their letter quoted Dr. Robert Epstein, the researcher running a Google monitoring project, as saying that his participants reported that between Oct. 26 and Oct. 29 "only our liberal field agents received vote reminders on Google's home page. Conservatives did not receive even a single vote reminder."
The senators said Epstein's findings appeared to conflict with recent testimony Pichai gave to Congress stating that "Google does not modify any products, including Search, to promote a particular political viewpoint...[we] will not do so for the upcoming 2020 presidential election.”
"Based on Dr. Epstein’s response, it would appear your assertion that 'We won’t do any work, you know, to politically tilt anything one way or the other' is not true," the senators wrote, asking for a reply from the Google boss within a week.
"We will be asking Dr. Epstein to provide Congress with the evidence of Google’s politically biased activities his monitoring collected during this election cycle. We are writing to provide you another opportunity to conduct a thorough review with your management team to determine the veracity of your previous responses to congressional inquiry regarding this issue, and correct your answers if necessary," they added.
You can read the letter here.
A spokesperson for Google did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday evening.


thetennesseestar--2020-11-06--Scrutiny of Top Pennsylvania Election Official Grows as GOP Says She ‘Fundamentally Altered’ Outcome

In a guidance to her state 's counties dated Oct. 21 , Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar advised that a voter whose mail-in ballot was rejected would be eligible to vote in-person with a provisional ballot on Election Day as a way to `` cure '' their ballot .
Now , GOP Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly , state House of Representatives candidate Joseph Hamm and four other plaintiffs are suing Boockvar over her guidance .
After some county election officials questioned the guidance , Jonathan Marks , deputy secretary of state for elections and commissions , clarified on Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties to handle the rejected mail-in ballots .
Marks advised county election officials to inform `` party and candidate representatives '' about the identification of the voters whose ballots had been rejected as a way `` to facilitate communication with these voters . ''
According to the lawsuit , the counties of Berks , Carbon , Blair , Clinton , Dauphin , Lancaster , Lycoming and Perry ultimately declined to implement the guidance .
The suit argues that individuals who submitted rejected mail-in ballots should n't have been given provisional ballots on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach representatives for Adams , York , Montgomery and Bedford counties , who said they were not familiar with the contents of the Oct. 21 guidance .
A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of State told Just the News that every county in the state received the Oct. 21 guidance .
Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati have called for Boockvar to resign over her handling of the rejected mail-in ballots .
They argue that Boockvar `` fundamentally altered '' the way the state runs its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules again on November 2 when they provided last-second guidance directing counties to provide information to help voters whose mail-in or absentee ballots were incorrectly completed so those voters could vote on a provisional ballot , '' Corman and Scarnati wrote in a joint statement .
`` The late release of this 'guidance ' resulted in inconsistent application across the counties — some of whom contacted voters as directed and some who did not , '' the state senators added .
`` There is no basis for this guidance in current law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thin air . ''
Boockvar `` told the U.S. Supreme Court on October 28 that ballots received after 8 p.m. on November 3 would be segregated , but she changed the rules on November 1 and directed counties to canvass those ballots as soon as possible upon receipt , '' the lawmakers said .
`` In some counties , it is not possible to both segregate and canvass ballots as directed . ''
A journalist asked Boockvar about Lancaster County 's decision not to follow the guidance on curing rejected mail-ballots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ even challenging , '' she said on Wednesday .
On Twitter , Corman , the Pennsylvania Senate 's top Republican , highlighted several past anti-Trump tweets Boockvar has written since 2016 as part of his criticism of her handling of the general election in the state .
`` Using the title 'President ' before the word 'Trump ' really demeans the office of the presidency , '' Boockvar tweeted in March 2017 .
In August 2016 , Boockvar wrote , `` Trump already provided so many arguments of being dangerously unfit ; Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Reposting her tweets on his account Thursday , Corman wrote : `` From the arbiter of our election process in PA .
Guess we know why she has made such great efforts to fundamentally alter the manner in which Pennsylvania 's election is being conducted . ''

In a guidance to her state's counties dated Oct. 21, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar advised that a voter whose mail-in ballot was rejected would be eligible to vote in-person with a provisional ballot on Election Day as a way to "cure" their ballot.
Now, GOP Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly, state House of Representatives candidate Joseph Hamm and four other plaintiffs are suing Boockvar over her guidance.
After some county election officials questioned the guidance, Jonathan Marks, deputy secretary of state for elections and commissions, clarified on Nov. 2 how the department of state wanted counties to handle the rejected mail-in ballots.
Marks advised county election officials to inform "party and candidate representatives" about the identification of the voters whose ballots had been rejected as a way "to facilitate communication with these voters."
According to the lawsuit, the counties of Berks, Carbon, Blair, Clinton, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lycoming and Perry ultimately declined to implement the guidance. The suit argues that individuals who submitted rejected mail-in ballots shouldn't have been given provisional ballots on Tuesday,
Just the News was able to reach representatives for Adams, York, Montgomery and Bedford counties, who said they were not familiar with the contents of the Oct. 21 guidance.
A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of State told Just the News that every county in the state received the Oct. 21 guidance.
Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati have called for Boockvar to resign over her handling of the rejected mail-in ballots. They argue that Boockvar "fundamentally altered" the way the state runs its elections.
"The Department changed the rules again on November 2 when they provided last-second guidance directing counties to provide information to help voters whose mail-in or absentee ballots were incorrectly completed so those voters could vote on a provisional ballot," Corman and Scarnati wrote in a joint statement.
"The late release of this 'guidance' resulted in inconsistent application across the counties — some of whom contacted voters as directed and some who did not," the state senators added. "There is no basis for this guidance in current law. The Secretary created this new process out of thin air."
Boockvar "told the U.S. Supreme Court on October 28 that ballots received after 8 p.m. on November 3 would be segregated, but she changed the rules on November 1 and directed counties to canvass those ballots as soon as possible upon receipt," the lawmakers said. "In some counties, it is not possible to both segregate and canvass ballots as directed."
A journalist asked Boockvar about Lancaster County's decision not to follow the guidance on curing rejected mail-ballots.
"It is absolutely feasible and not even challenging," she said on Wednesday.
On Twitter, Corman, the Pennsylvania Senate's top Republican, highlighted several past anti-Trump tweets Boockvar has written since 2016 as part of his criticism of her handling of the general election in the state.
"Using the title 'President' before the word 'Trump' really demeans the office of the presidency," Boockvar tweeted in March 2017.
In August 2016, Boockvar wrote, "Trump already provided so many arguments of being dangerously unfit; Now, he proved it beyond doubt."
Reposting her tweets on his account Thursday, Corman wrote: "From the arbiter of our election process in PA. Guess we know why she has made such great efforts to fundamentally alter the manner in which Pennsylvania's election is being conducted."
Brianna Kraemer contributed to this report.