November 4, 2008
State & Policy News
 After epic campaign, voters go to polls
Americans went to the polls on Tuesday to choose the next president of the United States, deciding whether Senator Barack Obama or Senator John McCain was better suited to guide the nation through an economic crisis at home and two wars abroad. New York Times Read the article.
New economic ills will force winner's hand
Big drop in auto sales, factory output worsen outlook on eve of election; calls for swift action to loom over next president. Wall Street Journal Read the article.
Nation watches as a divided California prepares to decide on same-sex marriage
Supporters and opponents have mounted a costly campaign over Proposition 8, which would amend state Constitution to ban gay marriage. Los Angeles Times Read the article.
Close gov races in NC, Wash., among 11 contests
Voters in 11 states were choosing governors Tuesday, deciding close contests in North Carolina and Washington as Republicans tried to chip away at the Democrats' slim majority of gubernatorial seats. The Associated Press in the Washington Post Read the article.
What to watch for as election returns come in
Some states, such as Ohio, Florida and Missouri, are perpetually under the microscope on election nights because neither party can count on winning them. USA Today Read the article.
Wanted: Next growth engine for US economy
With the US economy now in outright contraction, it's clear that steering a course through the credit crisis will set the stage for another big job after that: reviving growth. Christian Science Monitor Read the article.
Court weighs limits on drug suits
The National Conference of State Legislatures says they back Levine. They warned the justices of the enormous social costs to states of injured and uninsured people with no recourse in state courts for damages from manufacturers. Red Orbit Read the article.
Recession could sway voters on state tax referenda
Jennie Drage Bowser of the National Conference of State Legislatures said her research didn't indicate that voters generally were any more or less likely to approve tax-cutting ballot measures in weak economic times. Alibaba News Channel Read the article.
Citizens Coalition for Responsible Healthcare supports health reforms
"In general terms there clearly are precedents for states passing laws requiring some aspect of disclosure of pricing and cost for services," said Richard Cauchi, the health program director at the National Conference of State Legislatures. "There is sort of a range of specificity. Some require a report to the state, and some are making the information directly available to consumers." Roanoke Times Read the article.
Dems seek success in Washington, states
At the state level, Democrats have a 28-22 advantage in governorships and control 57 of the 98 chambers in 49 states, Tim Storey, an elections expert at the National Conference of State Legislatures said. United Press International Read the article.
Court weighs amputee's case, limits on drug suits
The National Conference of State Legislatures, siding with Levine, warned the court of the high social costs to states of injured and uninsured people with no recourse in state courts for damages from manufacturers. USA Today Read the article.
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