Become part of the movement for unbiased, accessible election information. Donate today.

State Legislative Tracker: Montana representative now running for U.S. Senate

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
SLP badge.png

Donate.png

August 25, 2014

Edited by Joel Williams
This week’s tracker includes a look at one Montana legislator's unlikely run for U.S. Senate.

Weekly highlight

Last week, North Carolina adjourned its legislative session. Here is a brief look at issues making headlines across the country:

  • Montana: First-term Rep. Amanda Curtis (D) spent her first week on the campaign trail after she was selected to replace an incumbent U.S. Senator in the November election for his seat. John Walsh (D) recently ended his bid for re-election following accusations of plagiarism on a research paper he wrote as a graduate student at the U.S. Army War College. Walsh had faced a considerable challenge from U.S. Rep. Steve Daines (R), who has raised over $4 million for his campaign.[1] Republicans were quick to jump on Curtis' progressive record, particularly her practice of video updates during the legislative session, releasing a compilation of statements from her YouTube channel shortly after her nomination. Curtis responded coolly to the GOP effort, calling her videos "the public record."[2] One of Curtis' videos received some notoriety last year when The Huffington Post reported that she strongly criticized 38 of her colleagues, all Republicans, for voting against a bill that struck down Montana's anti-sodomy law, which had been ruled unconstitutional over 15 years earlier. In the video, Curtis told of having to prevent herself from striking fellow Rep. Krayton Kerns (R) during debate on the bill.[3] Before she received the nod, Curtis pledged that she would not be "a sacrificial lamb," adding that "I'm going to win and I'm going to come out swinging for the fences and I believe this is a winnable campaign."[4] A poll released by Rasmussen Reports last Wednesday shows Curtis trailing Daines by 20 points.[5] If elected, Curtis, 34, would become the youngest member of the Senate and the second woman from Montana to be elected to Congress.[6]
  • North Carolina: On August 20, 2014, the North Carolina State Legislature adjourned its two-year session with the passing of the Coal Ash Management Act. The measure passed the Senate by a vote of 38 to 2, and the House by a vote of 84 to 13.[7] The approved legislation addressed the problem of coal ash ponds, which was first unmasked six months ago when a corroded pipe owned and operated by Duke Energy coated 70 miles of the Dan River in toxic sludge.[8][7] Under Senate Bill 729, Duke Energy will have until 2029 to close 33 coal ash ponds, although it can ask for extensions from a new commission being set up by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Duke Energy will also have five years to clean up of four of its 14 coal-fired power plants considered high-risk. The legislation overturned a recent Superior Court judge's decision that ruled that pollution at all coal ash sites had to be cleaned up immediately.[9] The bill now lets Duke Energy submit a plan and schedule to clean up the sites. One important point that the legislation does not define is who will pay for the clean up. The legislation has placed a temporary ban on Duke Energy from trying to raise consumers' rates, but the ban is only in place until January 2015. The legislature is expected to address this issue in the next legislative session.[7] The bill will now go before Gov. Pat McCrory (R) for approval. The legislature may have ended its session, but House Speaker Thom Tillis (R) has suggested that it is possible that McCrory could call a special session before the November election.[10]

Sessions

Regular sessions

Current sessions capture for the week of August 25, 2014
See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions
Click here to see a chart of each state's 2014 session information.

Currently 2 out of 50 state legislatures are meeting in regular session. One state, Ohio, is in Skeleton Session. A Skeleton Session typically includes very short nonvoting sessions instead of regular sessions with a full chamber.[11] California is holding a special session concurrent with its regular session.

The following states have adjourned their 2014 regular session:[12]


Special sessions

California

The California State Legislature is meeting in a special session concurrent with its regular session to discuss a proposal by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) to change the state's rainy day fund. Brown's proposal would require the state to save some of the revenue from capital gains taxes. He hopes to have his proposal approved by the legislature and on the 2014 ballot. California's rainy day fund has existed since 2004 but has been empty for a majority of that time.[13]

In recess

As of today, August 25, there are five state legislatures currently in recess:[14]

2014 Legislative Elections

See also: State legislative elections, 2014

A total of 87 of the 99 chambers will hold state legislative elections on November 4, 2014.

The 87 chambers with elections in 2014 are in 46 states. They are:

The Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico and South Carolina senates also typically hold elections in even years. However, senators are elected to 4-year terms in those states and those will not be up for election again until 2016.

1,097 of the country's 1,972 state senate seats are up for re-election in November 2014, and 4,958 of the country's 5,411 state house seats are up for re-election. Altogether, 6,055 of the country's 7,383 state legislative seats are up for re-election on November 4, 2014.

Primary Information

See also: Signature requirements and deadlines for 2014 state legislative elections

The state legislative filing deadlines and primary dates are as follows:

Note: Ballot access is a complicated issue. The dates in the table below are primarily for candidates filing for access to the primary. For more detailed information about each state's qualification requirements -- including all relevant ballot access dates for the primary and general election -- click to our detailed pages in the state column.

2014 State Legislative Primary Information
State Filing Deadline Primary Date Days from Deadline to Primary
Alabama Red padlock.png 2/7/2014 Red padlock.png 6/3/2014 116
Alaska Red padlock.png 6/2/2014[15] Red padlock.png 8/19/2014 78
Arizona Red padlock.png 5/28/2014[16] Red padlock.png 8/26/2014 90
Arkansas Red padlock.png 3/3/2014[17][18] Red padlock.png 5/20/2014 78
California Red padlock.png 3/7/2014[19][20][21] Red padlock.png 6/3/2014 88
Colorado Red padlock.png 3/31/2014[22][23] Red padlock.png 6/24/2014 85
Connecticut Red padlock.png 6/10/2014[24] Red padlock.png 8/12/2014 90
Delaware Red padlock.png 7/8/2014 Red padlock.png 9/9/2014 63
Florida Red padlock.png 6/20/2014[25][26] Red padlock.png 8/26/2014 67
Georgia Red padlock.png 3/7/2014 Red padlock.png 5/20/2014 74
Hawaii Red padlock.png 6/3/2014[27] Red padlock.png 8/9/2014 67
Idaho Red padlock.png 3/14/2014 Red padlock.png 5/20/2014 78
Illinois Red padlock.png 12/2/2013 Red padlock.png 3/18/2014 106
Indiana Red padlock.png 2/7/2014 Red padlock.png 5/6/2014 88
Iowa Red padlock.png 3/14/2014 Red padlock.png 6/3/2014 81
Kansas Red padlock.png 6/2/2014 Red padlock.png 8/5/2014 65
Kentucky Red padlock.png 1/28/2014[28][29] Red padlock.png 5/20/2014 112
Maine Red padlock.png 3/17/2014[30] Red padlock.png 6/10/2014 85
Maryland Red padlock.png 2/25/2014[31] Red padlock.png 6/24/2014 119
Massachusetts Red padlock.png 6/3/2014[32] Red padlock.png 9/9/2014 98
Michigan Red padlock.png 4/22/2014 Red padlock.png 8/5/2014 105
Minnesota Red padlock.png 6/3/2014 Red padlock.png 8/12/2014 70
Missouri Red padlock.png 3/25/2014 Red padlock.png 8/5/2014 133
Montana Red padlock.png 3/10/2014 Red padlock.png 6/3/2014 85
Nebraska Red padlock.png 3/3/2014[33] Red padlock.png 5/13/2014 85
Nevada Red padlock.png 3/14/2014 Red padlock.png 6/10/2014 88
New Hampshire Red padlock.png 6/13/2014 Red padlock.png 9/9/2014 88
New Mexico Red padlock.png 2/4/2014 Red padlock.png 6/3/2014 119
New York Red padlock.png 7/10/2014 Red padlock.png 9/9/2014 61
North Carolina Red padlock.png 2/28/2014 Red padlock.png 5/6/2014 67
North Dakota Red padlock.png 4/7/2014 Red padlock.png 6/10/2014 64
Ohio Red padlock.png 2/5/2014 Red padlock.png 5/6/2014 90
Oklahoma Red padlock.png 4/11/2014 Red padlock.png 6/24/2014 74
Oregon Red padlock.png 3/11/2014 Red padlock.png 5/20/2014 70
Pennsylvania Red padlock.png 3/11/2014 Red padlock.png 5/20/2014 70
Rhode Island Red padlock.png 6/25/2014 Red padlock.png 9/9/2014 76
South Carolina Red padlock.png 3/30/2014 Red padlock.png 6/10/2014 72
South Dakota Red padlock.png 3/25/2014 Red padlock.png 6/3/2014 70
Tennessee Red padlock.png 4/3/2014 Red padlock.png 8/7/2014 126
Texas Red padlock.png 12/9/2013 Red padlock.png 3/4/2014 85
Utah Red padlock.png 3/20/2014 Red padlock.png 6/24/2014 96
Vermont Red padlock.png 6/12/2014 Red padlock.png 8/26/2014 75
Washington Red padlock.png 5/17/2014 Red padlock.png 8/5/2014 80
West Virginia Red padlock.png 1/25/2014 Red padlock.png 5/13/2014 108
Wisconsin Red padlock.png 6/2/2014 Red padlock.png 8/12/2014 71
Wyoming Red padlock.png 5/30/2014 Red padlock.png 8/19/2014 81


Special Elections

SLP badge.png
See also: State legislative special elections, 2014

There are no special elections scheduled this week. The next special election will take place on September 9 in Texas.

Texas State Senate District 28

See also: Texas state legislative special elections, 2014

Charles Perry (R) defeated Greg Wortham (D), Jodey Arrington (R), E.M. Garza (R), Delwin Jones (R) and Kerry Douglas McKennon (L) in the special election on September 9.[34][35][36]

The seat was vacant following Robert Duncan's (R) resignation on July 3, 2014, to become Chancellor of Texas Tech University.[37]

A special election for the position of Texas State Senate District 28 was called for September 9, 2014. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was August 1, 2014.[38]

Texas State Senate, District 28, Special Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngCharles Perry 53.4% 22,860
     Republican Jodey Arrington 30.3% 12,958
     Democratic Greg Wortham 13.1% 5,616
     Republican Delwin Jones 1.6% 677
     Libertarian Kerry Douglas McKennon 0.8% 358
     Republican E.M. Garza 0.8% 347
Total Votes 42,816
September 9 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Greg Wortham
Republican Party Jodey Arrington
Republican Party E.M. Garza
Republican Party Delwin Jones
Republican Party Charles Perry
Libertarian Party Kerry Douglas McKennon

Recent election results

August 19, 2014

☑ Virginia State Senate District 38

See also: Virginia state legislative special elections, 2014

A. Benton Chafin (R) defeated Mike Hymes (D) and Rick A. Mullins (I) in the special election, which took place on August 19.[34][35]

This special election was particularly important because it determined which party controlled the chamber. The seat was vacant following Phillip Puckett's (D) resignation on June 9, 2014.[39]

A special election for the position of Virginia State Senate District 38 was called for August 19, 2014. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 20. Candidates were chosen by the parties rather than through a primary.[40][41]

Virginia State Senate, District 38, Special Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngA. Benton Chafin 59.6% 17,496
     Democratic Mike Hymes 31.8% 9,354
     Independent Rick A. Mullins 8.6% 2,517
     N/A Write-in 0% 13
Total Votes 29,380
August 19 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Mike Hymes
Republican Party A. Benton Chafin Approveda
Grey.png Rick A. Mullins

☑ Virginia House of Delegates District 48

See also: Virginia state legislative special elections, 2014

R.C. Sullivan, Jr. (D) defeated David M. Foster (R) in the special election, which took place on August 19.[34][35]

The seat was vacant following Bob Brink's (D) resignation on June 30 to accept the position of Deputy Commissioner for Aging Services.[42]

A special election for the position of Virginia House of Delegates District 48 was called for August 19, 2014. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was July 7.[43] Candidates were chosen by the parties rather than through a primary.

Virginia House of Delegates, District 48, Special Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngR.C. Sullivan, Jr. 62.2% 5,978
     Republican David M. Foster 37.7% 3,621
     N/A Write-in 0.1% 8
Total Votes 9,607
August 19 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party R.C. Sullivan, Jr. Approveda
Republican Party David M. Foster

☑ Virginia House of Delegates District 90

See also: Virginia state legislative special elections, 2014

Joseph C. Lindsey (D) defeated Marcus A. Calabrese (R) in the special election, which took place on August 19.[34][35]

The seat was vacant following Algie Howell's (D) retirement on June 30.[44]

A special election for the position of Virginia House of Delegates District 90 was called for August 19, 2014. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was July 7.[45] Candidates were chosen by the parties rather than through a primary.

Virginia House of Delegates, District 90, Special Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngJoseph C. Lindsey 80.4% 1,736
     Republican Marcus A. Calabrese 19.3% 416
     N/A Write-in 0.3% 6
Total Votes 2,158
August 19 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Joseph C. Lindsey Approveda
Republican Party Marcus A. Calabrese

Looking ahead

Upcoming special elections include:

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Associated Press, "Montana Democrats select Amanda Curtis as new Senate candidate," August 16, 2014
  2. ↑ Ravalli Republic, "'Anarchist at heart': Curtis says she's not worried about videos," August 18, 2014
  3. ↑ The Huffington Post, "Amanda Curtis, Montana Democrat, Calls Out GOP Colleagues For Opposing Repeal Of Anti-Gay Law," April 9, 2013
  4. ↑ The Montana Standard, "Who is Amanda Curtis?" August 15, 2014
  5. ↑ Rasmussen Reports, "Election 2014: Montana Senate," August 20, 2014
  6. ↑ The Washington Post, "Meet Amanda Curtis. She’s a gun control-supporting vlogger. She’s also the Democratic Senate nominee in Montana." August 19, 2014
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 News Observer, "NC lawmakers pass coal ash legislation; adjourn very long short session," August 20, 2014
  8. ↑ Wscotv.com, "NC lawmakers approve bill to regulate toxic coal ash," August 20, 2014
  9. ↑ Think Progress, "North Carolina Lawmakers Pass Coal Ash Bill, Set Loose Timeline For Cleanup," August 21, 2014
  10. ↑ Wcti12.com, "NC legislature wraps up two year session," August 20, 2014
  11. ↑ Cleveland.com, "Ohio's 2014 legislative calendar will be crammed with election-year politicking and backroom pleading: Thomas Suddes," December 15, 2013
  12. ↑ Stateside Associates, " Session Calendar 2014," accessed August 25, 2014
  13. ↑ Los Angeles Times, "Jerry Brown calls legislative special session to debate reserve plan," April 16, 2014
  14. ↑ StateNet, " Daily Session Summary," accessed August 25, 2014
  15. ↑ Alaska Statutes, "Section 15.25, Nomination of Candidates," accessed October 31, 2013
  16. ↑ Secretary of State Website, "2014 Election Important Dates," accessed November 4, 2013
  17. ↑ Running for Public Office, "A 'Plain English' Handbook for Candidates," 2012 Edition, accessed October 21, 2013 (dead link)
  18. ↑ Arkansas Code of 1987, "Title 7, Elections," accessed October 30, 2013
  19. ↑ Summary of Qualifications and Requirements for the Office of State Senator, Member of the Assembly, "June 3, 2014, Primary Election," accessed October 21, 2013
  20. ↑ California Elections Code, "Section 8100-8107," accessed October 28, 2013
  21. ↑ California Secretary of State Website, "Key Dates and Deadlines," accessed October 21, 2013
  22. ↑ Colorado Secretary of State Website, "Major Political Parties FAQs," accessed October 31, 2013
  23. ↑ Colorado Revised Statutes, "Title 1, Elections," accessed October 31, 2013
  24. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of State Website, "Frequently Asked Questions, Nominating Papers," accessed October 31, 2013
  25. ↑ Florida Department of State Division of Elections, "2013-2014 Dates to Remember," accessed November 6, 2013
  26. ↑ 2013 Florida Statutes, "Section 99.061," accessed December 2, 2014
  27. ↑ Hawaii State Legislature, "HRS §12-6 Nomination papers: time for filing; fees", accessed May 22, 2013
  28. ↑ 2014 Kentucky Election Calendar, accessed November 12, 2013
  29. ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections "Candidate Qualifications and Filing Fees" accessed November 26, 2011
  30. ↑ Maine Secretary of State "State of Maine 2014 Candidate's Guide to Ballot Access," accessed February 11, 2014
  31. ↑ The State Board of Elections, "Candidacy," accessed November 5, 2013
  32. ↑ 2014 Massachusetts State Primary and State Election Schedule, accessed December 2, 2013
  33. ↑ Official Election Calendar for the State of Nebraska, accessed November 18, 2014
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 Texas Secretary of State, "Official candidate list," accessed August 7, 2014 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 Texas Tribune, "Perry Wins Special Election for Senate Seat," September 9, 2014 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content
  36. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Official special election results," accessed September 30, 2014
  37. ↑ Burnt Orange Report, "Sen. Robert Duncan (R) to Resign from Texas Senate, Become Chancellor of Texas Tech," May 20, 2014
  38. ↑ My Fox Lubbock, "Gov. Perry sets date for special election in Dist. 28 Senate seat," July 22, 2014
  39. ↑ WJLA, "Phil Puckett, Virginia senator, announces his resignation," June 9, 2014
  40. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "4 now seeking party nod for state Senate seat with NRV corner," June 17, 2014
  41. ↑ Washington Post, "Republicans select Del. Ben Chafin to run for Phillip Puckett’s Virginia Senate seat," June 20, 2014
  42. ↑ ARLnow, "Del. Bob Brink Retiring to Join McAuliffe Administration," June 27, 2014
  43. ↑ Washington Post, "August special elections set for 2 Va. House seats," July 1, 2014
  44. ↑ wavy.com, "Norfolk Delegate Algie Howell to resign," June 27, 2014
  45. ↑ Washington Post, "August special elections set for 2 Va. House seats," July 1, 2014
Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=State_Legislative_Tracker:_Montana_representative_now_running_for_U.S._Senate&oldid=8455177"