washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Colombia president, ex-rebels meet to curb ongoing violence

BOGOTA , Colombia ( AP ) - Colombian President Iván Duque ’ s government and former guerrillas who signed an historic peace deal four years ago ending Latin America ’ s longest-running conflict are pledging to work together to stop violence against ex-combatants .
The head of state – a critic of the accord - welcomed a group of ex-rebels to the presidential palace Friday , less than a week after a caravan of over 200 former combatants arrived in the capital to raise awareness about ongoing violence .
Both sides emerged from the meeting declaring progress , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings with ex-rebels in various parts of the country where they are starting businesses and embarking on life as civilians .
“ This was an encouraging event , ” said Pastor Alape , a former rebel leader who became a chief guerrilla envoy during peace talks .
The government ’ s 2016 accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia remains contentious in the South American nation .
Detractors feel the agreement is far too generous to ex-rebels , who can avoid jail time so long as they fully confess their crimes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congress .
Supporters contend such concessions were necessary to end a brutal conflict that left hundreds of thousands dead .
A near constant spate of violence against ex-combatants continues to draw alarm .
The former rebels said Friday that Fredy Ramos , who signed the accord , was murdered in the Cauca province , making him the 238th rebel killed since the peace agreement went into effect .
The meeting also comes as Duque ’ s party pushes a proposal to severely weaken the transitional justice system under which most rebels are granted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from holding public office .
The majority of the deaths are taking place in conflict-ridden areas where armed groups compete over drug routes .
Analysts say some are being killed after rejecting attempts by dissident rebels to recruit them .
Former rebels believe some of the attacks come from right-wing paramilitaries who want to crush their adversaries , peace accord or no .
In at least one case , military officers have been charged in an ex-rebel ’ s death .
Colombia ’ s chief prosecutor has blamed drug trafficking groups that moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for many of the crimes .
Emilio Archila , the president ’ s adviser overseeing the accord ’ s implementation , said he felt the frank talk on issues concerning to both rebels and the government was an important step in addressing security .
“ We ’ re all aware that we ’ re on the same side , ” Archila said after the meeting .
“ We have enemies – and they are the same enemies .
”

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Colombian President Iván Duque’s government and former guerrillas who signed an historic peace deal four years ago ending Latin America’s longest-running conflict are pledging to work together to stop violence against ex-combatants.
The head of state – a critic of the accord - welcomed a group of ex-rebels to the presidential palace Friday, less than a week after a caravan of over 200 former combatants arrived in the capital to raise awareness about ongoing violence.
Both sides emerged from the meeting declaring progress, with the government vowing to hold a series of meetings with ex-rebels in various parts of the country where they are starting businesses and embarking on life as civilians.
“This was an encouraging event,” said Pastor Alape, a former rebel leader who became a chief guerrilla envoy during peace talks.
The government’s 2016 accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia remains contentious in the South American nation. Detractors feel the agreement is far too generous to ex-rebels, who can avoid jail time so long as they fully confess their crimes and are also entitled to 10 seats in congress. Supporters contend such concessions were necessary to end a brutal conflict that left hundreds of thousands dead.
A near constant spate of violence against ex-combatants continues to draw alarm. The former rebels said Friday that Fredy Ramos, who signed the accord, was murdered in the Cauca province, making him the 238th rebel killed since the peace agreement went into effect.
The meeting also comes as Duque’s party pushes a proposal to severely weaken the transitional justice system under which most rebels are granted amnesty and forbid those responsible for crimes from holding public office.
The majority of the deaths are taking place in conflict-ridden areas where armed groups compete over drug routes. Analysts say some are being killed after rejecting attempts by dissident rebels to recruit them. Former rebels believe some of the attacks come from right-wing paramilitaries who want to crush their adversaries, peace accord or no. In at least one case, military officers have been charged in an ex-rebel’s death.
Colombia’s chief prosecutor has blamed drug trafficking groups that moved into territories once controlled by the rebels for many of the crimes.
Emilio Archila, the president’s adviser overseeing the accord’s implementation, said he felt the frank talk on issues concerning to both rebels and the government was an important step in addressing security.
“We’re all aware that we’re on the same side,” Archila said after the meeting. “We have enemies – and they are the same enemies.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--2 charged in connection with Minneapolis protests

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) - Two protesters arrested in Minneapolis during Wednesday ’ s protests about the election and other social justice issues are now charged for allegedly pointing a laser into an officer ’ s eyes and kicking another in the groin .
Amina T. Mussa McCaskill , 19 , of Golden Valley , was charged Friday in Hennepin County District Court with one count of felony second-degree riot for the laser incident .
According to the charges , she was part of a large group of protesters on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis on Wednesday and pointed a laser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s eyes , the Star Tribune reported .
The officer was wearing special safety glasses and wasn ’ t injured .
Mussa McCaskill admitted to her actions , the charges said .
A total of 646 people were cited and released in connection with the interstate incident .
In another case , Thressa I. Johnson , 29 , of Minneapolis , was charged Thursday with one count each of fourth-degree assault and obstructing the legal process for the kicking incident .
According to the charges , she was at the 3100 block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she refused to follow orders from the officers .
When an officer tried to “ escort ” her , she resisted and kicked him in the groin .
Johnson was then “ taken to the ground ” by another officer and arrested .
The Hennepin County public defender ’ s office represented McCaskill at her first court appearance but declined to comment .
Court records do not list an attorney for Johnson .

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Two protesters arrested in Minneapolis during Wednesday’s protests about the election and other social justice issues are now charged for allegedly pointing a laser into an officer’s eyes and kicking another in the groin.
Amina T. Mussa McCaskill, 19, of Golden Valley, was charged Friday in Hennepin County District Court with one count of felony second-degree riot for the laser incident.
According to the charges, she was part of a large group of protesters on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis on Wednesday and pointed a laser “directly” into a Minneapolis officer’s eyes, the Star Tribune reported.
The officer was wearing special safety glasses and wasn’t injured. Mussa McCaskill admitted to her actions, the charges said. A total of 646 people were cited and released in connection with the interstate incident.
In another case, Thressa I. Johnson, 29, of Minneapolis, was charged Thursday with one count each of fourth-degree assault and obstructing the legal process for the kicking incident. According to the charges, she was at the 3100 block of Bryant Ave. S. early Wednesday when she refused to follow orders from the officers. When an officer tried to “escort” her, she resisted and kicked him in the groin. Johnson was then “taken to the ground” by another officer and arrested.
The Hennepin County public defender’s office represented McCaskill at her first court appearance but declined to comment. Court records do not list an attorney for Johnson.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Daines sends campaign team to Arizona for ballot count

HELENA , Mont .
( AP ) - Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana sent his campaign team to Arizona on Friday in a move his campaign said is aimed a helping ensure transparency as the Southwest state counts votes in a tight presidential election .
Daines , who was elected to a second six-year term on Tuesday , believes that any candidate has the right to challenge the count and process if they believe there are inconsistencies , spokeswoman Katie Schoettler said .
Schoettler did not say how many campaign staffers were going , but said they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are mismatched.
” Daines ’ campaign also sent a text to supporters telling them : “ Dems are stealing the election .
Trump needs our support.
” He asked for $ 5 donations to “ help us fight back now.
” Daines weighed in on social media on Thursday : “ We are a nation of laws , and the integrity of our elections is critical , ” he wrote on Twitter .
“ Every LEGALLY cast ballot should be counted - with full transparency.
” The Associated Press has called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The AP said Thursday it is monitoring the vote count in the state as ballots continued to be tallied in a race in which Biden led Trump by less than 2 percentage points as of Friday evening .
Trump has raised unsupported claims of voter fraud as vote counts in key states such as Nevada , Pennsylvania , North Carolina and Georgia moved in favor of Biden .

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana sent his campaign team to Arizona on Friday in a move his campaign said is aimed a helping ensure transparency as the Southwest state counts votes in a tight presidential election.
Daines, who was elected to a second six-year term on Tuesday, believes that any candidate has the right to challenge the count and process if they believe there are inconsistencies, spokeswoman Katie Schoettler said.
Schoettler did not say how many campaign staffers were going, but said they would be “helping observe and verifying signatures that are mismatched.”
Daines’ campaign also sent a text to supporters telling them: “Dems are stealing the election. Trump needs our support.” He asked for $5 donations to “help us fight back now.”
Daines weighed in on social media on Thursday: “We are a nation of laws, and the integrity of our elections is critical,” he wrote on Twitter. “Every LEGALLY cast ballot should be counted - with full transparency.”
The Associated Press has called the race in Arizona for Democrat Joe Biden. The AP said Thursday it is monitoring the vote count in the state as ballots continued to be tallied in a race in which Biden led Trump by less than 2 percentage points as of Friday evening.
Trump has raised unsupported claims of voter fraud as vote counts in key states such as Nevada, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia moved in favor of Biden.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Supreme Court orders Pennsylvania to segregate late ballots

The Supreme Court ordered Pennsylvania officials on Friday to segregate mail-in ballots that arrived after 8 p.m. on Election Day .
The order issued by Justice Samuel Alito Jr. late Friday evening came after Pennsylvania Republicans filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court , asking the justices to require that absentee ballots arriving after Election Day be kept separate — and secure — from earlier arriving ballots .
State officials said they would separate them since a case is pending over the extension , but the Republicans argued it is unclear if that is being done .
The GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in by 8 p.m. on Election Day , but the state Supreme Court permitted a three-day extension through Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. Additionally , the case concerns a postmark that may be smeared , with the state court saying it should be presumed to have been sent before Nov. 3 .
Mr. Trump moved to intervene in the challenge after Pennsylvania Republicans argued the state ’ s Democratic leaders and secretary of state violated the law by extending the time .
The legal battle is returning to the Supreme Court after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the matter last week , saying there wasn ’ t enough time to do so with just days before the election .
Newly minted Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not participate in the high court ‘ s denial of the Republican Party ’ s request last week .
The justices had split 4-4 on the issue earlier this month , leaving the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in place .
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. , a Bush-appointee , sided with the three Democratic-appointed justices to leave the extension intact .

The Supreme Court ordered Pennsylvania officials on Friday to segregate mail-in ballots that arrived after 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The order issued by Justice Samuel Alito Jr. late Friday evening came after Pennsylvania Republicans filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court, asking the justices to require that absentee ballots arriving after Election Day be kept separate — and secure — from earlier arriving ballots.
State officials said they would separate them since a case is pending over the extension, but the Republicans argued it is unclear if that is being done.
The GOP state legislature had required mail-in ballots to be in by 8 p.m. on Election Day, but the state Supreme Court permitted a three-day extension through Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. Additionally, the case concerns a postmark that may be smeared, with the state court saying it should be presumed to have been sent before Nov. 3.
Mr. Trump moved to intervene in the challenge after Pennsylvania Republicans argued the state’s Democratic leaders and secretary of state violated the law by extending the time.
The legal battle is returning to the Supreme Court after the justices refused to get involved in the matter last week, saying there wasn’t enough time to do so with just days before the election.
Newly minted Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not participate in the high court’s denial of the Republican Party’s request last week.
The justices had split 4-4 on the issue earlier this month, leaving the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in place.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., a Bush-appointee, sided with the three Democratic-appointed justices to leave the extension intact.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Lockdown at Nevada prison where 93 inmates COVID-19 positive

CARSON CITY , Nev. ( AP ) - State prison officials have ordered a lockdown at a medium-security facility in northern Nevada after 93 inmates and seven staff members tested positive for the coronavirus .
The Nevada Department of Corrections said Friday that additional sanitation measures have been deployed , and all meals are being delivered to individual units during the lockdown at the Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City .
Department Director Charles Daniels said the remainder of the facility ’ s 525 offenders and all staff would be tested again later Friday and Saturday .
He didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first were confirmed .
Employees routinely are tested for COVID-19 every two weeks and offenders every three weeks , but more frequently when necessary , he said .
All staff are screened for symptoms and temperatures taken before entering the facility , and are required to wear masks at all times .
“ We will manage the outbreak as we have a first-class outbreak response plan and talented professionals committed to executing the plan , ” Daniels said in a statement .
“ I do believe our protocols will mitigate the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the rest of the agency as well .
”

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - State prison officials have ordered a lockdown at a medium-security facility in northern Nevada after 93 inmates and seven staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Nevada Department of Corrections said Friday that additional sanitation measures have been deployed, and all meals are being delivered to individual units during the lockdown at the Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City.
Department Director Charles Daniels said the remainder of the facility’s 525 offenders and all staff would be tested again later Friday and Saturday. He didn’t disclose when the positive results first were confirmed.
Employees routinely are tested for COVID-19 every two weeks and offenders every three weeks, but more frequently when necessary, he said. All staff are screened for symptoms and temperatures taken before entering the facility, and are required to wear masks at all times.
“We will manage the outbreak as we have a first-class outbreak response plan and talented professionals committed to executing the plan,” Daniels said in a statement. “I do believe our protocols will mitigate the spread of the virus not only at Warm Springs but the rest of the agency as well.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Helicopter delivering human organ crashes on hospital roof

LOS ANGELES ( AP ) - A helicopter delivering a donated human heart to a hospital in East Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ , but the three people aboard escaped without serious injuries , authorities said .
The @ @ @ @ @ after 3 p.m. on the helipad at Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California @ @ @ @ @ there was no fire and no significant fuel leak , the Los Angeles Fire Department @ @ @ @ @ the helicopter on its side on the rooftop pad , with its rotor blades gone @ @ @ @ @ injuries and two other people aboard didn ’ t report any medical problems and declined @ @ @ @ @ Stewart said .
“ The donated organ that was being transported was safely retrieved by @ @ @ @ @ to USC-County Hospital staff , ” the Fire Department tweeted .
The hospital later said @ @ @ @ @ .

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A helicopter delivering a donated human heart to a hospital in East Los Angeles crashed on the roof Friday, but the three people aboard escaped without serious injuries, authorities said.
The private air ambulance crashed shortly after 3 p.m. on the helipad at Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California in Boyle Heights. But there was no fire and no significant fuel leak, the Los Angeles Fire Department tweeted.
News reports showed the helicopter on its side on the rooftop pad, with its rotor blades gone.
The pilot received minor injuries and two other people aboard didn’t report any medical problems and declined treatment, fire spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.
“The donated organ that was being transported was safely retrieved by LAFD firefighters and handed over to USC-County Hospital staff,” the Fire Department tweeted.
The hospital later said the heart was being transplanted.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Trump warns Biden not to 'wrongfully claim' victory

President Trump said Joseph R. Biden shouldn ’ t “ wrongfully ” declare victory on Friday night , as the Democratic challenger prepared to deliver a prime-time address .
“ Joe Biden should not wrongfully claim the office of the President , ” Mr. Trump tweeted at the White House .
“ I could make that claim also .
Legal proceedings are just now beginning !
” Mr. Biden ’ s campaign prepared for a dramatic speech at a hotel in Wilmington , Delaware , with balloons decorating the scene and numerous reporters waiting for the Democrat ’ s arrival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Pennsylvania that would put Mr. Biden over the threshold of 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency .
But as of 7:30 p.m. , there was no firm time announced for his speech .
Mr. Trump said the former vice president ’ s plans to declare victory were premature .
The president ’ s campaign has filed at least seven lawsuits challenging results and ballot counts in various states .
“ I had such a big lead in all of these states late into election night , only to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went by , ” Mr. Trump said .
“ Perhaps these leads will return as our legal proceedings move forward !
”

President Trump said Joseph R. Biden shouldn’t “wrongfully” declare victory on Friday night, as the Democratic challenger prepared to deliver a prime-time address.
“Joe Biden should not wrongfully claim the office of the President,” Mr. Trump tweeted at the White House. “I could make that claim also. Legal proceedings are just now beginning!”
Mr. Biden’s campaign prepared for a dramatic speech at a hotel in Wilmington, Delaware, with balloons decorating the scene and numerous reporters waiting for the Democrat’s arrival.
They were anticipating winning a state such as Pennsylvania that would put Mr. Biden over the threshold of 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. But as of 7:30 p.m., there was no firm time announced for his speech.
Mr. Trump said the former vice president’s plans to declare victory were premature. The president’s campaign has filed at least seven lawsuits challenging results and ballot counts in various states.
“I had such a big lead in all of these states late into election night, only to see the leads miraculously disappear as the days went by,” Mr. Trump said. “Perhaps these leads will return as our legal proceedings move forward!”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Frida Kinhult wins Symetra Tour finale to get LPGA Tour card

DAVIDSON , N.C. ( AP ) - Frida Kinhult of Sweden won the Symetra Tour Championship on Friday for her first professional victory and a spot on the LPGA Tour next season .
Kinhult closed with a 2-under 70 at River Run Country Club for a four-stroke victory .
The former Florida State player finished at 10-under 278 .
Kinhult earned $ 26,250 to finish fourth in the race for five LPGA Tour cards .
The top five also earned spots in the U.S. Women ’ s Open next month in Houston .
“ It ’ s so much to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be true , ” Kinhult said .
“ When I made the decision to turn pro last December , I always believed I could get to this point .
It may have come even faster than I anticipated.
” Ana Belac of Slovenia topped the money list with $ 49,081 , followed by Fatima Fernandez Cano ( $ 48,069 ) , Kim Kaufman ( $ 44,459 ) , Kinhult ( $ 42,057 ) and Janie Jackson ( $ 41,723 ) .
Demi Runas was second in the tournament after a 66 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a 70 .

DAVIDSON, N.C. (AP) - Frida Kinhult of Sweden won the Symetra Tour Championship on Friday for her first professional victory and a spot on the LPGA Tour next season.
Kinhult closed with a 2-under 70 at River Run Country Club for a four-stroke victory. The former Florida State player finished at 10-under 278.
Kinhult earned $26,250 to finish fourth in the race for five LPGA Tour cards. The top five also earned spots in the U.S. Women’s Open next month in Houston.
“It’s so much to take in and almost seems too good to be true,” Kinhult said. “When I made the decision to turn pro last December, I always believed I could get to this point. It may have come even faster than I anticipated.”
Ana Belac of Slovenia topped the money list with $49,081, followed by Fatima Fernandez Cano ($48,069), Kim Kaufman ($44,459), Kinhult ($42,057) and Janie Jackson ($41,723).
Demi Runas was second in the tournament after a 66.
Sierra Brooks was third at 4 under after a 70.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Kansas budget gap mostly melts away with new fiscal forecast

TOPEKA , Kan. ( AP ) - Kansas saw most of a projected state budget shortfall melt away Friday with a fiscal forecast that is less pessimistic about the economy and tax collections than a dire estimate issued this spring during a statewide lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic .
The forecasting group boosted the state ’ s forecast for tax collections by $ 463 million or 6.3 % for the current 2021 budget year that began July 1 .
The group also issued its first calculations for the 2022 budget year that starts in July 2021 , and while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2.1 % or $ 166 million , that ’ s due largely to the end of a temporary , pandemic-induced move to help income taxpayers .
The Legislature ’ s nonpartisan research staff , which participated in the forecasting , now projects a $ 153 million budget shortfall for the state ’ s 2022 budget year , an amount that almost can be covered by an internal shuffling of government funds that Democratic Gov .
Laura Kelly already has proposed .
Legislative researchers projected in July that the state would need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in its 2022 budget .
“ The picture has changed drastically , ” Larry Campbell , the governor ’ s budget director , said during a Zoom news conference .
“ This is encouraging.
” But Campbell and J.G .
Scott , director of the Legislature ’ s research department , stressed that the economic picture remains uncertain .
The new forecast was released only hours after the state health department reported 5,418 new coronavirus cases since Wednesday , the highest number yet .
The new fiscal forecast reflects a belief that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s goods and services will grow a little faster than previously thought and that corporate profits will be stronger .
But it ’ s slightly more pessimistic about growth in Kansas residents ’ disposable income .
The old forecast was issued in April , about three weeks after Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order to curb the spread of the virus .
Kelly lifted that order in early May and the Republican-controlled Legislature later forced her to accept local control over rules for wearing masks , restrictions on businesses and limits on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are better now ?
Yes , ” Scott said of the economic picture .
“ Do we think that they ’ re really good now ?
I would say , you know , no .
They ’ re not as bad as what we thought they were going to be.
” The state ’ s twice-a-year fiscal forecasts guide governors and legislators in making budget decisions .
The drastic change in the budget picture in just six month shows how assumptions about the economy can shadow what they do .
Campbell said Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ship as best we can.
” However , the new forecast means she and legislators are far less likely to be forced to consider big tax increases or drastic cuts in aid to for public schools , social services or other programs .
The new forecast projects that Kansas will collect more than $ 7.8 billion in taxes during the current budget year , when the previous projection was less than $ 7.4 billion .
Tax collections ran 6.4 % ahead of the old , pessimistic expectations through October .
The forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little less than $ 7.7 billion during the 2022 budget year .
However , Scott said that reflects a more “ normal ” amount .
Kelly delayed the state ’ s annual income tax filing this year from April to July to help individuals and businesses hit by economic fallout of the pandemic .
That artificially shorted income tax collections for the 2020 budget year and artificially inflated them for the current 2021 budget year .
Kelly responded to the April forecast by outlining a plan to erase any potential shortfall during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the repayment of internal borrowing during past fiscal problems .
Delaying that internal borrowing remains an option and could erase all but about $ 20 million of the remaining projected shortfall .
The governor also postponed a scheduled aid payment to public schools and used extra federal pandemic aid for social services and higher education to lower state spending .
She said her actions were designed to affect state services as little as possible , but it also pushed problems in the current budget year into the 2022 budget year .

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas saw most of a projected state budget shortfall melt away Friday with a fiscal forecast that is less pessimistic about the economy and tax collections than a dire estimate issued this spring during a statewide lockdown for the coronavirus pandemic.
The forecasting group boosted the state’s forecast for tax collections by $463 million or 6.3% for the current 2021 budget year that began July 1. The group also issued its first calculations for the 2022 budget year that starts in July 2021, and while the forecast predicts a drop in tax collections of 2.1% or $166 million, that’s due largely to the end of a temporary, pandemic-induced move to help income taxpayers.
The Legislature’s nonpartisan research staff, which participated in the forecasting, now projects a $153 million budget shortfall for the state’s 2022 budget year, an amount that almost can be covered by an internal shuffling of government funds that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly already has proposed. Legislative researchers projected in July that the state would need to close a shortfall of nearly $1.5 billion in its 2022 budget.
“The picture has changed drastically,” Larry Campbell, the governor’s budget director, said during a Zoom news conference. “This is encouraging.”
But Campbell and J.G. Scott, director of the Legislature’s research department, stressed that the economic picture remains uncertain. The new forecast was released only hours after the state health department reported 5,418 new coronavirus cases since Wednesday, the highest number yet.
The new fiscal forecast reflects a belief that the total value of the state’s goods and services will grow a little faster than previously thought and that corporate profits will be stronger. But it’s slightly more pessimistic about growth in Kansas residents’ disposable income.
The old forecast was issued in April, about three weeks after Kelly issued a statewide stay-at-home order to curb the spread of the virus. Kelly lifted that order in early May and the Republican-controlled Legislature later forced her to accept local control over rules for wearing masks, restrictions on businesses and limits on public gatherings.
“Do we think things are better now? Yes,” Scott said of the economic picture. “Do we think that they’re really good now? I would say, you know, no. They’re not as bad as what we thought they were going to be.”
The state’s twice-a-year fiscal forecasts guide governors and legislators in making budget decisions. The drastic change in the budget picture in just six month shows how assumptions about the economy can shadow what they do.
Campbell said Kelly “will still be looking at tightening the ship as best we can.” However, the new forecast means she and legislators are far less likely to be forced to consider big tax increases or drastic cuts in aid to for public schools, social services or other programs.
The new forecast projects that Kansas will collect more than $7.8 billion in taxes during the current budget year, when the previous projection was less than $7.4 billion. Tax collections ran 6.4% ahead of the old, pessimistic expectations through October.
The forecast predicts that the state will collect a little less than $7.7 billion during the 2022 budget year.
However, Scott said that reflects a more “normal” amount. Kelly delayed the state’s annual income tax filing this year from April to July to help individuals and businesses hit by economic fallout of the pandemic. That artificially shorted income tax collections for the 2020 budget year and artificially inflated them for the current 2021 budget year.
Kelly responded to the April forecast by outlining a plan to erase any potential shortfall during the current budget year, partly by delaying the repayment of internal borrowing during past fiscal problems. Delaying that internal borrowing remains an option and could erase all but about $20 million of the remaining projected shortfall.
The governor also postponed a scheduled aid payment to public schools and used extra federal pandemic aid for social services and higher education to lower state spending. She said her actions were designed to affect state services as little as possible, but it also pushed problems in the current budget year into the 2022 budget year.
___
Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Election shows Fairfield County keeps trending Democratic

This year ’ s presidential election bolstered Fairfield County ’ s swing towards Democrats , while rural and working-class portions of eastern Connecticut remained Republican country .
Just three of the 23 cities and towns that comprise the wealthy coastal communities near the New York border - a region that was known for being reliably Republican for decades - voted for President Donald Trump this year .
That ’ s down from six in 2016 , when Trump faced Democrat Hillary Clinton .
And in some communities that backed Clinton four years ago , Biden received a greater percentage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eastern Connecticut communities , some of which had supported Democratic President Barack Obama before backing Trump in 2016 , held firm this year and voted for the president again by roughly the same percentage .
While Democrats benefitted from evolving demographics and voter registration in Fairfield County , they also got some help from Trump himself .
“ Let ’ s face it .
Donald Trump played hard .
He said the suburbs could be overrun by violence and project housing , ” said Democratic Gov .
Ned Lamont , who divides his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greenwich , in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday .
“ I think the suburbs across the country said , ‘ That ’ s not what I see.
’ ” Lamont said Republicans in Connecticut would have performed better in this year ’ s election if they had “ distanced themselves from Trump.
” Biden easily won the state ’ s seven electoral votes , and the GOP failed to defeat any of the five incumbent Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives .
Their overall numbers in both chambers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democrats , for example , won legislative seats in the Naugatuck Valley , in south-central Connecticut , which has been supportive of Trump .
J.R. Romano , chairman of the Connecticut Republicans , has watched affluent Fairfield County become more blue during his tenure .
He maintains that people ’ s personal dislike of Trump , not his policies , is helping to fuel that change .
“ What we know is , in some of the wealthier communities , it looks like the Democrats may have made gains , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
Romano said those wealthier Republican voters “ can afford to be offended ” by Trump and vote against him to the detriment of middle-class voters who he contends benefit from the president ’ s policies .
Gayle Alberda , assistant professor of politics at Fairfield University , said she sees the once-Republican stronghold of Fairfield County changing fundamentally .
She pointed to gains for voter registration gains for Democrats in Trumbull , for example , a traditionally Republican Fairfield County community that voted for Trump in 2016 but supported Biden in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Secretary of the State ’ s website .
Alberda said there ’ s also been migration in and out of southwestern Connecticut , including New Yorkers moving to the suburbs and bringing “ their liberal New York values ” with them .
Meanwhile , she said Trump has recruited supporters in working-class parts of eastern Connecticut who were traditionally supportive of Democrats .
Whether that part of the state remains red may depend on whether the GOP redefines itself , she said .
But former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays , who represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lone GOP member of the U.S. House of Representatives until he lost the 4th Congressional District seat in 2008 , said the Republican Party has been wounded by Trump and its “ leaders ’ infatuation with celebrity ” candidates .
“ Connecticut may have some areas where the Republicans have a stronger voice , ” Shays said .
“ So has the power shifted from Fairfield County eastward ?
Yes , but it ’ s not , in my judgment , because they ’ re really strong there .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump has destroyed the Republican Party as I know it .
”

This year’s presidential election bolstered Fairfield County’s swing towards Democrats, while rural and working-class portions of eastern Connecticut remained Republican country.
Just three of the 23 cities and towns that comprise the wealthy coastal communities near the New York border - a region that was known for being reliably Republican for decades - voted for President Donald Trump this year. That’s down from six in 2016, when Trump faced Democrat Hillary Clinton. And in some communities that backed Clinton four years ago, Biden received a greater percentage of support this year.
Meanwhile, many eastern Connecticut communities, some of which had supported Democratic President Barack Obama before backing Trump in 2016, held firm this year and voted for the president again by roughly the same percentage.
While Democrats benefitted from evolving demographics and voter registration in Fairfield County, they also got some help from Trump himself.
“Let’s face it. Donald Trump played hard. He said the suburbs could be overrun by violence and project housing,” said Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, who divides his time between Hartford and his home in Greenwich, in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday. “I think the suburbs across the country said, ‘That’s not what I see.’”
Lamont said Republicans in Connecticut would have performed better in this year’s election if they had “distanced themselves from Trump.” Biden easily won the state’s seven electoral votes, and the GOP failed to defeat any of the five incumbent Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Their overall numbers in both chambers of the Democratic-controlled General Assembly also shrank. Democrats, for example, won legislative seats in the Naugatuck Valley, in south-central Connecticut, which has been supportive of Trump.
J.R. Romano, chairman of the Connecticut Republicans, has watched affluent Fairfield County become more blue during his tenure. He maintains that people’s personal dislike of Trump, not his policies, is helping to fuel that change.
“What we know is, in some of the wealthier communities, it looks like the Democrats may have made gains,” he said of this year’s election results. Romano said those wealthier Republican voters “can afford to be offended” by Trump and vote against him to the detriment of middle-class voters who he contends benefit from the president’s policies.
Gayle Alberda, assistant professor of politics at Fairfield University, said she sees the once-Republican stronghold of Fairfield County changing fundamentally. She pointed to gains for voter registration gains for Democrats in Trumbull, for example, a traditionally Republican Fairfield County community that voted for Trump in 2016 but supported Biden in 2020, according to numbers posted on the Secretary of the State’s website.
Alberda said there’s also been migration in and out of southwestern Connecticut, including New Yorkers moving to the suburbs and bringing “their liberal New York values” with them.
Meanwhile, she said Trump has recruited supporters in working-class parts of eastern Connecticut who were traditionally supportive of Democrats. Whether that part of the state remains red may depend on whether the GOP redefines itself, she said.
But former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, who represented Fairfield County and was the state’s lone GOP member of the U.S. House of Representatives until he lost the 4th Congressional District seat in 2008, said the Republican Party has been wounded by Trump and its “leaders’ infatuation with celebrity” candidates.
“Connecticut may have some areas where the Republicans have a stronger voice,” Shays said. “So has the power shifted from Fairfield County eastward? Yes, but it’s not, in my judgment, because they’re really strong there. It’s just that everything has gotten weaker. Donald Trump has destroyed the Republican Party as I know it.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Ex-financial adviser who stole from athletes gets prison

SANTA ANA , Calif. ( AP ) - A former Southern California financial adviser who stole millions of dollars from professional athletes among his clientele was sentenced Friday to more than three years in federal prison .
Ash Narayan , 55 , of Irvine received the 37-month sentence and was ordered to pay $ 18.8 million in restitution , the U.S. attorney ’ s office said in a statement .
Prosecutors contend that Narayan stole more than $ 30 million in savings from pro athletes including San Francisco Giants pitcher Jake Peavy , Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez and retired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and subscribing to a false tax return .
Narayan was an investment advisor at RGT Capital Management Ltd. ’ s Irvine office , where his clients were “ high-net-worth individuals who were current and former professional athletes , ” the U.S. attorney ’ s office statement said .
Prosecutors said that from December 2009 to early 2016 , he advised his clients to invest in a money-losing online sports and entertainment ticket company in Illinois without telling them that he was on the board , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business .
Narayan also sometimes directed RGT employees to forge his clients ’ signatures on authorizations to transfer funds to The Ticket Reserve , Inc. , which went into receivership - a legal action in which a court appoints a receiver to manage a business while the court tries to resolve problems that could ruin the business , such as insolvency - in 2016 , authorities said .

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) - A former Southern California financial adviser who stole millions of dollars from professional athletes among his clientele was sentenced Friday to more than three years in federal prison.
Ash Narayan, 55, of Irvine received the 37-month sentence and was ordered to pay $18.8 million in restitution, the U.S. attorney’s office said in a statement.
Prosecutors contend that Narayan stole more than $30 million in savings from pro athletes including San Francisco Giants pitcher Jake Peavy, Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez and retired Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt.
Narayan pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and subscribing to a false tax return.
Narayan was an investment advisor at RGT Capital Management Ltd.’s Irvine office, where his clients were “high-net-worth individuals who were current and former professional athletes,” the U.S. attorney’s office statement said.
Prosecutors said that from December 2009 to early 2016, he advised his clients to invest in a money-losing online sports and entertainment ticket company in Illinois without telling them that he was on the board, or that it was a risky and unprofitable business.
Narayan also sometimes directed RGT employees to forge his clients’ signatures on authorizations to transfer funds to The Ticket Reserve, Inc., which went into receivership - a legal action in which a court appoints a receiver to manage a business while the court tries to resolve problems that could ruin the business, such as insolvency - in 2016, authorities said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Ted Kaufman, Joe Biden transition team get to work as count drags on

WILMINGTON , Del .
— Joe Biden ’ s transition team isn ’ t waiting for a verdict in the presidential race before getting to work .
As officials continue to count ballots in several undecided states , longtime Biden aide Ted Kaufman is leading efforts to ensure the former vice president can begin building out a government in anticipation of a victory .
Kaufman is a former senator from Delaware who was appointed to fill the seat vacated when Biden was elected vice president .
He also worked on Barack Obama ’ s transition team in 2008 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
Biden first asked Kaufman to start work on a just-in-case transition in April , shortly after the former vice president locked up the presidential nomination at the conclusion of a once-crowded Democratic primary .
Now , each day after the election that goes by without a declared winner is one day fewer to formally begin preparing to take over the White House .
The transition can be a frenzied process even under normal circumstances .
In the meantime , an odd political limbo has taken told .
The Biden team is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all that needs to be accomplished ; President Donald Trump continues to claim without evidence that the election is being stolen from him .
It ’ s at least somewhat reminiscent of the 2000 presidential race and that year ’ s post-election legal fight over the recount in Florida .
After more than a month , the dispute between Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore was decided by the Supreme Court - truncating the transition period to just 39 days before the January 2001 inauguration .
Clay Johnson , who headed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s advisers “ can ’ t wait to be sure that the president-elect really is the president-elect .
They have to hurry up and move forward.
” Johnson said that in June of 1999 - about 17 months before Election Day 2000 - Bush approached him about heading the possible transition , having seen his father go through the process 11 years earlier .
Prior to Election Day , Bush had already settled on Andy Card to serve as chief of staff for both the transition and at the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schedule .
But then came the recount .
After an initial 10 days or so , Bush ’ s running mate , Dick Cheney , told Johnson to begin raising money and making staffing decisions , declaring that the race “ is going to be resolved one way or the other.
” The Bush team was unable to conduct FBI background checks on potential Cabinet members and other appointees with no official winner declared .
Instead , it used a former White House general counsel from the Reagan administration to conduct interviews designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have turned up in background checks .
“ You have to assume you are it and not be presumptuous but they better be working hard as if they are it , ” Johnson said of Biden ’ s team .
“ And they should have started doing that last Tuesday night.
” Biden ’ s campaign has refused to comment on the transition process .
His closest advisers say the top priority will be announcing a White House chief of staff , then assembling the pieces needed to tackle the coronavirus .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,200 of them must be confirmed by the Senate .
That could be a challenge for Biden since the Senate may well remain controlled by the Republicans .
The transition process formally starts once the General Service Administration determines the winner based on all available facts .
That ’ s vague enough guidance that Trump could pressure the agency ’ s director to stall .
It ’ s also unclear if the president would meet personally Biden .
President Barack Obama met with Trump less than a week after the election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having topped Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College .
Whenever the process starts , Biden will have to cope with the coronavirus , which has killed more than 230,000 Americans .
Biden has promised to use his transition period to meet with the governors of every state and ask them to impose a nationwide mask-wearing mandate .
He says he plans to go around any holdouts to secure such rules from county and local officials .
Another key decision will be how Biden decides to deploy his running mate , California Sen. Kamala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden will establish a White House-level coronavirus task force like Trump did , but it ’ s not clear if he will tap Harris to run it .
Vice President Mike Pence heads the current panel .
As his team awaits the results of the ballot counting , Biden is huddling in his Wilmington home with top advisers and family .
Harris has stuck close too , occupying a Delaware hotel with her family since Election Night and joining Biden as he gave remarks in recent days .
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he expects Harris to be “ a real partner ” to Biden and hopes to see her “ managing major issues of importance.
” • Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne contributed to this report from Sacramento , Calif .

WILMINGTON, Del. — Joe Biden’s transition team isn’t waiting for a verdict in the presidential race before getting to work.
As officials continue to count ballots in several undecided states, longtime Biden aide Ted Kaufman is leading efforts to ensure the former vice president can begin building out a government in anticipation of a victory.
Kaufman is a former senator from Delaware who was appointed to fill the seat vacated when Biden was elected vice president. He also worked on Barack Obama’s transition team in 2008, and helped write legislation formalizing the presidential transition process.
Biden first asked Kaufman to start work on a just-in-case transition in April, shortly after the former vice president locked up the presidential nomination at the conclusion of a once-crowded Democratic primary. Now, each day after the election that goes by without a declared winner is one day fewer to formally begin preparing to take over the White House.
The transition can be a frenzied process even under normal circumstances.
In the meantime, an odd political limbo has taken told. The Biden team is moving forward but can’t tackle all that needs to be accomplished; President Donald Trump continues to claim without evidence that the election is being stolen from him.
It’s at least somewhat reminiscent of the 2000 presidential race and that year’s post-election legal fight over the recount in Florida. After more than a month, the dispute between Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore was decided by the Supreme Court - truncating the transition period to just 39 days before the January 2001 inauguration.
Clay Johnson, who headed Bush’s transition team, said Biden’s advisers “can’t wait to be sure that the president-elect really is the president-elect. They have to hurry up and move forward.”
Johnson said that in June of 1999 - about 17 months before Election Day 2000 - Bush approached him about heading the possible transition, having seen his father go through the process 11 years earlier. Prior to Election Day, Bush had already settled on Andy Card to serve as chief of staff for both the transition and at the White House.
Johnson thought they were ahead of schedule. But then came the recount.
After an initial 10 days or so, Bush’s running mate, Dick Cheney, told Johnson to begin raising money and making staffing decisions, declaring that the race “is going to be resolved one way or the other.”
The Bush team was unable to conduct FBI background checks on potential Cabinet members and other appointees with no official winner declared. Instead, it used a former White House general counsel from the Reagan administration to conduct interviews designed to screen for potential problems that might have turned up in background checks.
“You have to assume you are it and not be presumptuous but they better be working hard as if they are it,” Johnson said of Biden’s team. “And they should have started doing that last Tuesday night.”
Biden’s campaign has refused to comment on the transition process. His closest advisers say the top priority will be announcing a White House chief of staff, then assembling the pieces needed to tackle the coronavirus.
A president gets 4,000 appointees, and more than 1,200 of them must be confirmed by the Senate. That could be a challenge for Biden since the Senate may well remain controlled by the Republicans.
The transition process formally starts once the General Service Administration determines the winner based on all available facts. That’s vague enough guidance that Trump could pressure the agency’s director to stall.
It’s also unclear if the president would meet personally Biden. President Barack Obama met with Trump less than a week after the election, but there was no dispute about him having topped Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College.
Whenever the process starts, Biden will have to cope with the coronavirus, which has killed more than 230,000 Americans. Biden has promised to use his transition period to meet with the governors of every state and ask them to impose a nationwide mask-wearing mandate. He says he plans to go around any holdouts to secure such rules from county and local officials.
Another key decision will be how Biden decides to deploy his running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris. His campaign has indicated that Biden will establish a White House-level coronavirus task force like Trump did, but it’s not clear if he will tap Harris to run it. Vice President Mike Pence heads the current panel.
As his team awaits the results of the ballot counting, Biden is huddling in his Wilmington home with top advisers and family. Harris has stuck close too, occupying a Delaware hotel with her family since Election Night and joining Biden as he gave remarks in recent days.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, a former Biden presidential primary rival, said he expects Harris to be “a real partner” to Biden and hopes to see her “managing major issues of importance.”
• Associated Press writer Kathleen Ronayne contributed to this report from Sacramento, Calif.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Virginia prosecutor finds 2018 police shooting justified

RICHMOND , Va. ( AP ) - The fatal police shooting of an unarmed Black man who ran onto a highway during a mental health crisis was justified , a Virginia prosecutor said Friday .
The finding by Commonwealth ’ s Attorney Colette McEachin mirrors an earlier finding by her predecessor , former Commonwealth ’ s Attorney Michael Herring .
McEachin said in a 10-page report released Friday that the officer ’ s use of deadly force on Marcus-David Peters was a “ reasonable response ” to the danger posed by Peters .
Peters was a 24-year-old high school biology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richmond police officer on May 14 , 2018 .
Police said Peters struck several vehicles with his car , then crashed into brush in a grassy area next to a highway ramp .
Body camera video showed Peters climb out of his car - naked- and run into rush hour traffic on Interstate 95 .
He laid down on the highway , rolled around and flailed his arms and legs .
The officer , who was also Black , pointed a stun gun at Peters , who then ran toward the officer while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The officer deployed the stun gun , which appeared to have no effect , then shot Peters with his service weapon .
Three months later , Herring cleared the officer of any wrongdoing , finding that a reasonable officer in those circumstances would have believed Peters was capable of overcoming him and taking control of his gun .
At the urging of Peters ‘ family and police reform advocates , McEachin agreed to review the case .
She reached a similar conclusion , finding that “ the officer ’ s ultimate decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the imminent danger presented to himself and the public by Mr. Peters ‘ continued violent behavior due to his mental deterioration.
” Peters ’ sister , Princess Blanding , said the officer - who said over his police radio that he was dealing with a man who was “ mentally unstable ” - should not have used deadly force on someone who was in the throes of a mental health crisis .
She said Friday that she disagrees with McEachin ’ s finding .
“ Marcus was not violent toward anyone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not violent to anybody .
He was in his own world , ” Blanding said .

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The fatal police shooting of an unarmed Black man who ran onto a highway during a mental health crisis was justified, a Virginia prosecutor said Friday.
The finding by Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin mirrors an earlier finding by her predecessor, former Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring. McEachin said in a 10-page report released Friday that the officer’s use of deadly force on Marcus-David Peters was a “reasonable response” to the danger posed by Peters.
Peters was a 24-year-old high school biology teacher when he was shot by a Richmond police officer on May 14, 2018.
Police said Peters struck several vehicles with his car, then crashed into brush in a grassy area next to a highway ramp. Body camera video showed Peters climb out of his car - naked- and run into rush hour traffic on Interstate 95. He laid down on the highway, rolled around and flailed his arms and legs.
The officer, who was also Black, pointed a stun gun at Peters, who then ran toward the officer while shouting and threatening to kill him. The officer deployed the stun gun, which appeared to have no effect, then shot Peters with his service weapon.
Peters died later at a hospital.
Three months later, Herring cleared the officer of any wrongdoing, finding that a reasonable officer in those circumstances would have believed Peters was capable of overcoming him and taking control of his gun.
At the urging of Peters’ family and police reform advocates, McEachin agreed to review the case. She reached a similar conclusion, finding that “the officer’s ultimate decision to use lethal force was a reasonable response to the imminent danger presented to himself and the public by Mr. Peters’ continued violent behavior due to his mental deterioration.”
Peters’ sister, Princess Blanding, said the officer - who said over his police radio that he was dealing with a man who was “mentally unstable” - should not have used deadly force on someone who was in the throes of a mental health crisis.
She said Friday that she disagrees with McEachin’s finding.
“Marcus was not violent toward anyone. He ran to the highway. He was not violent to anybody. He was in his own world,” Blanding said.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--California elects 25-year-old lawmaker, youngest in 82 years

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - California has elected its youngest state lawmaker in more than eight decades , elevating a 25-year-old progressive Democrat who already has years of legislative experience to the state Assembly .
Alex Lee survived a crowded nine-candidate primary election in March , then trounced his Republican rival by winning 73 % of the vote in a San Francisco Bay Area district that includes part of Silicon Valley .
He plans to keep living with his mom in San Jose for the time being and had to take a part-time gig economy delivery job to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 campaign .
Lee has worked for five different lawmakers either as a college intern or more recently a paid aide , quickly exhibiting such “ encyclopedic knowledge ” of pending legislation that “ he became kind of the local Wikipedia for what ’ s happening on the Senate floor , ” said state Sen. Henry Stern , who employed Lee from 2017 until he left last year to work for another lawmaker .
“ He makes me look like an old man , ” joked Stern , 38 , who was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago .
“ I thought I had something fresh going on there .
But now Gen Z comes up and what do I know ?
Now I ’ m a Boomer.
” Lee prevailed despite setting himself other obstacles , like not accepting corporate campaign money .
He said Friday that the first bill he will introduce when he takes office next month will propose to prohibit corporate contributions directly to candidates .
He said he may extend that ban to ballot measures and would create a system for publicly financed elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I clearly know how detrimental and corrosive corporate money can be in an election cycle , ” Lee said .
And having spent some time out of financial necessity working gig jobs through what he referred to as “ grueling , terrible wage-exploitation apps , ” he ’ s particularly upset that ride-hailing and delivery companies prevailed in carving out an exemption to a new California labor law after spending a record $ 200 million to pass Proposition 22 .
The last time someone younger was elected to the California Legislature , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Great Depression and was on the cusp of World War II .
Maurice E. Atkinson , also a Democrat , was 23 when he was elected to the Assembly in 1938 .
There previously were four other state legislators younger than Lee in the last century , said Alex Vassar , the California State Library ’ s legislative historian .
Lee was Atkinson ’ s age , just 23 , when he decided to run for office , and by his calculation has since knocked on 30,000 doors seeking voters ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very encouraged that a young person like me has so much experience in policy making and governing , ” he said .
“ I would run into folks when we were door-knocking who are 80 years old , who would say , ‘ Our generation screwed it up so it ’ s time for you all to fix all these problems for us.
’ And they said it in a very encouraging way.
” Lee considers himself to be part of “ many marginalized communities , ” including being Asian American and openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s struggled with housing security and financial security , I also understand that can cause anxiety .
And that ’ s going to be informing my perspective going into office , ” said Lee , whose new gig carries a salary of nearly $ 115,000 a year .
Neither Lee ’ s Republican opponent nor Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron responded to requests for comment .
Lee will undoubtedly run into fellow lawmakers who will be skeptical or “ they ’ ll say , ‘ Wait your turn , ’ ” Stern said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s speaking for a real demographic that is under-represented in politics in general , ” Stern said .
” I hope it ’ s a trend .
I think our generation and the next generations coming up have something to say , and he ’ s proven that you don ’ t really have to wait .
”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California has elected its youngest state lawmaker in more than eight decades, elevating a 25-year-old progressive Democrat who already has years of legislative experience to the state Assembly.
Alex Lee survived a crowded nine-candidate primary election in March, then trounced his Republican rival by winning 73% of the vote in a San Francisco Bay Area district that includes part of Silicon Valley.
He plans to keep living with his mom in San Jose for the time being and had to take a part-time gig economy delivery job to make ends meet during his Assembly District 25 campaign.
Lee has worked for five different lawmakers either as a college intern or more recently a paid aide, quickly exhibiting such “encyclopedic knowledge” of pending legislation that “he became kind of the local Wikipedia for what’s happening on the Senate floor,” said state Sen. Henry Stern, who employed Lee from 2017 until he left last year to work for another lawmaker.
“He makes me look like an old man,” joked Stern, 38, who was the first Millennial elected to the Senate four years ago. “I thought I had something fresh going on there. But now Gen Z comes up and what do I know? Now I’m a Boomer.”
Lee prevailed despite setting himself other obstacles, like not accepting corporate campaign money.
He said Friday that the first bill he will introduce when he takes office next month will propose to prohibit corporate contributions directly to candidates. He said he may extend that ban to ballot measures and would create a system for publicly financed elections.
“Having run an election, I clearly know how detrimental and corrosive corporate money can be in an election cycle,” Lee said.
And having spent some time out of financial necessity working gig jobs through what he referred to as “grueling, terrible wage-exploitation apps,” he’s particularly upset that ride-hailing and delivery companies prevailed in carving out an exemption to a new California labor law after spending a record $200 million to pass Proposition 22.
The last time someone younger was elected to the California Legislature, the nation was just clawing its way out of the Great Depression and was on the cusp of World War II.
Maurice E. Atkinson, also a Democrat, was 23 when he was elected to the Assembly in 1938. There previously were four other state legislators younger than Lee in the last century, said Alex Vassar, the California State Library’s legislative historian.
Lee was Atkinson’s age, just 23, when he decided to run for office, and by his calculation has since knocked on 30,000 doors seeking voters’ support.
“I think voters were very encouraged that a young person like me has so much experience in policy making and governing,” he said. “I would run into folks when we were door-knocking who are 80 years old, who would say, ‘Our generation screwed it up so it’s time for you all to fix all these problems for us.’ And they said it in a very encouraging way.”
Lee considers himself to be part of “many marginalized communities,” including being Asian American and openly bisexual.
“As someone who’s struggled with housing security and financial security, I also understand that can cause anxiety. And that’s going to be informing my perspective going into office,” said Lee, whose new gig carries a salary of nearly $115,000 a year.
Neither Lee’s Republican opponent nor Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron responded to requests for comment.
Lee will undoubtedly run into fellow lawmakers who will be skeptical or “they’ll say, ‘Wait your turn,’” Stern said from experience.
But “he’s speaking for a real demographic that is under-represented in politics in general,” Stern said. ”I hope it’s a trend. I think our generation and the next generations coming up have something to say, and he’s proven that you don’t really have to wait.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Maricopa County attorney hospitalized in stable condition

PHOENIX ( AP ) - A spokeswoman says Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition @ @ @ @ @ and hit her head .
Spokeswoman Jennifer Liewer said Friday the chief prosecutor for metro @ @ @ @ @ for bleeding on the brain .
Adel , a Republican , was appointed county attorney @ @ @ @ @ a vacancy .
She held a narrow lead Friday afternoon over Democratic challenger Julie Gunnigle @ @ @ @ @ ’ s general election .

PHOENIX (AP) - A spokeswoman says Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition after she fell at home and hit her head.
Spokeswoman Jennifer Liewer said Friday the chief prosecutor for metro Phoenix underwent emergency surgery Tuesday for bleeding on the brain.
Adel, a Republican, was appointed county attorney in late 2019 to fill a vacancy.
She held a narrow lead Friday afternoon over Democratic challenger Julie Gunnigle in incomplete results from Tuesday’s general election.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Investigators withhold details after deputies kill Black man

VANCOUVER , Wash. ( AP ) - A week after deputies fatally shot a 21-year-old Black man near Vancouver , Washington during a drug investigation , law enforcement officials have yet to clarify whether he fired a handgun at officers .
They also have not released the names of the three Clark County deputies who fired on Kevin E. Peterson Jr. in a US Bank parking lot in Hazel Dell on Oct. 30 , The Oregonian/OregonLive reported .
And they have not disclosed if detectives found drugs on Peterson or in the car where authorities say they first encountered him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valid , however we are unable to answer those , ” said Det .
Sgt .
Marc Langlois of the Longview Police Department , an investigation spokesperson .
“ The investigation is active and ongoing.
” The lack of transparency comes amid ongoing demonstrations against police brutality that began after Minneapolis police killed George Floyd , a Black man .
Peterson ’ s death has led to tense demonstrations in Vancouver .
The Clark County Medical Examiner ’ s Office this week ruled Peterson ’ s death a homicide and said he died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a county spokeswoman , said the office could not publicly disclose the number of times Peterson was shot or where .
Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik on Tuesday asked the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team , which includes members of the Cowlitz County Sheriff ’ s Office and Longview Police Department , to take on the lead role on the independent investigation team .
That role was originally assigned to the Camas Police Department in Clark County .
In a news release , investigators said Golik made the request “ in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation .
”

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - A week after deputies fatally shot a 21-year-old Black man near Vancouver, Washington during a drug investigation, law enforcement officials have yet to clarify whether he fired a handgun at officers.
They also have not released the names of the three Clark County deputies who fired on Kevin E. Peterson Jr. in a US Bank parking lot in Hazel Dell on Oct. 30, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. And they have not disclosed if detectives found drugs on Peterson or in the car where authorities say they first encountered him.
“All of your questions are valid, however we are unable to answer those,” said Det. Sgt. Marc Langlois of the Longview Police Department, an investigation spokesperson. “The investigation is active and ongoing.”
The lack of transparency comes amid ongoing demonstrations against police brutality that began after Minneapolis police killed George Floyd, a Black man. Peterson’s death has led to tense demonstrations in Vancouver.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office this week ruled Peterson’s death a homicide and said he died from multiple gunshot wounds. Marissa Armstrong, a county spokeswoman, said the office could not publicly disclose the number of times Peterson was shot or where.
Clark County Prosecutor Tony Golik on Tuesday asked the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team, which includes members of the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and Longview Police Department, to take on the lead role on the independent investigation team.
That role was originally assigned to the Camas Police Department in Clark County. In a news release, investigators said Golik made the request “in an effort to achieve increased independence in the investigation.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Witness highlights age of murder case with query about pager

FLAGSTAFF , Ariz. ( AP ) - A witness in a murder trial playing out in central Arizona highlighted the age of the case Friday when she was asked to describe a pager .
About the size of a pack of gum .
Vibrates .
Lights up with a number .
Samantha Evans said she had one so that her mother could reach her , long before cellphones were a thing .
She was testifying in the case against Cecilio Cruz , who is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend and manslaughter in the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alley in 1997 .
When he was indicted in 2014 , it was the only cold case in the Cottonwood Police Department .
In admonishing jurors , Judge Jennifer Campbell has warned them not to do research , including through Encyclopedia Britannica - if they knew what that was .
The trial is being held in Prescott .
In the first week of testimony , prosecutor Steve Young called more than a dozen witnesses as he sought to establish a timeline on the night of March 24 , 1997 , and the following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found .
Gonzalez and Cruz dated in high school but had broken up by the time she found out she was pregnant .
She had already named the boy Andrew and was overdue to deliver him .
Her family said they first went to the hospital when she wasn ’ t found in bed , thinking she was going into labor .
They tearfully recalled the moments when they realized the 17-year-old was dead so close to home .
With no physical evidence , DNA , weapon or eyewitnesses tying Cruz to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evans , who said they went by Cruz ’ s house and didn ’ t find him there in the hours police believe Gonzalez was killed .
Evans said she eventually met up with Cruz at his house around 1:30 the morning of March 25 , 1997 , after he paged her , and he didn ’ t appear nervous , afraid , concerned or worried .
“ No , I didn ’ t get that vibe from him at all , ” she said .
Young also sought to establish that Cruz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gonzalez routinely met in the alley between their homes .
Many witnesses couldn ’ t remember exactly what they were doing that night , more than 20 years ago .
One man said he saw a couple , but he couldn ’ t be sure it was Cruz and Gonzalez .
Kylee Oso , who was dating Cruz at the time of Gonzalez ’ s death and also was pregnant with his child , didn ’ t remember saying to investigators that she told Cruz she wouldn ’ t marry him if Gonzalez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t talking about marriage at 16 and 17 years old , ” Oso said , according to the Verde Independent .
Part of what hindered authorities early in the investigation , they said , is that some people were afraid to come forward with any information .
Earlier in the week , defense attorney Alex D. Gonzalez suggested police didn ’ t fully explore other potential suspects .
Cruz and his brother are listed among witnesses for the defense .
One juror was excused Friday because of a family emergency , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz could face more than 40 years in prison if convicted on both charges .

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - A witness in a murder trial playing out in central Arizona highlighted the age of the case Friday when she was asked to describe a pager.
About the size of a pack of gum. Vibrates. Lights up with a number.
Samantha Evans said she had one so that her mother could reach her, long before cellphones were a thing.
She was testifying in the case against Cecilio Cruz, who is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend and manslaughter in the death of his unborn son in a Cottonwood alley in 1997. When he was indicted in 2014, it was the only cold case in the Cottonwood Police Department.
In admonishing jurors, Judge Jennifer Campbell has warned them not to do research, including through Encyclopedia Britannica - if they knew what that was.
The trial is being held in Prescott. In the first week of testimony, prosecutor Steve Young called more than a dozen witnesses as he sought to establish a timeline on the night of March 24, 1997, and the following morning when Marisol Gonzalez’s body was found.
Gonzalez and Cruz dated in high school but had broken up by the time she found out she was pregnant. She had already named the boy Andrew and was overdue to deliver him.
Her family said they first went to the hospital when she wasn’t found in bed, thinking she was going into labor. They tearfully recalled the moments when they realized the 17-year-old was dead so close to home.
With no physical evidence, DNA, weapon or eyewitnesses tying Cruz to the crime, Young questioned people including Evans, who said they went by Cruz’s house and didn’t find him there in the hours police believe Gonzalez was killed.
Evans said she eventually met up with Cruz at his house around 1:30 the morning of March 25, 1997, after he paged her, and he didn’t appear nervous, afraid, concerned or worried.
“No, I didn’t get that vibe from him at all,” she said.
Young also sought to establish that Cruz, who is now 40, and Gonzalez routinely met in the alley between their homes.
Many witnesses couldn’t remember exactly what they were doing that night, more than 20 years ago. One man said he saw a couple, but he couldn’t be sure it was Cruz and Gonzalez.
Kylee Oso, who was dating Cruz at the time of Gonzalez’s death and also was pregnant with his child, didn’t remember saying to investigators that she told Cruz she wouldn’t marry him if Gonzalez had the baby.
“We weren’t talking about marriage at 16 and 17 years old,” Oso said, according to the Verde Independent.
Part of what hindered authorities early in the investigation, they said, is that some people were afraid to come forward with any information.
Earlier in the week, defense attorney Alex D. Gonzalez suggested police didn’t fully explore other potential suspects. Cruz and his brother are listed among witnesses for the defense.
One juror was excused Friday because of a family emergency, leaving 14.
The trial resumes Monday. Cruz could face more than 40 years in prison if convicted on both charges.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Two Trump supporters face weapons charges for carrying guns outside Philly vote counting center

The two men arrested for carrying firearms without proper permits outside the Philadelphia Convention Center , where election ballots are being counted , were identified as pro-Trump supporters , city officials said late Friday .
The suspects were identified as Joshua Macias , 42 , and Antonio LaMotta , 61 , both of Chesapeake , Virginia .
Mr. Marcias is co-founder of a veterans group that supports President Trump and Mr. LaMotta is a member , according to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner .
The two have been charged with felony and misdemeanor weapons offenses , Mr. Krasner said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bail at their arraignment Friday night .
“ This alarming incident is still very much under investigation , ” Mr. Krasner said .
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at a press conference Friday that FBI agents in Norfolk , Virginia were tipped off Thursday that individuals were headed from Virginia Beach , Virginia to Philadelphia with weapons .
The pair were arrested Thursday night outside the convention center as poll workers continue to count ballots in this week ’ s presidential election .
Around 10:20 , police noticed a silver with Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy theory , Ms .
Outlaw said .
A few minutes later , bicycle patrol officers spotted the men .
Both men warmed with handguns .
Mr. LaMotta told officers he didn ’ t have a permit and was placed under arrest while Mr. Macias had a Virginia permit , which was not recognized in Pennsylvania , according to Ms .
Outlaw .
A woman traveling with the two was not charged , Ms .
Outlaw said .
Authorities also found an AR-15 rifle in the Hummer , along with 160 rounds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference .
The Hummer ’ s stickers included a large “ Q ” for QAnon and # WWG1WGA , ” which is shorthand for “ where we go one we all go.
” QAnon followers believe Mr. Trump is fighting a secret war against satanic pedophiles in the federal government and that several prominent leftist politicians will be arrested and executed .
In 2019 , the FBI labeled the QAnon movement as “ conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists , ” warning they pose a domestic terrorism threat .
Mr. Macias is co-founder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media pages .
In recent days , he tweeted baseless allegations that the election was being stolen from Mr. Trump .
On his LinkedIn page , Mr. Macias describes his group as the “ backbone of the # MAGA Movement in your backyard.
” “ We are the veterans who support our 45th President of the United States of America , ” he wrote .
The Philadelphia Convention Center has become a flashpoint in the 2020 election .
Pennsylvania has been too close to call for either candidate , although Mr. Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be building a lead in the state .
Earlier in the day , a bomb threat was called into a shopping mall next to the convention center .
The mall was cleared while police with K-9 units swept the building , but no explosives were found .
Police in Philadelphia said two calls threatening the bomb were made from the same phone number .

The two men arrested for carrying firearms without proper permits outside the Philadelphia Convention Center, where election ballots are being counted, were identified as pro-Trump supporters, city officials said late Friday.
The suspects were identified as Joshua Macias, 42, and Antonio LaMotta, 61, both of Chesapeake, Virginia. Mr. Marcias is co-founder of a veterans group that supports President Trump and Mr. LaMotta is a member, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
The two have been charged with felony and misdemeanor weapons offenses, Mr. Krasner said, adding that they will be held without bail at their arraignment Friday night.
“This alarming incident is still very much under investigation,” Mr. Krasner said.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at a press conference Friday that FBI agents in Norfolk, Virginia were tipped off Thursday that individuals were headed from Virginia Beach, Virginia to Philadelphia with weapons.
The pair were arrested Thursday night outside the convention center as poll workers continue to count ballots in this week’s presidential election.
Around 10:20, police noticed a silver with Virginia tags covered in stickers supporting the QAnon conspiracy theory, Ms. Outlaw said. A few minutes later, bicycle patrol officers spotted the men.
Both men were armed with handguns. Mr. LaMotta told officers he didn’t have a permit and was placed under arrest while Mr. Macias had a Virginia permit, which was not recognized in Pennsylvania, according to Ms. Outlaw.
A woman traveling with the two was not charged, Ms. Outlaw said.
Authorities also found an AR-15 rifle in the Hummer, along with 160 rounds of ammunition, Mr. Krasner said at a news conference.
The Hummer’s stickers included a large “Q” for QAnon and #WWG1WGA,” which is shorthand for “where we go one we all go.”
QAnon followers believe Mr. Trump is fighting a secret war against satanic pedophiles in the federal government and that several prominent leftist politicians will be arrested and executed.
In 2019, the FBI labeled the QAnon movement as “conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists,” warning they pose a domestic terrorism threat.
Mr. Macias is co-founder of Vets for Trump, according to his social media pages. In recent days, he tweeted baseless allegations that the election was being stolen from Mr. Trump.
On his LinkedIn page, Mr. Macias describes his group as the “backbone of the #MAGA Movement in your backyard.”
“We are the veterans who support our 45th President of the United States of America,” he wrote.
The Philadelphia Convention Center has become a flashpoint in the 2020 election. Pennsylvania has been too close to call for either candidate, although Mr. Trump’s rival Joseph R. Biden appears to be building a lead in the state.
Earlier in the day, a bomb threat was called into a shopping mall next to the convention center. The mall was cleared while police with K-9 units swept the building, but no explosives were found.
Police in Philadelphia said two calls threatening the bomb were made from the same phone number.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Man gets 35 years for shooting, wounding Minnesota officer

WASECA , Minn. ( AP ) - A man was sentenced Friday to the maximum 35 years in prison for shooting a southern Minnesota police officer in the head , leaving him severely injured .
Tyler Robert Janovsky told the court he was “ deeply sorry ” for the January shooting of Waseca police Officer Arik Matson , the Mankato Free Press reported .
“ I hope and pray officer Matson makes a full recovery and his family finds some closure , ” he said .
Janovsky was wanted on drug charges when Matson and other officers responded to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residential area .
Janovsky climbed onto a garage and shot at Matson and two other officers , hitting Matson in the head .
Officers returned fire and Janovsky sustained wounds that were not life-threatening .
Janovsky pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer in July .
A third count of attempted murder was dismissed , along with a weapons charge and prior drug charges .
Matson spent months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities .
While he doesn ’ t remember the night he was shot , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in a hospital bed , the pain and frustration that followed , and how the shooting changed his life forever .
“ From this day forward I chose to live life to the fullest , trust God ’ s plan and never take anything for granted , ” Matson said .
Matson told the courtroom he “ would still respond to that call if it were tomorrow.
” Both Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius and Judge Christine Long said Janovsky ’ s 35-year prison sentence was not enough , but it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The law doesn ’ t account for if the officer or officers are gravely injured .
It doesn ’ t account for if they almost die , if they have to relearn how to eat , walk and talk and possibly never return to work , ” she said .
Matson returned home to Freeborn last month .
His wife , Megan Matson , said in her victim impact statement that his journey to recovery is not over .
“ Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the joy in the story you are living , ” she said .
“ We have found joy and we will keep living .
”

WASECA, Minn. (AP) - A man was sentenced Friday to the maximum 35 years in prison for shooting a southern Minnesota police officer in the head, leaving him severely injured.
Tyler Robert Janovsky told the court he was “deeply sorry” for the January shooting of Waseca police Officer Arik Matson, the Mankato Free Press reported.
“I hope and pray officer Matson makes a full recovery and his family finds some closure,” he said.
Janovsky was wanted on drug charges when Matson and other officers responded to a suspicious person report Jan. 6 in a residential area. Janovsky climbed onto a garage and shot at Matson and two other officers, hitting Matson in the head. Officers returned fire and Janovsky sustained wounds that were not life-threatening.
Janovsky pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer in July. A third count of attempted murder was dismissed, along with a weapons charge and prior drug charges.
Matson spent months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. While he doesn’t remember the night he was shot, he told the court that he remembers waking up in a hospital bed, the pain and frustration that followed, and how the shooting changed his life forever.
“From this day forward I chose to live life to the fullest, trust God’s plan and never take anything for granted,” Matson said.
Matson told the courtroom he “would still respond to that call if it were tomorrow.”
Both Waseca County Attorney Rachel Cornelius and Judge Christine Long said Janovsky’s 35-year prison sentence was not enough, but it is the maximum allowed under state guidelines.
“The law doesn’t account for if the officer or officers are gravely injured. It doesn’t account for if they almost die, if they have to relearn how to eat, walk and talk and possibly never return to work,” she said.
Matson returned home to Freeborn last month. His wife, Megan Matson, said in her victim impact statement that his journey to recovery is not over.
“Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life would be like and find the joy in the story you are living,” she said. “We have found joy and we will keep living.”


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--Jon Ossoff, David Perdue set for Georgia Senate runoff, AP says

ATLANTA — Republican U.S. Sen. David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff will face off in a Jan. 5 runoff in Georgia for Perdue ’ s Senate seat .
Libertarian candidate Shane Hazel was able to get enough votes so that neither Perdue or Ossoff was able to clear the 50 % threshold needed for an outright win .
Thousands of absentee ballots and in-person votes cast early needed to be counted after Election Night passed , forcing a long and tense wait before the race could be called .
The contest has already seen huge spending from outside groups on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to pour into the state ahead of the runoff .
The race between Ossoff and Perdue , a close ally of President Donald Trump , has been characterized by sharp attack ads but relatively moderate political positions .
Both candidates pivoted to the middle vying for a state Trump won handily four years ago , but where swaths of suburbia have shown signs of disillusionment with the president .
Perdue sought to cast Ossoff as backing a “ radical socialist agenda , ” while Ossoff portrayed Perdue as a “ corrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a botched pandemic response .

ATLANTA — Republican U.S. Sen. David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff will face off in a Jan. 5 runoff in Georgia for Perdue’s Senate seat.
Libertarian candidate Shane Hazel was able to get enough votes so that neither Perdue or Ossoff was able to clear the 50% threshold needed for an outright win.
Thousands of absentee ballots and in-person votes cast early needed to be counted after Election Night passed, forcing a long and tense wait before the race could be called.
The contest has already seen huge spending from outside groups on both sides and millions of dollars more are expected to pour into the state ahead of the runoff.
The race between Ossoff and Perdue, a close ally of President Donald Trump, has been characterized by sharp attack ads but relatively moderate political positions.
Both candidates pivoted to the middle vying for a state Trump won handily four years ago, but where swaths of suburbia have shown signs of disillusionment with the president.
Perdue sought to cast Ossoff as backing a “radical socialist agenda,” while Ossoff portrayed Perdue as a “corrupt” Washington insider who has been part of a botched pandemic response.


washingtontimes--2020-11-06--California Republicans pad leads in House races

LOS ANGELES — Republican U.S. House candidates padded their leads Friday in battleground districts in California , as the party sought to win back seats lost to Democrats two years ago .
The increases were not decisive but continued momentum for GOP candidates who could deliver major surprises in a heavily Democratic state in a year when Democrat Joe Biden trounced President Donald Trump on Election Day .
Democrats seized seven GOP-held seats in 2018 but appear in danger of losing as many as four of those districts just two years later , though tens of thousands of votes remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the California ’ s 53 House seats .
For decades Orange County was known as Republican holy ground , but a diversifying population brought political change .
In 2018 the realignment became undeniable as Democrats seized the last four seats all or partly in the county in defeats , stunning Republicans .
This year , however , could deliver some swift reversals for the Democrats .
Republican Michelle Steel opened up a slightly larger lead Friday over Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda in the coastal 48th District .
She now holds about a 6,200-vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily .
Republican Young Kim lost a close race to Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in 2018 .
But this year she ’ s been narrowly ahead in their rematch in the 39th District that is divided among Orange , Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties .
She added to her lead Friday , and now holds a 2,600-vote cushion over her rival .
Democrats attacked Kim , a former legislator who was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam , as a devoted Trump acolyte .
Cisneros campaigned on improving health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farm-belt 21st District seat to Democrat TJ Cox two years ago .
But the former congressman has widened his lead by nearly 1,300 votes and now holds about a 4-point edge in their rematch this year .
Valadao endorsed Trump after withholding his backing in 2016 - a risk in a district the president lost by 15 points in 2016 - but he also emphasized he has broken with the White House at times , including criticizing the administration for family separations at the border .
Republican former Rep. Darrell Issa was well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tormenting the Obama administration when he headed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee from 2011 to January 2015 .
He didn ’ t run for re-election in 2018 when his San Diego County-based 49th District began tilting Democratic .
But he ’ s back this year hoping to return to Capitol Hill in the more conservative neighboring 50th District that runs through the eastern part of the county .
It was held by Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter until he resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to a federal corruption charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead over Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar to more than 19,000 votes .
A FORMER FIGHTER PILOT HOPES TO HANG ON NEAR LA Rep. Mike Garcia , a former Navy combat pilot and defense industry executive , easily won a special election in May to fill the vacant 25th District north of Los Angeles .
His rematch with Democrat Christy Smith remains very close , though he ’ s now built a lead of over 400 votes .
The swing district anchored in Los Angeles County , which includes a slice of Ventura County that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Library , was open after freshman Democrat Katie Hill resigned suddenly amid an ethics investigation .
It ’ s a Democratic-leaning district and it ’ s notable that Garcia ’ s gains Friday came in an updated count in Los Angeles County , where Democrats typically prosper .
His stronghold of Ventura County did not update its vote tally .

LOS ANGELES — Republican U.S. House candidates padded their leads Friday in battleground districts in California, as the party sought to win back seats lost to Democrats two years ago.
The increases were not decisive but continued momentum for GOP candidates who could deliver major surprises in a heavily Democratic state in a year when Democrat Joe Biden trounced President Donald Trump on Election Day.
Democrats seized seven GOP-held seats in 2018 but appear in danger of losing as many as four of those districts just two years later, though tens of thousands of votes remain uncounted. Democrats currently hold 45 of the California’s 53 House seats.
FIGHT FOR THE GOP HOMELAND
For decades Orange County was known as Republican holy ground, but a diversifying population brought political change. In 2018 the realignment became undeniable as Democrats seized the last four seats all or partly in the county in defeats, stunning Republicans.
This year, however, could deliver some swift reversals for the Democrats. Republican Michelle Steel opened up a slightly larger lead Friday over Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda in the coastal 48th District. She now holds about a 6,200-vote advantage and has been padding her edge daily.
Republican Young Kim lost a close race to Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in 2018. But this year she’s been narrowly ahead in their rematch in the 39th District that is divided among Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
She added to her lead Friday, and now holds a 2,600-vote cushion over her rival. Democrats attacked Kim, a former legislator who was born in South Korea and grew up in Guam, as a devoted Trump acolyte. Cisneros campaigned on improving health care.
CENTRAL VALLEY SHOWDOWN
Republican David Valadao lost his farm-belt 21st District seat to Democrat TJ Cox two years ago. But the former congressman has widened his lead by nearly 1,300 votes and now holds about a 4-point edge in their rematch this year.
Valadao endorsed Trump after withholding his backing in 2016 - a risk in a district the president lost by 15 points in 2016 - but he also emphasized he has broken with the White House at times, including criticizing the administration for family separations at the border.
A CONGRESSMAN RETURNS?
Republican former Rep. Darrell Issa was well known during his days on Capitol Hill for tormenting the Obama administration when he headed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee from 2011 to January 2015.
He didn’t run for re-election in 2018 when his San Diego County-based 49th District began tilting Democratic. But he’s back this year hoping to return to Capitol Hill in the more conservative neighboring 50th District that runs through the eastern part of the county.
It was held by Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter until he resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to a federal corruption charge. Results Friday showed Issa building his lead over Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar to more than 19,000 votes.
A FORMER FIGHTER PILOT HOPES TO HANG ON NEAR LA
Rep. Mike Garcia, a former Navy combat pilot and defense industry executive, easily won a special election in May to fill the vacant 25th District north of Los Angeles. His rematch with Democrat Christy Smith remains very close, though he’s now built a lead of over 400 votes.
The swing district anchored in Los Angeles County, which includes a slice of Ventura County that is home to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, was open after freshman Democrat Katie Hill resigned suddenly amid an ethics investigation.
It’s a Democratic-leaning district and it’s notable that Garcia’s gains Friday came in an updated count in Los Angeles County, where Democrats typically prosper. His stronghold of Ventura County did not update its vote tally.