via Dave McKinney and Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times In a huge win for gun-rights groups, a divided federal appeals court in Chicago Tuesday tossed the state’s ban on carrying concealed weapons and gave Illinois’ Legislature 180 days to craft a law legalizing concealed carry. “The debate is over. We won. And there will be a … Continue reading
via Scott Bauer, The Huffington Post A Wisconsin judge on Friday struck down nearly all of the state law championed by Gov. Scott Walker that effectively ended collective bargaining rights for most public workers. Walker’s administration immediately vowed to appeal, while unions, which have vigorously fought the law, declared victory. But what the ruling meant … Continue reading
via Michael Cooper, The New York Times How well the new health care law succeeds in covering millions of the poorest Americans will depend largely on undecided governors of both parties, who gathered here this weekend and spoke of the challenges of weighing the law’s costs and benefits in a highly charged political atmosphere and … Continue reading
via Norma Love, The Huffington Post New Hampshire lawmakers on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have made their state legislature the first one to repeal a gay marriage law, handing gay-rights supporters a key victory in the Northeast, where same-sex marriage is prevalent. The state House voted 211-116 to kill the measure, ending a … Continue reading
via Angela Delli Santi, The Huffington Post The New Jersey Assembly on Thursday passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriages, setting the stage for an expected veto by Gov. Chris Christie. The 41-33 vote sends the bill to Christie’s desk. The Republican governor who opposes gay marriage had promised “very swift action” if the bill passed … Continue reading
via The Huffington Post Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) said Thursday that he was offering gay marriage advocates the “bargain of their life” by working to have the issue of equal marriage rights decided through a referendum rather than supporting a bill in the state legislature that would legalize them. “I’ve called upon every Republican in … Continue reading
via Kristen McQueary, WBEZ Michele Piszczor is standing in the driveway of her Southwest Side home, pointing to a dent on the driver’s side door. “My driver door is basically dented in,” says Piszczor, pronounced PIZE-er. “There’s like a narrow mark here symbolizing maybe a narrow tube or a crow bar of essence that smashed … Continue reading
via Nick Visser, The Advocate Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said she wishes she had supported gay marriage years ago in a new interview with XM Satellite Radio’s Michelangelo Signorile. She also criticized New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s recent assertion that marriage equality be put on the ballot, rather than have state legislators decide the issue. … Continue reading
via Rachel La Corte, The Huffington Post The Washington state Senate is set to take a crucial vote Wednesday on a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill has narrow support in the Senate, but is expected to pass because supporters have secured 25 “yes” votes – the minimum required for approval. Five senators, two … Continue reading