On a local level I'm seriously hoping that Joe Arpaio is out of here. I'm not sure what the actual chances of that are, but we need a new sheriff, like now. Arpaio is such an a$$hat. Scaeagles? Opinion?

I think there's a good chance that AZ's marriage amendment, 102, will get defeated. It did two years ago, but it was by a narrow margin. Must we keep doing this every two years?

I'm voting no on payday loan reform. If it doesn't pass then in two years payday loans aren't allowed in the state anymore. Reform removes the sunset clause.

I don't remember the other initiatives off the top of my head. I'm not nearly as educated about local candidates as I should be.

Arpaio? Eh, I don't mind Arpaio.

Last poll I saw on 102 was support was up 49-40.

I don't know enough about the payday loan industry to cast an informed vote on this. I need to read up beyond the rhetoric.

As far as ballot initiatives, I'm with you. The stupid Diamondbacks stadium was voted down 273 times or some such thing before passing. Just keep slinging it out there with different wording and anything will eventually pass. Don't know what the answer is to that.

I doubt the high-speed rail will pass, though I voted for it. I think people in CA are just too nervous about trains now, especially here in SoCal. I hope people pass the additional funding for the CalVet loan programs, real estate can use all the help it can get, and this'll give veterans an opportunity to get in while prices are hard hit.

I'm afraid 8 might pass, although I do talk to a lot of people who plan to vote no, so hope remains high for an underground movement to tip the scales. I think it's important we all get out there and talk it up.

Are you new around here or what?

Not only would I not want either party having a super majority, I wish there was a way to prevent congress being controlled by the same party as what the President is. For example, if Obama wins, congress would have to be Republican controlled and if McCain wins, Congress would have to be Democratically controlled.

Yes, I know there is no way to make this happen, it is just what I wish for.

True that. Checks and balances and all.

I love the way they debate back and forth in each other's faces. It's intense and if you don't know what you're talking about, everyone knows it.

That sounds like many of the political threads here.

Hmm I learn something every day.

I thought you were a Bush supporter in '04.

Just goes to show one can never assume anything (or keep up with all of the thousands of posts... at least I can't).

I guess. Except I never claim to know a lot. I speak (type) with my heart and my gut. That's why I would make a terrible politician.
:D