usatoday--2020-10-28--'Say her name. Don't say mine': Breonna Taylor's boyfriend remains haunted by her death

LOUISVILLE , Ky. – For Kenneth Walker , there is no normal .
Not now , and maybe not ever .
When he rides around Louisville , he passes pictures , murals and billboards of his best friend 's face .
He sees her on Facebook .
He 's asked about her , has to talk about her and relive the night he lost her – even as he 's still trying to figure out living life without her .
`` For you to lose somebody , and then have to deal with it every day , like forever ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like , it never stops .
That 's something . ''
Walker has lost loved ones before .
The first few days hit him hard , but with time , he was able to ease back into regular life .
But not this time .
Taylor was sleeping in bed next to him as he began to drift off when they were startled by a pounding on the front door of her South Louisville apartment just before 1 a.m. March 13 .
What happened next – Walker asking who was there , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round from his handgun , police firing 32 shots in response , Taylor dead in the hallway – have been well documented .
Millions of people have heard Walker 's frantic , confused call to 911 the night she was killed , and they 've seen him cry as he surrendered to police .
The worst moments of his life have been put on public display , compounding the loss of the woman he was building his life around .
`` If she 's not here , '' Walker told The Courier Journal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walker and Taylor had a `` normal day '' on March 12 , he said .
They went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and returned to her apartment for the night , where they played the card game Uno and put on the movie `` Freedom Writers , '' about a teacher who asks at-risk teens to journal their experiences in a racially divided Los Angeles school .
It was n't long before Taylor had fallen asleep , he said .
Around 12:40 a.m. , they heard knocking at the door , rushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask who was there , Walker said .
Neither heard a response , said Walker , and he did n't realize it was police .
Officers were there to serve a search warrant for Taylor 's apartment as part of a larger narcotics investigation centered in part on an ex-boyfriend , Jamarcus Glover .
When the door exploded inward , Walker , a legal gun owner , fired one shot from his Glock .
`` Protect Breonna , '' Walker said he thought .
`` Protect myself . ''
Police say his bullet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left thigh , severing his femoral artery .
Mattingly shot back six times .
Detective Myles Cosgrove fired 16 rounds .
Detective Brett Hankison , who was later fired , shot 10 times .
Taylor was struck six times , including in the pulmonary artery , and died on her apartment floor .
Walker stayed with her , calling his mother , 911 and then Taylor 's mother .
From inside , Walker said he still did n't realize it was police outside .
When he started to leave the apartment , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
`` I 'm thinking they 're there to help me , '' he said .
`` But really , they were the ones who just hurt me . ''
Walker did n't know for certain Taylor was dead until he saw the news on jail television .
'She did n't deserve to die ' : Louisville officer in Breonna Taylor case speaks out Police had received a judge 's approval to carry out a no-knock warrant at Taylor 's apartment but said they decided to knock and announce their presence instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early morning hours of March 13 , Mattingly said he and six other detectives stood outside Taylor ’ s door , shouting that police were there to execute a search warrant .
However , attorneys for Taylor 's family and about a dozen neighbors interviewed by police and media say did n't hear police announce themselves .
One resident who did say he heard police said the exact opposite in an earlier police interview .
Prosecutors with the Kentucky Attorney General later determined that , under Kentucky state law , Mattingly and Cosgrove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been fired upon first .
No one has been criminally charged for Taylor 's death .
Hankison was charged with wanton endangerment for bullets he fired into a neighboring apartment that was occupied .
'Nowhere to hide ' : Breonna Taylor 's boyfriend details the night she died Walker was in jail the day of Taylor 's memorial , locked up on criminal charges of attempted murder and assault that were later dismissed by a prosecutor who called for further investigation .
During a balloon release , he called his mom and listened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It was terrible .
`` All y'all are out there , and I 'm in here by myself with 20 other people I do n't even know , and I 've never been here before . ''
During a wreath-laying on Memorial Day , Walker was still on home incarceration , though his charges had been dropped .
His parents went while Walker stayed home and paced .
Walker said he still does n't know how to feel about everything that has happened .
He has n't reached a moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because I never got to take it all in , '' he said .
`` So , of course , I know what 's going on , but I do n't know how to feel 'cause I did n't get to end it .
`` I did n't get to stand there and be like , 'OK , you 're gone . '
'' Taylor 's death helped ignite a political and social firestorm , fueling nationwide and international protests over police brutality and injustice for Black Americans killed by police .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meme and a powerful symbol that Black lives matter .
Walker said he wants people to remember Taylor , to keep her story prominent – but to ignore him .
`` Say her name , '' he said .
`` Do n't say mine . ''
He does n't like the attention , he said .
He 's not one to take many photos or post much on social media , and he 's had the same friends since childhood .
And he does n't like talking to people he does n't know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at restaurants so he did n't have to chat with waiters .
Walker 's mother , Velicia Walker , said he `` only allows certain people in his circle . ''
But once you 're in , you 're `` pretty much in . ''
`` I can count on one hand how many girlfriends he 's had in 28 years , '' she said .
`` When he loves , he loves hard , if he allows you in . ''
In the seven months since Taylor was shot by Louisville Metro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rallying cry for racial justice , with protesters , politicians , celebrities and star athletes demanding the officers who shot her be fired and criminally charged .
No one has been charged in Taylor 's death .
And the only officer who faces charges from that night , Hankison , is accused of firing into a neighboring apartment that was occupied .
Walker struggles with the unrelenting attention .
Asked how he has been coping , Kenneth Walker replied : `` I have n't . ''
But with time , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know him and knew Taylor see the truth of what happened .
`` Why should I care about a bunch of people I do n't even know or that do n't even know me ? ''
he asked .
'If we can reverse the clock , we want Bre' Velicia Walker , Kenneth 's mother , remembers being struck by how soft-spoken , kind , respectful and gentle Taylor was when she first met her .
`` I mean , 'Yes ma'am , no ma'am .
May I do anything for you in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Taylor would help out by picking up lunch for Kenneth or putting out the pillows on his mother 's couch , making sure she had what she needed and making it a point to visit or have her son call .
Velicia and Taylor grew close over time , and she said Taylor would call two or three times a week to check in .
`` I keep waiting for her call . ''
Velicia did n't realize Taylor had died until the sun rose March 13 and Tamika Palmer , Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Kenneth .
`` She was calling to check on Kenny , then I was like , 'OK , how 's Bre ? '
And all she said ( was ) that she 's gone .
I was like , 'She 's gone where ? '
'' Velicia said .
`` And I lost it .
`` I do n't even want to think about it because that feeling just swells up in me , just like that moment .
It swells up in me . ''
For the Walkers , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Velicia said .
`` We 're grieving .
We 're angry .
We 're hurt , '' she said .
She said they 've become familiar with the women killed before Taylor , who had `` lives to live and futures to have . ''
They 've attended functions with high-profile people there to rally for Taylor .
But they would gladly give it up for one thing .
`` If we can reverse the clock , we want Bre , '' she said .
`` That 's the justice , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Instead , she said , her job now is to `` live for Bre . ''
`` She has to live through me .
Live through him .
Live through our son , '' Velicia said .
That means working hard , respecting people , loving hard – just as Taylor did .
`` I 'm going to stay on Kenny .
I 'm going to keep going .
I 'm going to love her family .
I 'm going to look after her little sister .
I 'm ( going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her favorite , '' she said .
`` It 's ongoing , and we 're going to stand up for her . ''
After knowing each other for about nine years , dating on and off during that time , they were serious this time around .
Taylor was renting her apartment month to month , and Walker 's lease was up in July .
They were going to move into a house together this summer .
They were working at becoming financially stable and hoped a baby would n't be too far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , Walker is n't sure he can ever see himself having that kind of life .
He built his future around her , and she 's gone .
`` It took a lot to get where I was at with Breonna , '' he said .
`` I do n't know if I 've got that much time or energy to invest in someone else . ''
For the man whose aspiration was to spend his days with her , without her , justice seems impossible .
The only justice would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even if people get locked up , or they do n't , it still does n't help me at all . ''

Tessa Duvall and Darcy Costello, Louisville Courier Journal

'Say her name. Don't say mine': Breonna Taylor's boyfriend remains haunted by her death
Show Caption Hide Caption Breonna Taylor's boyfriend says he can 'never have a normal life' Walker talked about protests in Breonna Taylor's name, and how his life has changed since her death. ABC NEWS/The Courier Journal
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For Kenneth Walker, there is no normal.
Not now, and maybe not ever.
Not without Breonna Taylor.
When he rides around Louisville, he passes pictures, murals and billboards of his best friend's face. He sees her on Facebook.
He's asked about her, has to talk about her and relive the night he lost her – even as he's still trying to figure out living life without her.
"For you to lose somebody, and then have to deal with it every day, like forever?" said Walker, 28. "Like, it never stops. That's something."
Walker has lost loved ones before. The first few days hit him hard, but with time, he was able to ease back into regular life.
But not this time.
Taylor was sleeping in bed next to him as he began to drift off when they were startled by a pounding on the front door of her South Louisville apartment just before 1 a.m. March 13.
What happened next – Walker asking who was there, the door flying open, Walker firing a round from his handgun, police firing 32 shots in response, Taylor dead in the hallway – have been well documented.
Millions of people have heard Walker's frantic, confused call to 911 the night she was killed, and they've seen him cry as he surrendered to police.
The worst moments of his life have been put on public display, compounding the loss of the woman he was building his life around.
"If she's not here," Walker told The Courier Journal, "nothing else matters."
Kenneth Walker's 911 call in aftermath of Breonna Taylor shooting Listen to recording of the 911 call made by Kenneth Walker in the immediate aftermath of the fatal police shooting of his girlfriend, Breonna Taylor. Jeff Faughender, Louisville Courier Journal
'Protect Breonna, protect myself'
Walker and Taylor had a "normal day" on March 12, he said.
They went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and returned to her apartment for the night, where they played the card game Uno and put on the movie "Freedom Writers," about a teacher who asks at-risk teens to journal their experiences in a racially divided Los Angeles school.
It wasn't long before Taylor had fallen asleep, he said.
Around 12:40 a.m., they heard knocking at the door, rushed to get dressed and called out to ask who was there, Walker said. Neither heard a response, said Walker, and he didn't realize it was police.
Officers were there to serve a search warrant for Taylor's apartment as part of a larger narcotics investigation centered in part on an ex-boyfriend, Jamarcus Glover. When the door exploded inward, Walker, a legal gun owner, fired one shot from his Glock.
"Protect Breonna," Walker said he thought. "Protect myself."
Police say his bullet struck Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the left thigh, severing his femoral artery.
Mattingly shot back six times. Detective Myles Cosgrove fired 16 rounds. Detective Brett Hankison, who was later fired, shot 10 times.
Taylor was struck six times, including in the pulmonary artery, and died on her apartment floor.
Walker stayed with her, calling his mother, 911 and then Taylor's mother.
From inside, Walker said he still didn't realize it was police outside. When he started to leave the apartment, he was confused to see guns pointed at him.
"I'm thinking they're there to help me," he said. "But really, they were the ones who just hurt me."
Walker didn't know for certain Taylor was dead until he saw the news on jail television.
'She didn't deserve to die': Louisville officer in Breonna Taylor case speaks out
Police had received a judge's approval to carry out a no-knock warrant at Taylor's apartment but said they decided to knock and announce their presence instead.
For nearly a minute in the early morning hours of March 13, Mattingly said he and six other detectives stood outside Taylor’s door, shouting that police were there to execute a search warrant.
However, attorneys for Taylor's family and about a dozen neighbors interviewed by police and media say didn't hear police announce themselves. One resident who did say he heard police said the exact opposite in an earlier police interview.
Prosecutors with the Kentucky Attorney General later determined that, under Kentucky state law, Mattingly and Cosgrove were acting in self-defense because they had been fired upon first. No one has been criminally charged for Taylor's death. Hankison was charged with wanton endangerment for bullets he fired into a neighboring apartment that was occupied.
'Nowhere to hide': Breonna Taylor's boyfriend details the night she died
Mourning behind bars
Walker was in jail the day of Taylor's memorial, locked up on criminal charges of attempted murder and assault that were later dismissed by a prosecutor who called for further investigation.
During a balloon release, he called his mom and listened.
"I cried," he said. "It was terrible.
"All y'all are out there, and I'm in here by myself with 20 other people I don't even know, and I've never been here before."
During a wreath-laying on Memorial Day, Walker was still on home incarceration, though his charges had been dropped. His parents went while Walker stayed home and paced.
Walker said he still doesn't know how to feel about everything that has happened. He hasn't reached a moment of closure that feels real.
"Because I never got to take it all in," he said. "So, of course, I know what's going on, but I don't know how to feel 'cause I didn't get to end it.
"I didn't get to stand there and be like, 'OK, you're gone.'"
Minute by minute: What happened the night police fatally shot Breonna Taylor
In the spotlight
Taylor's death helped ignite a political and social firestorm, fueling nationwide and international protests over police brutality and injustice for Black Americans killed by police. Her name has become a hashtag, a meme and a powerful symbol that Black lives matter.
Walker said he wants people to remember Taylor, to keep her story prominent – but to ignore him.
"Say her name," he said. "Don't say mine."
He doesn't like the attention, he said.
He's not one to take many photos or post much on social media, and he's had the same friends since childhood.
And he doesn't like talking to people he doesn't know. Taylor used to order for him at restaurants so he didn't have to chat with waiters.
Walker's mother, Velicia Walker, said he "only allows certain people in his circle."
But once you're in, you're "pretty much in."
"I can count on one hand how many girlfriends he's had in 28 years," she said. "When he loves, he loves hard, if he allows you in."
In the seven months since Taylor was shot by Louisville Metro Police officers, her name has become a rallying cry for racial justice, with protesters, politicians, celebrities and star athletes demanding the officers who shot her be fired and criminally charged.
That hasn't happened.
No one has been charged in Taylor's death. And the only officer who faces charges from that night, Hankison, is accused of firing into a neighboring apartment that was occupied.
Walker struggles with the unrelenting attention. Asked how he has been coping, Kenneth Walker replied: "I haven't."
But with time, he said, he has realized the people who know him and knew Taylor see the truth of what happened.
"Why should I care about a bunch of people I don't even know or that don't even know me?" he asked.
Fact check: Debunking 9 widely shared rumors in the Breonna Taylor shooting
Kenneth Walker speaks after filing lawsuit against LMPD "I would never knowingly shoot a police officer," said Kenneth Walker, Breonna Taylor's boyfriend, as his attorneys file a lawsuit against LMPD. Matt Stone, Louisville Courier Journal
'If we can reverse the clock, we want Bre'
Velicia Walker, Kenneth's mother, remembers being struck by how soft-spoken, kind, respectful and gentle Taylor was when she first met her.
"I mean, 'Yes ma'am, no ma'am. May I do anything for you in your home?'" she recalled.
Taylor would help out by picking up lunch for Kenneth or putting out the pillows on his mother's couch, making sure she had what she needed and making it a point to visit or have her son call.
Velicia and Taylor grew close over time, and she said Taylor would call two or three times a week to check in.
"I keep waiting for her call."
Velicia didn't realize Taylor had died until the sun rose March 13 and Tamika Palmer, Taylor's mother, contacted her to ask about Kenneth.
"She was calling to check on Kenny, then I was like, 'OK, how's Bre?' And all she said (was) that she's gone. I was like, 'She's gone where?'" Velicia said. "And I lost it.
"I don't even want to think about it because that feeling just swells up in me, just like that moment. It swells up in me."
For the Walkers, this is about "true life and death," Velicia said.
"We're grieving. We're angry. We're hurt," she said.
She said they've become familiar with the women killed before Taylor, who had "lives to live and futures to have."
They've attended functions with high-profile people there to rally for Taylor. But they would gladly give it up for one thing.
"If we can reverse the clock, we want Bre," she said. "That's the justice, but that isn't going to happen."
Instead, she said, her job now is to "live for Bre."
"She has to live through me. Live through him. Live through our son," Velicia said.
That means working hard, respecting people, loving hard – just as Taylor did.
"I'm going to stay on Kenny. I'm going to keep going. I'm going to love her family. I'm going to look after her little sister. I'm (going to) love on that uncle that is her favorite," she said. "It's ongoing, and we're going to stand up for her."
A future on hold
Kenneth Walker and Taylor had plans.
After knowing each other for about nine years, dating on and off during that time, they were serious this time around.
Taylor was renting her apartment month to month, and Walker's lease was up in July.
They were going to move into a house together this summer. They were working at becoming financially stable and hoped a baby wouldn't be too far off in the future, he said.
Now, Walker isn't sure he can ever see himself having that kind of life.
He built his future around her, and she's gone.
"It took a lot to get where I was at with Breonna," he said. "I don't know if I've got that much time or energy to invest in someone else."
For the man whose aspiration was to spend his days with her, without her, justice seems impossible.
The only justice would be if Taylor was alive.
"Even if people get locked up, or they don't, it still doesn't help me at all."
Tessa Duvall: tduvall@courier-journal.com; 502-582-4059; Twitter: @TessaDuvall. Darcy Costello: 502-582-4834; dcostello@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @dctello.


usatoday--2020-10-28--FBI agents back Christopher Wray in letters to Trump, Biden and warn that firing him could 'damage'

FBI agents voiced their support Wednesday for embattled Director Christopher Wray , warning President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden that his untimely removal could `` undermine stability '' within the federal government 's premier law enforcement agency .
The action by the FBI Agents Association , representing 14,000 active and retired agents , comes as Trump is weighing a number of key staff changes after the election , including the dismissal of Wray , who has served just more than three years of 10-year term following the abrupt removal of James Comey in 2017 .
Christopher Wray in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI director deal with President Trump ?
`` Unanticipated changes in bureau leadership are challenging and can undermine stability , '' the association said in separate letters to the president and the Democratic nominee .
`` Right now , the FBI is confronting an even more daunting threat environment ...
This country needs stability in leadership of the bureau during these challenging times , and creating upheavals ... after the elections can only undermine the goal of protecting the safety and security of our country . ''
The association lauded Wray for leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comey 's dismissal , crediting the former Justice Department official with adhering to an non-partisan , independent brand of leadership .
`` He has not led the bureau in a political manner , and politics should not determine his fate as director , '' the association said .
`` While the president can remove an FBI director , doing so could lead to instability and damage to the Bureau ’ s operations ... '' Wray , who Trump selected to replace Comey , has been the subject of much criticism from the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wray following the release of a Justice Department inspector general ’ s report highly critical of the FBI work in the Russia investigation that shadowed much of Trump ’ s presidency .
Trump appeared to threaten the FBI director , when in an interview with ABC News Wray affirmed a key finding in the report , indicating that the Russia inquiry was opened with the “ appropriate predication and authorization.
“ Asked if he thought Trump ’ s campaign was unfairly targeted in the Russia investigation , Wray said : “ I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what report current Director of the FBI Christopher Wray was reading , but it sure wasn ’ t the one given to me , ” Trump tweeted then , adding that Wray “ with that kind of attitude will never be able to fix the FBI ... ” More recently , Wray has drawn Trump ’ s ire for his testimony during congressional hearings in September when he highlighted the conclusions of intelligence officials who warned that Russia was actively attempting to denigrate the candidacy of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been to ensure that the bureau conducts investigations in an impartial way and in compliance with the law and the Constitution , and that agents perform their duties with integrity and professionalism , '' the association said .
`` Our country is safer because of him . ''

Kevin Johnson and David Jackson, USA TODAY

FBI agents back Christopher Wray in letters to Trump, Biden and warn that firing him could 'damage' bureau
FBI agents voiced their support Wednesday for embattled Director Christopher Wray, warning President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden that his untimely removal could "undermine stability" within the federal government's premier law enforcement agency.
The action by the FBI Agents Association, representing 14,000 active and retired agents, comes as Trump is weighing a number of key staff changes after the election, including the dismissal of Wray, who has served just more than three years of 10-year term following the abrupt removal of James Comey in 2017.
Christopher Wray in the spotlight: How will the next FBI director deal with President Trump?
Post-election shakeup? President Trump weighing firing of FBI Director Christopher Wray after election
"Unanticipated changes in bureau leadership are challenging and can undermine stability," the association said in separate letters to the president and the Democratic nominee. "Right now, the FBI is confronting an even more daunting threat environment... This country needs stability in leadership of the bureau during these challenging times, and creating upheavals...after the elections can only undermine the goal of protecting the safety and security of our country."
The association lauded Wray for leading the agency through the uncertainty that followed Comey's dismissal, crediting the former Justice Department official with adhering to an non-partisan, independent brand of leadership.
"He has not led the bureau in a political manner, and politics should not determine his fate as director," the association said. "While the president can remove an FBI director,
doing so could lead to instability and damage to the Bureau’s operations..."
Wray, who Trump selected to replace Comey, has been the subject of much criticism from the president.
More: Former FBI Director James Comey defends Russia investigation, concedes on Carter Page
Late last year, Trump rebuked Wray following the release of a Justice Department inspector general’s report highly critical of the FBI work in the Russia investigation that shadowed much of Trump’s presidency.
Trump appeared to threaten the FBI director, when in an interview with ABC News Wray affirmed a key finding in the report, indicating that the Russia inquiry was opened with the “appropriate predication and authorization.“
Asked if he thought Trump’s campaign was unfairly targeted in the Russia investigation, Wray said: “I do not.”
“I don’t know what report current Director of the FBI Christopher Wray was reading, but it sure wasn’t the one given to me,” Trump tweeted then, adding that Wray “with that kind of attitude will never be able to fix the FBI...”
More recently, Wray has drawn Trump’s ire for his testimony during congressional hearings in September when he highlighted the conclusions of intelligence officials who warned that Russia was actively attempting to denigrate the candidacy of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
"Director Wray’s highest priorities have been to ensure that the bureau conducts
investigations in an impartial way and in compliance with the law and the Constitution, and that agents perform their duties with integrity and professionalism," the association said. "Our country is safer because of him."


usatoday--2020-10-28--Characters or cake? Watch as cake becomes reflection of television stars

Characters or cake ?
Watch as cake becomes reflection of television stars Baker Emilie Tosello creates a series of cakes @ @ @ @ @ characters .

Creative baker constructs cakes of TV and movie characters
Baker Emilie Tosello creates a series of cakes that mirror TV and movie characters.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-29--Ohio's rural-urban divide drives politics, to voters' dismay. 'You're either this or that.'

WOODSFIELD , Ohio – If you draw a line across Ohio , starting at Youngstown , west to Canton and southwest through Columbus and Cincinnati , you ’ ll roughly split the state in half .
The southeastern half has just one Democrat at the Ohio Statehouse .
A decade ago , there were 10 .
That Democrat , Rep. Jack Cera , is term-limited this year .
He is n't sure Democrats will hold on to the seat that snakes along the Ohio River on the state 's eastern-most edge .
Roughly 100 miles away , Republicans in Franklin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more Statehouse seats in the state 's most populated county .
Party politics have changed in Ohio and across the country , as have demographics .
The result : Democrats have lost ground in rural areas and Republicans have a hard time winning in urban areas .
The best predictor of whether a state will vote red or blue is whether more people live in urban areas vs. rural places , said Will Wilkinson , vice president for research at the Niskanen Center , a moderate D.C. think tank .
Ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and photographers visited four counties across the state to talk with people about this divide – what has caused it and what might heal it .
Most people spoke of national politics that do n't reflect the cities and small towns they live and work in , as well as frustrations about the way in which their communities are represented .
Dick Yoss has three signs in front of his downtown Woodsfield law office , which faces Monroe County ’ s elections office and sits kitty-corner from the county ’ s historic courthouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
RESTORE SANITY and DECENCY – VOTE FOR JOE !
Yoss , a former county prosecutor , made the first sign himself .
He gave nearly 100 away .
They dot lawns along the main road in Woodsfield , as well as homes further out in the rolling hills of this Ohio River county .
The sanity signs outnumber the actual Biden signs here .
Monroe County voted for a Democrat for president in every election from 1976 to 2008 .
Republican Mitt Romney broke the streak in 2012 , with 52 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump won big with 72 % of the vote .
Democrats in the county aren ’ t ready to give it up .
They point to Trump as the disruptor more than a swing toward the Republican Party .
There used to be coal jobs here , glass factory jobs , steel jobs , union jobs .
Used to .
Trump tapped into that feeling of being forgotten .
Yoss believes Trump 's celebrity appeals to Monroe County voters .
`` People often just want a change , '' Yoss said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effect of national party politics .
`` The problem you ’ re up against is they watch the news , they hear the national Democrats ’ message and it ’ s not their issues , ” Cera said .
For example , gun control does n't play well in his district .
Cera has sided with Republicans on gun bills .
But he frequently agrees with Black lawmakers from cities on issues of poverty and job creation .
He sees some hope in U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown ’ s ability to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties like his on a jobs message .
In Brown ’ s first Senate race in 2006 , the Democrat won 13 of the 14 counties in Ohio ’ s Southeast region against incumbent Republican Mike DeWine .
In 2018 , he won just one county – Athens County , home to Ohio University .
Shaun Burnett , 56 , grew up in Woodsfield .
When he turned 18 , he registered as a Democrat – an implicit requirement to work in county government .
After a short stint in politics in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican .
After President Obama was elected , he got involved in tea party events.Four years ago , he jumped aboard the Trump train and made one out of plywood to display in his front yard .
This year , the train is back .
Taking Hillary Clinton 's place locked up in front is Biden `` in his basement bunker . ''
Burnett said Democrats lost the incentive to win votes in places like Monroe County .
They 've built up voting blocs in large cities – there 's no chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats used to be your rural party , your farmers , '' Burnett said , adding the party went too far left .
Emily Lallathin also left Woodsfield and came back .
But she points to her experiences away at college as the difference between her and her classmates who stayed and have moved to the right .
Lallathin , 33 , went to school just an hour away at Muskingum University .
But the population was more diverse than Woodsfield .
She actually met other students from the Middle East , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook group in negative posts .
The Facebook group has become especially toxic with the coronavirus pandemic and election .
`` There 's no gray area – you 're either this or that , '' Lallathin said .
`` College increases your openness to experience , '' he said .
`` You meet the Muslim kid in your class .
You meet African-Americans you never would have run into in your hometown .
Lots of things that make you feel exotic and strange become comfortable . ''
And as many good-paying jobs have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cities and suburbs , drawing the college educated away .
`` In order to make the most of your college degree , you have to move to a major labor market and that ’ s all consolidating , '' Wilkinson said .
Trump won the non-college educated vote in 2016 .
And in Ohio , that group of voters favored Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine , too .
The house has Biden banners hanging from its front porch and a Black Lives Matter sign in the front yard .
“ This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statehouse candidate Mehek Cooke says , campaign literature in hand .
She presses the doorbell , steps several feet back from the door and waits .
Cooke leaves a glossy card on the doormat .
She checks the canvassing app on her phone for the next house on her list in this big-tree neighborhood located in the farthest northwest corner of Columbus .
Cooke works from a list of independent and Democratic voters – she has to .
The district was represented by a Republican since it was based in Franklin County in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seat flipped blue .
Democrats picked up seven Statehouse seats that year , including three state representatives and one state senator representing parts of Franklin County .
The other seats were similarly located in more suburban areas outside Cleveland , Cincinnati and Akron .
Cooke introduces herself as someone born in India and raised in Ohio , as a candidate who wants to build unity .
Then she says she ’ s a Republican : `` I do n't want to be judged by what 's happening nationally . ''
That admission gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from independent voter Jim Herron , 79 .
Later he says he doesn ’ t trust politicians , period , and votes for the candidate who is the lesser of two evils rather than along party lines .
And he does n't like Donald Trump .
Herron said he stays out of politics , but the growing divide between the parties – that if you ’ re a Republican you have to do one thing and if you ’ re a Democrat you have to do another – concerns him .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be solved if you could give and take a bit , '' Herron said .
County-wide , Republicans used to dominate in local and Statehouse races and won Columbus mayoral races .
The 2018 suburban blue wave caught one of those officials , auditor Clarence Mingo , who had previously won two elections .
Now there are just two county elected Republicans , the engineer and prosecutor .
Mingo , who is Black , had been a rising star in the party and briefly ran for state treasurer .
He said Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats .
Politicians are unwilling to buck the party line and voters do n't consider splitting their tickets .
`` The consequence is you can almost look at a zip code and determine whether or not a person in that zip code is a Republican or a Democrat , '' Mingo said .
Mingo said that past the Trump era , whenever that is , Republicans need to show voters they are committed to issues that are n't solidly in the conservative box , such as race relations and poverty .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are a lot of Republicans in local races who are not tribal and who are considerate of other political views and perspectives alternative to conservative thought and are losing their careers or influence , '' Mingo said .
Hamilton County , home to Cincinnati , has seen a similar shift .
In 1992 , just eight of 51 subdivisions in Hamilton County were won by Democrat Bill Clinton .
In 2016 , all but 12 voted for Hillary Clinton , according to county election data .
Five have made that flip in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Healthy , North College Hill City , Springdale , Springfield Township and Wyoming .
Mary Pouncy , 48 , decorated the windows on her home near Cincinnati 's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood with Biden/Harris 2020 painted in pink and purple pastels .
She said she gravitates toward Democratic candidates based on her financial circumstances : `` Because I ’ m poor . ''
`` I hope Biden wins , ” she said .
`` Trump is not for the poor .
He ’ s only for the rich . ''
David Lewis , 56 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county , including his suburban city of Wyoming , were getting bluer .
Lewis said political parties are just interested in raising money by saying things that fire up their constituencies , like about guns or abortion .
`` They 're both interested in saying , ‘ The other side is extreme .
Send me money , ' '' Lewis said .
The neon glare from the Dari Creme sign casts a glow through the parking lot in Portsmouth , an Ohio River city 92 miles south of Columbus and 104 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A breeze ushers in a gust of late-summer air and the opening notes of `` Taps '' in the distance .
Around the block , Kenneth Dunn , 66 , plays tribute to the military anthem with his trumpet , as the sun sets over Alexandria Point Park .
A couple hours earlier a group of Scioto County residents gathered in the park , overlooking the Ohio River and Kentucky border , to discuss the upcoming election .
Frustrated by Appalachian stereotypes that paint rural Ohio as one large swath of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Democrat for Ohio State Senate 's 14th District .
`` I think that perception of our area , of being conservative ...
I think that reinforces the conservative population here to empower them to feel like that 's what controls this area , '' he said .
`` I honestly do n't believe it does . ''
Ottney , 42 , wo n't speak to the ignorant and rather offensive stereotypes , he said , that outsiders cast .
But he has seen community members slowly become more comfortable voicing their liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much louder sometimes , '' he added , `` Which gives the impression of being more . ''
Local historian Drew Feight said Portsmouth 's progressive concentration gets written off by those same Appalachian stereotypes .
But the 2016 presidential election results are telling .
Four years ago Trump won Scioto County by nearly 37 % , but within the city of Portsmouth Democrat Hillary Clinton won by almost 34 % .
`` The urban-rural divide , I would say that exists within Appalachia , '' Feight said .
In Portsmouth there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that does n't get into the national media coverage .
`` People show up with their stereotypes , '' Feight said .
`` Editors have their stereotypes and they go looking for it , and they find it , and then they miss us . ''
Gary Harriston , a Portsmouth native , recognizes that another popular stereotype about the region assumes Black people like him do n't really live in Appalachia , or cities like Portsmouth are n't actively fighting to be anti-racist .
`` The African Americans living in Portsmouth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in the area that 's known as the North End , '' the 67-year-old said .
`` And you could take a drive through the North End and you will not find a Trump sign anywhere . ''
And while the Black population has shrunk , along with the total number of residents living in Portsmouth — the city recorded 20,226 people in the 2010 U.S. Census , but Harriston said they were nearly 40,000 strong while he was growing up — the appreciation for African-American culture and its rich history in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Portsmouth Unity Art Project 's launch , the city installed historically themed unity banners and art murals honoring local abolitionists , suffragettes , Civil Rights-era activists .
The project helped restore faith in the community , Harriston said .
But celebration of Portsmouth unity ca n't deny the lack of economic opportunity .
The area remains a Democratic and labor union stronghold despite shrinking industry , Joe Dillow said .
`` But bad policies and Reagonomics have turned jobs elsewhere , '' Dillow , the president of the local chapter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Since industry left folks are starting to feel underappreciated . ''
Just down the street from the park , Justin Everman lives in Portsmouth with his grandmother and uncle .
He 's frustrated by so few job opportunities in the region and Trump 's apathetic attitude about COVID-19 terrifies him .
The pandemic feels like a war , Everman said .
`` Usually I want a Republican during a wartime , but Trump ’ s not that guy , ” he said .
Still , hope persists .
Adjunct English professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is buoyed by her students .
`` Watching , especially a younger generation , who 's seeing an Appalachian identity as a positive thing they can define and redefine is uplifting , '' she said .
If elected , Ryan Ottney would be the first Democrat to serve in the Ohio 14th District 's senatorial history .
Ottney wants to serve what he sees as a rapidly diversifying community .
`` We can either embrace that community and what will be their world , '' he said , `` or we can @ @ @ @ @

Jackie Borchardt and Céilí Doyle, The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio's rural-urban divide drives politics, to voters' dismay. 'You're either this or that.'
Show Caption Hide Caption Ohio presidential election history: See state's vote divide since 1996 In the six past presidential elections, the divide between rural and urban voters in Ohio has grown. Michael Nyerges, Cincinnati Enquirer
WOODSFIELD, Ohio – If you draw a line across Ohio, starting at Youngstown, west to Canton and southwest through Columbus and Cincinnati, you’ll roughly split the state in half.
The southeastern half has just one Democrat at the Ohio Statehouse. A decade ago, there were 10.
That Democrat, Rep. Jack Cera, is term-limited this year. He isn't sure Democrats will hold on to the seat that snakes along the Ohio River on the state's eastern-most edge.
Roughly 100 miles away, Republicans in Franklin County worry they'll lose a few more Statehouse seats in the state's most populated county.
Party politics have changed in Ohio and across the country, as have demographics. The result: Democrats have lost ground in rural areas and Republicans have a hard time winning in urban areas.
The best predictor of whether a state will vote red or blue is whether more people live in urban areas vs. rural places, said Will Wilkinson, vice president for research at the Niskanen Center, a moderate D.C. think tank.
Ahead of the election, USA TODAY Ohio Network reporters and photographers visited four counties across the state to talk with people about this divide – what has caused it and what might heal it.
Most people spoke of national politics that don't reflect the cities and small towns they live and work in, as well as frustrations about the way in which their communities are represented.
Reliably blue, now red
Dick Yoss has three signs in front of his downtown Woodsfield law office, which faces Monroe County’s elections office and sits kitty-corner from the county’s historic courthouse.
Make America SANE AGAIN... Biden-Harris... RESTORE SANITY and DECENCY – VOTE FOR JOE!
Yoss, a former county prosecutor, made the first sign himself. He gave nearly 100 away. They dot lawns along the main road in Woodsfield, as well as homes further out in the rolling hills of this Ohio River county. The sanity signs outnumber the actual Biden signs here.
Monroe County voted for a Democrat for president in every election from 1976 to 2008. Republican Mitt Romney broke the streak in 2012, with 52% of the vote. Four years later, Trump won big with 72% of the vote.
Democrats in the county aren’t ready to give it up. They point to Trump as the disruptor more than a swing toward the Republican Party.
There used to be coal jobs here, glass factory jobs, steel jobs, union jobs. Used to. Trump tapped into that feeling of being forgotten. Yoss believes Trump's celebrity appeals to Monroe County voters.
"People often just want a change," Yoss said.
But it’s hard to ignore the effect of national party politics.
"The problem you’re up against is they watch the news, they hear the national Democrats’ message and it’s not their issues,” Cera said.
For example, gun control doesn't play well in his district. Cera has sided with Republicans on gun bills. But he frequently agrees with Black lawmakers from cities on issues of poverty and job creation.
He sees some hope in U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s ability to win statewide and, until 2018, in counties like his on a jobs message.
In Brown’s first Senate race in 2006, the Democrat won 13 of the 14 counties in Ohio’s Southeast region against incumbent Republican Mike DeWine. In 2018, he won just one county – Athens County, home to Ohio University.
Shaun Burnett, 56, grew up in Woodsfield. When he turned 18, he registered as a Democrat – an implicit requirement to work in county government. After a short stint in politics in Washington, D.C., Burnett returned home as a Republican.
After President Obama was elected, he got involved in tea party events. Four years ago, he jumped aboard the Trump train and made one out of plywood to display in his front yard. This year, the train is back. Taking Hillary Clinton's place locked up in front is Biden "in his basement bunker."
Burnett said Democrats lost the incentive to win votes in places like Monroe County. They've built up voting blocs in large cities – there's no chance they would let that go.
"Democrats used to be your rural party, your farmers," Burnett said, adding the party went too far left.
Emily Lallathin also left Woodsfield and came back. But she points to her experiences away at college as the difference between her and her classmates who stayed and have moved to the right.
Lallathin, 33, went to school just an hour away at Muskingum University. But the population was more diverse than Woodsfield. She actually met other students from the Middle East, a group typically only mentioned in the village Facebook group in negative posts.
The Facebook group has become especially toxic with the coronavirus pandemic and election.
"There's no gray area – you're either this or that," Lallathin said.
Wilkinson calls it "the diploma divide."
"College increases your openness to experience," he said. "You meet the Muslim kid in your class. You meet African-Americans you never would have run into in your hometown. Lots of things that make you feel exotic and strange become comfortable."
And as many good-paying jobs have left rural areas, they've consolidated in cities and suburbs, drawing the college educated away.
"In order to make the most of your college degree, you have to move to a major labor market and that’s all consolidating," Wilkinson said.
Trump won the non-college educated vote in 2016. And in Ohio, that group of voters favored Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, too.
Trump accelerates the divide in urban counties
The house has Biden banners hanging from its front porch and a Black Lives Matter sign in the front yard.
“This will be a good one,” Republican statehouse candidate Mehek Cooke says, campaign literature in hand. She presses the doorbell, steps several feet back from the door and waits.
No one’s home.
Cooke leaves a glossy card on the doormat. She checks the canvassing app on her phone for the next house on her list in this big-tree neighborhood located in the farthest northwest corner of Columbus.
Cooke works from a list of independent and Democratic voters – she has to.
The district was represented by a Republican since it was based in Franklin County in 1992. But in 2018, the seat flipped blue.
Democrats picked up seven Statehouse seats that year, including three state representatives and one state senator representing parts of Franklin County. The other seats were similarly located in more suburban areas outside Cleveland, Cincinnati and Akron.
Cooke introduces herself as someone born in India and raised in Ohio, as a candidate who wants to build unity. Then she says she’s a Republican: "I don't want to be judged by what's happening nationally."
That admission gets her an “oh, no” from independent voter Jim Herron, 79. Later he says he doesn’t trust politicians, period, and votes for the candidate who is the lesser of two evils rather than along party lines. And he doesn't like Donald Trump.
Herron said he stays out of politics, but the growing divide between the parties – that if you’re a Republican you have to do one thing and if you’re a Democrat you have to do another – concerns him.
"There’s a lot of problems that could be solved if you could give and take a bit," Herron said.
County-wide, Republicans used to dominate in local and Statehouse races and won Columbus mayoral races. The 2018 suburban blue wave caught one of those officials, auditor Clarence Mingo, who had previously won two elections. Now there are just two county elected Republicans, the engineer and prosecutor.
Mingo, who is Black, had been a rising star in the party and briefly ran for state treasurer. He said Republicans have become more tribal, as have Democrats. Politicians are unwilling to buck the party line and voters don't consider splitting their tickets.
"The consequence is you can almost look at a zip code and determine whether or not a person in that zip code is a Republican or a Democrat," Mingo said.
Mingo said that past the Trump era, whenever that is, Republicans need to show voters they are committed to issues that aren't solidly in the conservative box, such as race relations and poverty.
"The consequence of the last four years is there are a lot of Republicans in local races who are not tribal and who are considerate of other political views and perspectives alternative to conservative thought and are losing their careers or influence," Mingo said.
Hamilton County, home to Cincinnati, has seen a similar shift.
In 1992, just eight of 51 subdivisions in Hamilton County were won by Democrat Bill Clinton. In 2016, all but 12 voted for Hillary Clinton, according to county election data.
Five have made that flip in the past three presidential elections: Mt. Healthy, North College Hill City, Springdale, Springfield Township and Wyoming.
Mary Pouncy, 48, decorated the windows on her home near Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood with Biden/Harris 2020 painted in pink and purple pastels. She said she gravitates toward Democratic candidates based on her financial circumstances: "Because I’m poor."
"I hope Biden wins,” she said. "Trump is not for the poor. He’s only for the rich."
David Lewis, 56, was surprised to hear parts of the county, including his suburban city of Wyoming, were getting bluer. Lewis said political parties are just interested in raising money by saying things that fire up their constituencies, like about guns or abortion.
"They're both interested in saying, ‘The other side is extreme. Send me money,'" Lewis said.
Pocket of progressivism
The neon glare from the Dari Creme sign casts a glow through the parking lot in Portsmouth, an Ohio River city 92 miles south of Columbus and 104 miles southeast of Cincinnati, in early October. A breeze ushers in a gust of late-summer air and the opening notes of "Taps" in the distance.
Around the block, Kenneth Dunn, 66, plays tribute to the military anthem with his trumpet, as the sun sets over Alexandria Point Park.
A couple hours earlier a group of Scioto County residents gathered in the park, overlooking the Ohio River and Kentucky border, to discuss the upcoming election.
Frustrated by Appalachian stereotypes that paint rural Ohio as one large swath of Trump country, Ryan Ottney is running as a Democrat for Ohio State Senate's 14th District.
"I think that perception of our area, of being conservative ... I think that reinforces the conservative population here to empower them to feel like that's what controls this area," he said. "I honestly don't believe it does."
Ottney, 42, won't speak to the ignorant and rather offensive stereotypes, he said, that outsiders cast. But he has seen community members slowly become more comfortable voicing their liberal leanings.
"I think conservatives are much louder sometimes," he added, "Which gives the impression of being more."
Local historian Drew Feight said Portsmouth's progressive concentration gets written off by those same Appalachian stereotypes.
But the 2016 presidential election results are telling.
Four years ago Trump won Scioto County by nearly 37%, but within the city of Portsmouth Democrat Hillary Clinton won by almost 34%.
"The urban-rural divide, I would say that exists within Appalachia," Feight said. In Portsmouth there is a Democratic majority, he said, but that doesn't get into the national media coverage.
"People show up with their stereotypes," Feight said. "Editors have their stereotypes and they go looking for it, and they find it, and then they miss us."
Gary Harriston, a Portsmouth native, recognizes that another popular stereotype about the region assumes Black people like him don't really live in Appalachia, or cities like Portsmouth aren't actively fighting to be anti-racist.
"The African Americans living in Portsmouth today, the largest percentage of them live in the area that's known as the North End," the 67-year-old said. "And you could take a drive through the North End and you will not find a Trump sign anywhere."
And while the Black population has shrunk, along with the total number of residents living in Portsmouth — the city recorded 20,226 people in the 2010 U.S. Census, but Harriston said they were nearly 40,000 strong while he was growing up — the appreciation for African-American culture and its rich history in Portsmouth is strong.
In September, during the Portsmouth Unity Art Project's launch, the city installed historically themed unity banners and art murals honoring local abolitionists, suffragettes, Civil Rights-era activists.
The project helped restore faith in the community, Harriston said.
But celebration of Portsmouth unity can't deny the lack of economic opportunity.
The area remains a Democratic and labor union stronghold despite shrinking industry, Joe Dillow said.
"But bad policies and Reagonomics have turned jobs elsewhere," Dillow, the president of the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said. "Since industry left folks are starting to feel underappreciated."
Just down the street from the park, Justin Everman lives in Portsmouth with his grandmother and uncle. He's frustrated by so few job opportunities in the region and Trump's apathetic attitude about COVID-19 terrifies him.
The pandemic feels like a war, Everman said.
"Usually I want a Republican during a wartime, but Trump’s not that guy,” he said.
Still, hope persists. Adjunct English professor at Shawnee State University, Kasie McCreary, is buoyed by her students.
"Watching, especially a younger generation, who's seeing an Appalachian identity as a positive thing they can define and redefine is uplifting," she said.
If elected, Ryan Ottney would be the first Democrat to serve in the Ohio 14th District's senatorial history. Ottney wants to serve what he sees as a rapidly diversifying community.
"We can either embrace that community and what will be their world," he said, "or we can fight against it."
Enquirer reporter Rachel Smith contributed reporting.


usatoday--2020-10-28--Pandemic restrictions may impact the nursing home vote

This story was published in partnership with The 19th , a nonprofit , nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender , politics and policy .
Penny Shaw said her shoulder muscles wouldn ’ t allow her to reach up to access a ballot drop box .
So the 77-year-old opted to ride her power chair to the post office , six blocks from her Massachusetts nursing home , to drop off her absentee ballot .
“ I ’ ve managed to vote in every state and national election , except when I was on life support , ” said Shaw , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 19 years .
Shaw lives in a town with a population of about 35,000 .
Everything she needs , from the town hall to the post office , is within eight blocks of her nursing home .
Because of the pandemic , the town reduced the number of polling places by half , but luckily she was still close enough to mail her ballot , she said .
“ I decided to get out of my building to vote , but other people can ’ t , ” Shaw said .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , about half a million have no or mild cognitive impairment and are more likely to vote , according to Nina Kohn , a law professor at Syracuse University and a scholar in elder law at Yale Law School .
But nursing home advocates and experts are concerned that thousands upon thousands of nursing home residents may not be able to vote due to increased restrictions under the pandemic , understaffing and the spread of misinformation .
More than two-thirds of the nursing home population are women and about 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Around 84,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States have been reported among residents and employees of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities , according to a New York Times database .
This figure accounts for nearly 40 % of the country ’ s coronavirus deaths , emphasizing how fatal this disease is for older Americans with underlying health conditions .
At the same time , older Americans are the most politically engaged demographic in the country .
In 2018 , more than 65 % of women older than 65 voted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 18 and 29 years old .
Kohn said nursing homes are required to help residents access the ballot – even during a pandemic .
“ Facilities have an obligation under federal law to assist residents who wish to vote , but short staffing and other challenges we ’ re seeing amid COVID-19 lead to concern that this support may not ensure that residents can , in fact , vote , ” Kohn said .
In the field : Advocates work to protect vote But when it comes to oversight , many surveyors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country – fail to investigate disenfranchisement on a systemic level , Kohn said .
Most citations are the result of resident complaints , which makes it hard to track how many residents are actually being denied the right to vote .
“ We don ’ t really know what ’ s going on in nursing homes right now , ” Kohn said .
“ Ombudsmen , who are the eyes and ears of the public for nursing home residents , by and large aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a terrible problem of invisible suffering in these facilities.
” On Oct. 5 , the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – the government agency that administers the nation ’ s major health care programs – issued a memo reminding nursing home facilities that they were required to uphold residents ’ right to vote despite COVID-19 .
“ Nursing homes should have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right to vote , whether in-person , by mail , absentee or other authorized process , ” according to the memo .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped nursing home residents might be banned from coming into the facilities due to public health concerns .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommended relocating polling locations from nursing homes , long-term care facilities and senior living residences , or places where at-risk people live .
Alexa Schoeman , a deputy state ombudsman in Texas , said all in-person visits to nursing homes were restricted in March .
But ombudsmen in the state slowly started to resume facility visits at the end of August and helped facilities plan for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program , which is authorized by the Older Americans Act and operates in all 50 states to ensure that nursing home residents have someone to advocate for them , address their complaints and educate them about their rights .
“ It ’ s always important to remember that just because someone is moving into a nursing home doesn ’ t mean that their right to vote is taken away , ” Schoeman said .
Robyn Grant , the director of public policy and advocacy at the National Consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocacy group , said she was “ extremely concerned ” because without outside community help , many residents are forced to rely entirely on their nursing homes to vote , she said .
“ In some states , there are prohibitions on staff helping residents , ” Grant said .
“ I think that adds another layer of complexity to this.
” For example , a 2013 law in North Carolina prohibits nursing home employees from “ providing assistance with absentee voting.
” In addition , Grant said there is not enough staffing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already a shortage before the pandemic , but now , even more staff members are out sick , required to self isolate in their homes or afraid to go to work because they don ’ t want to risk the health of their families .
False claims and misinformation being spread about mail-in voting – often from President Donald Trump – also poses a special risk to nursing home residents , many of whom are unable to physically go to the polls .
Mail-in voting has worked successfully before the pandemic , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliable .
Suggesting otherwise threatens to disenfranchise older adults , particularly those with disabilities and those living in institutions , Kohn said .
“ Mail-in voting makes it possible for many people to vote who otherwise wouldn ’ t , ” Kohn said .
“ It helps ensure that we don ’ t impose unnecessary cost on certain populations .
And when you cast false assertions on the validity of this process , it really affects older adults.
” The disenfranchisement of the nursing home population , which accounts for about 4.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real impact .
“ At a national level , it doesn ’ t seem like it would have a major impact , but I certainly think there is the possibility when you look at state and local levels , ” Grant said .
“ If you take an area where there is a large population of older adults , I think at that point it could impact the outcome of a close race .
”

Pandemic restrictions may impact the nursing home vote
This story was published in partnership with The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.
Penny Shaw said her shoulder muscles wouldn’t allow her to reach up to access a ballot drop box. So the 77-year-old opted to ride her power chair to the post office, six blocks from her Massachusetts nursing home, to drop off her absentee ballot.
“I’ve managed to vote in every state and national election, except when I was on life support,” said Shaw, who has lived at the nursing home for nearly 19 years.
Shaw lives in a town with a population of about 35,000. Everything she needs, from the town hall to the post office, is within eight blocks of her nursing home. Because of the pandemic, the town reduced the number of polling places by half, but luckily she was still close enough to mail her ballot, she said.
“I decided to get out of my building to vote, but other people can’t,” Shaw said.
Of the 1.3 million nursing home residents in the United States, about half a million have no or mild cognitive impairment and are more likely to vote, according to Nina Kohn, a law professor at Syracuse University and a scholar in elder law at Yale Law School. But nursing home advocates and experts are concerned that thousands upon thousands of nursing home residents may not be able to vote due to increased restrictions under the pandemic, understaffing and the spread of misinformation.
More than two-thirds of the nursing home population are women and about 90% of nursing home aides are women. Around 84,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States have been reported among residents and employees of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, according to a New York Times database. This figure accounts for nearly 40% of the country’s coronavirus deaths, emphasizing how fatal this disease is for older Americans with underlying health conditions.
At the same time, older Americans are the most politically engaged demographic in the country. In 2018, more than 65% of women older than 65 voted, compared with just 38% of those between 18 and 29 years old.
Kohn said nursing homes are required to help residents access the ballot – even during a pandemic.
“Facilities have an obligation under federal law to assist residents who wish to vote, but short staffing and other challenges we’re seeing amid COVID-19 lead to concern that this support may not ensure that residents can, in fact, vote,” Kohn said.
In the field: Advocates work to protect vote
But when it comes to oversight, many surveyors – who conduct annual inspections of every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country – fail to investigate disenfranchisement on a systemic level, Kohn said. Most citations are the result of resident complaints, which makes it hard to track how many residents are actually being denied the right to vote.
These long-term care facilities face extra challenges this year.
“We don’t really know what’s going on in nursing homes right now,” Kohn said. “Ombudsmen, who are the eyes and ears of the public for nursing home residents, by and large aren’t going into these facilities. We have a terrible problem of invisible suffering in these facilities.”
On Oct. 5, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – the government agency that administers the nation’s major health care programs – issued a memo reminding nursing home facilities that they were required to uphold residents’ right to vote despite COVID-19.
“Nursing homes should have a plan to ensure residents can exercise their right to vote, whether in-person, by mail, absentee or other authorized process,” according to the memo.
Many families and friends that may have once helped nursing home residents might be banned from coming into the facilities due to public health concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommended relocating polling locations from nursing homes, long-term care facilities and senior living residences, or places where at-risk people live.
Alexa Schoeman, a deputy state ombudsman in Texas, said all in-person visits to nursing homes were restricted in March. But ombudsmen in the state slowly started to resume facility visits at the end of August and helped facilities plan for the 2020 election.
Schoeman is a part of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which is authorized by the Older Americans Act and operates in all 50 states to ensure that nursing home residents have someone to advocate for them, address their complaints and educate them about their rights.
“It’s always important to remember that just because someone is moving into a nursing home doesn’t mean that their right to vote is taken away,” Schoeman said.
Robyn Grant, the director of public policy and advocacy at the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, an advocacy group, said she was “extremely concerned” because without outside community help, many residents are forced to rely entirely on their nursing homes to vote, she said.
“In some states, there are prohibitions on staff helping residents,” Grant said. “I think that adds another layer of complexity to this.”
For example, a 2013 law in North Carolina prohibits nursing home employees from “providing assistance with absentee voting.”
In addition, Grant said there is not enough staffing to meet resident needs. There was already a shortage before the pandemic, but now, even more staff members are out sick, required to self isolate in their homes or afraid to go to work because they don’t want to risk the health of their families.
False claims and misinformation being spread about mail-in voting – often from President Donald Trump – also poses a special risk to nursing home residents, many of whom are unable to physically go to the polls. Mail-in voting has worked successfully before the pandemic, and many experts agree it is safe and reliable. Suggesting otherwise threatens to disenfranchise older adults, particularly those with disabilities and those living in institutions, Kohn said.
“Mail-in voting makes it possible for many people to vote who otherwise wouldn’t,” Kohn said. “It helps ensure that we don’t impose unnecessary cost on certain populations. And when you cast false assertions on the validity of this process, it really affects older adults.”
The disenfranchisement of the nursing home population, which accounts for about 4.5% of all older adults, could have a real impact.
“At a national level, it doesn’t seem like it would have a major impact, but I certainly think there is the possibility when you look at state and local levels,” Grant said. “If you take an area where there is a large population of older adults, I think at that point it could impact the outcome of a close race.”


usatoday--2020-10-28--Joe Biden leads Donald Trump, 48% to 43% in key battleground state of Wisconsin: Marquette Poll

Democrat Joe Biden holds a 5-point lead over President Donald Trump in Wisconsin , according to Wednesday 's Marquette University Law School Poll .
Biden is backed by 48 % of likely Wisconsin voters while Trump is supported by 43 % .
Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen is at 2 % , while 8 % say they 're either undecided , wo n't reveal their preference or wo n't vote .
Marquette 's final survey before Tuesday 's vote was in line with its polling throughout the campaign season .
Since May , Biden 's lead over Trump has fluctuated between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The survey of 806 registered voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 % .
Poll director Charles Franklin said under a model of higher voter turnout , Biden leads Trump by 4 points , 47 % to 43 % .
Under a lower turnout model , Biden 's lead drops to 3 points , 48 % to 45 % .
But keep in mind polls are not predictions .
They 're snapshots .
And the electorate can still move decisively in the closing stages of a race .
Four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Marquette Poll showed Hillary Clinton 6 points ahead of Trump .
Trump went on to narrowly win Wisconsin and claim the White House .
The president 's travel in the last two weeks shows his campaign is still making a strong bid for Wisconsin 's 10 electoral votes .
Trump has held large-scale rallies in Janesville , Waukesha and West Salem and will return for another rally Friday at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport .
Meanwhile , Biden is scheduled to visit Wisconsin Friday , his third trip to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marquette Poll , 39 % of respondents expect Trump to win the race , while 46 % expect Biden to win .
Seventy percent of voters are either very confident or somewhat confident that ballots will be accurately cast and counted , while 29 % are not .
`` There is a greater deal of misgivings among Republicans , '' Franklin said .
Forty-one percent of respondents say they have already voted .
Of those , 64 % say they voted for Biden , 25 % for Trump , 2 % for Jorgensen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how they voted .
Among likely voters who say they have n't voted , 35 % support Biden , 56 % support Trump and 3 % back Biden .
Trump is viewed favorably by 44 % of respondents and unfavorably by 54 % .
Biden 's favorable is at 49 % to 46 % unfavorable .
Trump receives 51 % approval for his handling of the economy but only 40 % approve of his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Vice President Mike Pence is viewed favorably by 44 % and unfavorably by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kamala Harris is viewed favorably by 45 % and unfavorably by 41 % .
On the coronavirus , 57 % say they 're either very worried or somewhat worried of contracting COVID-19 , while 39 % say they were not very worried or not at all worried .
`` A sizable 1 in 5 in the state think this is not something for them to worry about , '' Franklin said .
Sixty-four percent say they always wear a face mask when they 're out in public , 20 % say they wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 % say they wear a mask only now and then and 3 % say they never wear one .
Fifty-two percent say they 're comfortable eating inside at a restaurant and 47 % are uncomfortable .
Asked about the shutdown of schools and businesses in the state during the spring , 68 % say the decision was an appropriate reaction , while 26 % say it was an overreaction .
On the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett , 48 % say if they were in the U.S. Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while 38 % say they would not .
Job approval rating for the Wisconsin state Legislature has dropped significantly .
Just 36 % approve of the job the Legislature is doing compared to 50 % disapproval .
In May , 46 % approved of the Legislature and 40 % disapproved .
Gov .
Tony Evers job approval is at 50 % to 43 % disapproval .

Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Joe Biden leads Donald Trump, 48% to 43% in key battleground state of Wisconsin: Marquette Poll
Show Caption Hide Caption How polls work: The science behind gathering voter opinions The news cycle is jampacked with polls. But have you ever wondered how polls actually work and what they mean? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Democrat Joe Biden holds a 5-point lead over President Donald Trump in Wisconsin, according to Wednesday's Marquette University Law School Poll.
Biden is backed by 48% of likely Wisconsin voters while Trump is supported by 43%.
Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen is at 2%, while 8% say they're either undecided, won't reveal their preference or won't vote.
Marquette's final survey before Tuesday's vote was in line with its polling throughout the campaign season.
Since May, Biden's lead over Trump has fluctuated between 4 and 6 points in Wisconsin.
The survey of 806 registered voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3%.
Poll director Charles Franklin said under a model of higher voter turnout, Biden leads Trump by 4 points, 47% to 43%. Under a lower turnout model, Biden's lead drops to 3 points, 48% to 45%.
But keep in mind polls are not predictions. They're snapshots. And the electorate can still move decisively in the closing stages of a race.
Four years ago in the final pre-election survey, the Marquette Poll showed Hillary Clinton 6 points ahead of Trump.
Trump went on to narrowly win Wisconsin and claim the White House.
The president's travel in the last two weeks shows his campaign is still making a strong bid for Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes. Trump has held large-scale rallies in Janesville, Waukesha and West Salem and will return for another rally Friday at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport.
Meanwhile, Biden is scheduled to visit Wisconsin Friday, his third trip to the state during the campaign.
In the Marquette Poll, 39% of respondents expect Trump to win the race, while 46% expect Biden to win.
Seventy percent of voters are either very confident or somewhat confident that ballots will be accurately cast and counted, while 29% are not.
"There is a greater deal of misgivings among Republicans," Franklin said.
Forty-one percent of respondents say they have already voted. Of those, 64% say they voted for Biden, 25% for Trump, 2% for Jorgensen and about 9% declined to say how they voted.
Among likely voters who say they haven't voted, 35% support Biden, 56% support Trump and 3% back Biden.
Trump is viewed favorably by 44% of respondents and unfavorably by 54%. Biden's favorable is at 49% to 46% unfavorable.
Trump receives 51% approval for his handling of the economy but only 40% approve of his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Vice President Mike Pence is viewed favorably by 44% and unfavorably by 45% while Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris is viewed favorably by 45% and unfavorably by 41%.
On the coronavirus, 57% say they're either very worried or somewhat worried of contracting COVID-19, while 39% say they were not very worried or not at all worried.
"A sizable 1 in 5 in the state think this is not something for them to worry about," Franklin said.
Sixty-four percent say they always wear a face mask when they're out in public, 20% say they wear it most of the time, while 12% say they wear a mask only now and then and 3% say they never wear one.
Fifty-two percent say they're comfortable eating inside at a restaurant and 47% are uncomfortable.
Asked about the shutdown of schools and businesses in the state during the spring, 68% say the decision was an appropriate reaction, while 26% say it was an overreaction.
On the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, 48% say if they were in the U.S. Senate they would have voted to confirm her, while 38% say they would not.
Job approval rating for the Wisconsin state Legislature has dropped significantly. Just 36% approve of the job the Legislature is doing compared to 50% disapproval. In May, 46% approved of the Legislature and 40% disapproved.
Gov. Tony Evers job approval is at 50% to 43% disapproval.


usatoday--2020-10-28--Georgia poll: Joe Biden ahead of Donald Trump, Democratic Senate candidates lead among registered vo

Former Vice President Joe Biden has a five-percentage-point lead over President Donald Trump among registered Georgia voters , according to a new Monmouth University poll released Wednesday .
The poll , which shows Biden leading Trump 50 % -45 % in the Peach State , is the first time the Monmouth poll has shown Biden in the lead this cycle .
The same poll in September showed Trump ahead of Biden by 1 % .
Biden 's lead holds among likely voters , with high and low turnout scenarios showing Biden with 4- and 2-point leads respectively .
Over 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already cast their ballots in the election .
Trump maintains a lead among Georgians 65 and older , with 58 % -42 % backing the president .
Biden , however , leads among voters under 50 at 54 % -40 % .
Biden also maintains a lead in the 14 counties where the 2016 vote margin between Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton were closest .
The poll also shows Democratic candidates in both of Georgia 's Senate races ahead of their Republican opponents .
Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff has a 49 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , R-Ga. , according to the poll .
The last Monmouth poll showed Ossoff trailing Perdue by 5 points .
Rev .
Raphael Warnock , the Democratic candidate in Georgia 's special election to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Johnny Isaakson , has the support of 41 % of voters compared to 21 % for incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. , and 18 % for Rep. Doug Collins , R-Ga. Georgia 's Senate special election is a nonpartisan blanket primary , or `` jungle primary '' in which all candidates regardless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot .
If no candidates receive more than 50 % of the vote , a runoff election will be held in December , per Georgia law .
Warnock , the front-running Democrat in the jungle primary , leads against both Republicans among registered voters , according to Monmouth – 49 % to 41 % against Loeffler and 51 % to 39 % against Collins .
The poll surveyed 504 Georgia voters and has a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points .

Georgia poll: Joe Biden ahead of Donald Trump, Democratic Senate candidates lead among registered voters
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden is setting the stakes for Georgia voters Joe Biden is setting the stakes for Georgia voters: "We win Georgia, we win everything," he said Tuesday evening. (Oct. 27) AP
Former Vice President Joe Biden has a five-percentage-point lead over President Donald Trump among registered Georgia voters, according to a new Monmouth University poll released Wednesday.
The poll, which shows Biden leading Trump 50%-45% in the Peach State, is the first time the Monmouth poll has shown Biden in the lead this cycle. The same poll in September showed Trump ahead of Biden by 1%.
Biden's lead holds among likely voters, with high and low turnout scenarios showing Biden with 4- and 2-point leads respectively. Over 58% of registered voters in Georgia have already cast their ballots in the election.
Trump maintains a lead among Georgians 65 and older, with 58%-42% backing the president. Biden, however, leads among voters under 50 at 54%-40%.
Biden also maintains a lead in the 14 counties where the 2016 vote margin between Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton were closest.
The poll also shows Democratic candidates in both of Georgia's Senate races ahead of their Republican opponents. Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff has a 49%-46% lead over Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., according to the poll. The last Monmouth poll showed Ossoff trailing Perdue by 5 points.
Rev. Raphael Warnock, the Democratic candidate in Georgia's special election to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Johnny Isaakson, has the support of 41% of voters compared to 21% for incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., and 18% for Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga.
Georgia's Senate special election is a nonpartisan blanket primary, or "jungle primary" in which all candidates regardless of party affiliation appear together on the ballot. If no candidates receive more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held in December, per Georgia law.
Warnock, the front-running Democrat in the jungle primary, leads against both Republicans among registered voters, according to Monmouth – 49% to 41% against Loeffler and 51% to 39% against Collins.
The poll surveyed 504 Georgia voters and has a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.


usatoday--2020-10-28--Trump to women voters: 'We're getting your husbands back to work'

Trump to women voters : 'We 're getting your husbands back to work' President Trump made an appeal to women @ @ @ @ @ Michigan to help their husbands recover from economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic .

Election: President Trump makes new appeal to women at Michigan rally
President Trump made an appeal to women voters at a rally in Michigan to help their husbands recover from economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
USA TODAY