The RP’s Weekly Web Gems – The Politics of the States

It’s a bit unusual for this blog, but we’re going to start off with some (relatively) good news. This past Tuesday, the state of Colorado’s congressional delegation jointly introduced a resolution to honor the victims of last week’s shooting in Aurora, Colo. In response, the House of Representatives held a moment of silence for the victims. H. Con. Res. 134, “condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous atrocities that occurred in Aurora, Colorado,” was introduced by Rep. Ed Perlmutter, who represents Aurora, and cosponsored by Colorado’s 6 other Representatives. [The Denver Post]

Remember the California Assembly candidate who promised to support his opponent if she was the top-finishing Republican in June’s primary? Turns out not so much. Andy Pugno finished second in the June 5 primary for the suburban Sacramento seat, coming in behind incumbent Assemblywoman Beth Gaines. Now, Pugno is sending out fundraising emails that urge his supporters to oppose “the ultra-liberal special interests [that] will come out again in force” and saying publicly that people have urged him to continue his campaign. [Sacramento Bee]

Proponents of a constitutional amendment in Ohio that would radically change the redistricting process face a major uphill battle. Voters First, an organization seeking to replace the current legislature-directed process with one that tasks a citizens’ board with drawing new lines. The movement, which follows in the footsteps of states like California, Arizona, and New Jersey, needs to gather some 130,000 signature by Saturday, July 28th to qualify for consideration. Voters First has already fallen short in its first push for signatures, failing to meet the minimum of 385,000. [Columbus Dispatch]

Florida may get legalized gambling yet if Malaysian gaming giant Genting gets its way. The Asian conglomerate has spent $1.3 million this year lobbying to build a mega-resort in Miami. The money is split between donations to Florida politicians (both Republicans and Democrats), in an effort to get the legislature to reconsider its position, and a signature drive for a ballot initiative to bypass the legislature. [Miami Herald]