@knassre.bsky.social
Software engineer, electoral geography hobbyist, and puggle-lover.
Reposted
This absurdity was obvious even in 2016.
Republicans blocked Obama from filling Scalia’s vacant seat. Even John McCain said they should refuse to fill it if Clinton won, effectively reverse court-packing.
That same year, Republicans packed the state courts in Arizona and Georgia. Now it’s Utah too
Republicans blocked Obama from filling Scalia’s vacant seat. Even John McCain said they should refuse to fill it if Clinton won, effectively reverse court-packing.
That same year, Republicans packed the state courts in Arizona and Georgia. Now it’s Utah too
Pretty wild to me how many pundits and academics treated Republican opposition to the notion of Supreme Court expansion during the Biden administration as a serious, principled stance, as opposed to a position Republicans would obviously abandon the moment it became convenient
Republicans Love Supreme Court Expansion When It Gets Them What They Want
When it comes to state supreme courts, Republican politicians have been happy to add (or subtract) justices as they see fit.
ballsandstrikes.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:45 PM
This absurdity was obvious even in 2016.
Republicans blocked Obama from filling Scalia’s vacant seat. Even John McCain said they should refuse to fill it if Clinton won, effectively reverse court-packing.
That same year, Republicans packed the state courts in Arizona and Georgia. Now it’s Utah too
Republicans blocked Obama from filling Scalia’s vacant seat. Even John McCain said they should refuse to fill it if Clinton won, effectively reverse court-packing.
That same year, Republicans packed the state courts in Arizona and Georgia. Now it’s Utah too
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NEW: Abigail Spanberger this afternoon ordered that all state agencies leave ICE's 287(g) program.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
Virginia’s New Governor Ends ICE Program. Local Contracts Remain, For Now. - Bolts
Abigail Spanberger left the 287(g) program, which empowered state law enforcement to detain immigrants. Will Democrats also bar local police and sheriffs from the program?
boltsmag.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:36 PM
NEW: Abigail Spanberger this afternoon ordered that all state agencies leave ICE's 287(g) program.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
This means that the state police (and some other agencies) will no longer be empowered to detain and arrest people for ICE.
Big, big move by the governor within weeks of coming into office.
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Yeah, it may seem odd that Republicans in a super red state are struggling to collect signatures, but here's the thing: They're used to simply having the legislature refer stuff to the ballot for them. It's only progressives who've developed the skills needed for a tough task like this.
February 4, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Yeah, it may seem odd that Republicans in a super red state are struggling to collect signatures, but here's the thing: They're used to simply having the legislature refer stuff to the ballot for them. It's only progressives who've developed the skills needed for a tough task like this.
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Notably, this district went 55-45 for Trump in 2024. Particularly given New Hampshire's notorious fickleness, though, it's likely to swing back to the left this year.
The Laconia Daily Sun: Breaking news: Rep. David Nagel switches party affiliation to Democrat www.laconiadailysun.com/news/electio... #NHPolitics
February 4, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Notably, this district went 55-45 for Trump in 2024. Particularly given New Hampshire's notorious fickleness, though, it's likely to swing back to the left this year.
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‼️ When a judge struck down the proposed Virginia redistricting constitutional amendment last week, he cited violation of a statute that required notice of amendments to be posted. The state legislature just repealed that statute, potentially killing the most plausible argument that challengers had.
HB1384 repealing §30-13 retroactive to 1971 was just sent to the governor's desk:
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
lis.virginia.gov/bill-details...
February 4, 2026 at 11:12 PM
‼️ When a judge struck down the proposed Virginia redistricting constitutional amendment last week, he cited violation of a statute that required notice of amendments to be posted. The state legislature just repealed that statute, potentially killing the most plausible argument that challengers had.
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A bill banning ICE from setting up detention centers in New Mexico has cleared the legislature, and Dem Gov. Michelle Lujan has said she'll sign it. But three Dems in the state House voted against it. From @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/i...
February 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM
A bill banning ICE from setting up detention centers in New Mexico has cleared the legislature, and Dem Gov. Michelle Lujan has said she'll sign it. But three Dems in the state House voted against it. From @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/i...
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in real terms, #7 would give states leverage to put an end to surges, #8 would give states the ability to outright stop construction of new detention facilities, #1 and #6 would slow the rate at which DHS could train and deploy officers, #2 and #10 would likely shrink the pool of recruits
Schumer & Jeffries lay out the Democratic demands for a DHS funding deal in a letter to the top Republican leaders
February 5, 2026 at 3:18 AM
in real terms, #7 would give states leverage to put an end to surges, #8 would give states the ability to outright stop construction of new detention facilities, #1 and #6 would slow the rate at which DHS could train and deploy officers, #2 and #10 would likely shrink the pool of recruits
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He literally pulled a "you should smile more" IN RESPONSE TO AN EPSTEIN QUESTION.
KAITLAN COLLINS: What would say to Epstein survivo---
TRUMP: You are so bad. You are the worst report. No wonder CNN has no ratings. She's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile. They should be ashamed of you.
TRUMP: You are so bad. You are the worst report. No wonder CNN has no ratings. She's a young woman. I don't think I've ever seen you smile. They should be ashamed of you.
February 3, 2026 at 10:56 PM
He literally pulled a "you should smile more" IN RESPONSE TO AN EPSTEIN QUESTION.
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Several statewide Democrats will win reelection uncontested in New Mexico:
The New Mexico candidate filing deadline for statewide offices was today and it appears that Republicans didn't field candidates for both State Auditor & State Treasurer.
If true, then it'd be the first time a Democratic state office holder will win uncontested since 1990!
If true, then it'd be the first time a Democratic state office holder will win uncontested since 1990!
February 4, 2026 at 2:06 AM
Several statewide Democrats will win reelection uncontested in New Mexico:
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NEW: Maryland House Dems passed a new congressional map to flip District 1 & win all 8 seats in response to new GOP gerrymanders.
But Senate President Bill Ferguson opposes it—Gov. Moore & national Dems are urging him to change course.
Interactive map+data: davesredistricting.org/join/3dbd6a8...
But Senate President Bill Ferguson opposes it—Gov. Moore & national Dems are urging him to change course.
Interactive map+data: davesredistricting.org/join/3dbd6a8...
February 2, 2026 at 11:47 PM
NEW: Maryland House Dems passed a new congressional map to flip District 1 & win all 8 seats in response to new GOP gerrymanders.
But Senate President Bill Ferguson opposes it—Gov. Moore & national Dems are urging him to change course.
Interactive map+data: davesredistricting.org/join/3dbd6a8...
But Senate President Bill Ferguson opposes it—Gov. Moore & national Dems are urging him to change course.
Interactive map+data: davesredistricting.org/join/3dbd6a8...
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Olivia Dean: "I guess I want to say I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant, I wouldn't be here... I'm a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated"
February 2, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Olivia Dean: "I guess I want to say I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant, I wouldn't be here... I'm a product of bravery and I think those people deserve to be celebrated"
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well then it hasn’t been a very successful one
February 2, 2026 at 1:24 PM
well then it hasn’t been a very successful one
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Michiganders joined protesters in all 50 states this weekend to say one thing: ICE Out
February 2, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Michiganders joined protesters in all 50 states this weekend to say one thing: ICE Out
Reposted
Holy shit.
Texas State Senate District 9 Runoff 🔴➡️🔵flip.
Rehmet (D) 54,228 57.2%
Wambsgans (R) 40,570 42.8%
Trump carried this district by more than 17 points in 2024.
2022 Texas State Senate 9 Election Results
Hancock (R) 166,689 60.1%
Burud (D) 110,823 39.9%
Rehmet (D) 54,228 57.2%
Wambsgans (R) 40,570 42.8%
Trump carried this district by more than 17 points in 2024.
2022 Texas State Senate 9 Election Results
Hancock (R) 166,689 60.1%
Burud (D) 110,823 39.9%
February 1, 2026 at 5:40 AM
Holy shit.
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Sorry, y’all, it’s DEI Settlement now
This race was such a massive swing blowout that Democrat Taylor Rehmet literally won a city called White Settlement
February 1, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Sorry, y’all, it’s DEI Settlement now
Reposted
February is a time to honor the generations of Black Americans who fought, and continue to fight, against injustice to achieve equal rights.
May we reflect on our nation’s past as we continue working to build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals.
May we reflect on our nation’s past as we continue working to build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals.
February 2, 2026 at 3:18 AM
February is a time to honor the generations of Black Americans who fought, and continue to fight, against injustice to achieve equal rights.
May we reflect on our nation’s past as we continue working to build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals.
May we reflect on our nation’s past as we continue working to build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals.
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Trevor Noah: Nicki Minaj is not here. She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.
(Imitating Trump) Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest ass. I have it. Everybody's saying it, Nicki. I know they said you, but it's me. Wop wop wop. Look at it, look at it, baby
(Imitating Trump) Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest ass. I have it. Everybody's saying it, Nicki. I know they said you, but it's me. Wop wop wop. Look at it, look at it, baby
February 2, 2026 at 1:42 AM
Trevor Noah: Nicki Minaj is not here. She is still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues.
(Imitating Trump) Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest ass. I have it. Everybody's saying it, Nicki. I know they said you, but it's me. Wop wop wop. Look at it, look at it, baby
(Imitating Trump) Actually, Nicki, I have the biggest ass. I have it. Everybody's saying it, Nicki. I know they said you, but it's me. Wop wop wop. Look at it, look at it, baby
Reposted
Texas Senate District 9 over the years ⬇️
2022 ➡️ 🔴 Republican wins by 20 points
2024 ➡️ 🔴 Trump wins by 17 points
2026 ➡️ 🔵 Democrat wins by 14 points
We can compete and win anywhere. But we MUST show up and vote! TEXAS your primaries are on Tuesday, March 3!
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
2022 ➡️ 🔴 Republican wins by 20 points
2024 ➡️ 🔴 Trump wins by 17 points
2026 ➡️ 🔵 Democrat wins by 14 points
We can compete and win anywhere. But we MUST show up and vote! TEXAS your primaries are on Tuesday, March 3!
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
Democrat wins special election for red Texas Senate seat
With ballots tallied from all but a handful of voting centers, Rehmet had 57% of the vote, besting the 43% for his GOP opponent, Leigh Wambsganss, who had a massive spending advantage.
www.texastribune.org
February 1, 2026 at 12:56 PM
Texas Senate District 9 over the years ⬇️
2022 ➡️ 🔴 Republican wins by 20 points
2024 ➡️ 🔴 Trump wins by 17 points
2026 ➡️ 🔵 Democrat wins by 14 points
We can compete and win anywhere. But we MUST show up and vote! TEXAS your primaries are on Tuesday, March 3!
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
2022 ➡️ 🔴 Republican wins by 20 points
2024 ➡️ 🔴 Trump wins by 17 points
2026 ➡️ 🔵 Democrat wins by 14 points
We can compete and win anywhere. But we MUST show up and vote! TEXAS your primaries are on Tuesday, March 3!
www.texastribune.org/2026/01/30/t...
Reposted
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Oct 1, WaPo: sales for orchestra/theater/dance performances worst since pandemic
Jan 2, PBS: Kennedy Center faces artist cancellations, drop in sales after Trump's name added
Feb 1, Trump closes K. Center for 2 yrs “for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding”
Jan 2, PBS: Kennedy Center faces artist cancellations, drop in sales after Trump's name added
Feb 1, Trump closes K. Center for 2 yrs “for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding”
February 2, 2026 at 1:26 AM
Oct 1, WaPo: sales for orchestra/theater/dance performances worst since pandemic
Jan 2, PBS: Kennedy Center faces artist cancellations, drop in sales after Trump's name added
Feb 1, Trump closes K. Center for 2 yrs “for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding”
Jan 2, PBS: Kennedy Center faces artist cancellations, drop in sales after Trump's name added
Feb 1, Trump closes K. Center for 2 yrs “for Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding”
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Michelle Obama on people not voting:
“People think this is a game.”
Not voting for Kamala.
Not voting for Hillary.
Not voting in the midterms.
When you don’t show up for the midterms, it shows ignorance of how anything works, but you same non-voting people seem to have all the answers.
“People think this is a game.”
Not voting for Kamala.
Not voting for Hillary.
Not voting in the midterms.
When you don’t show up for the midterms, it shows ignorance of how anything works, but you same non-voting people seem to have all the answers.
January 31, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Michelle Obama on people not voting:
“People think this is a game.”
Not voting for Kamala.
Not voting for Hillary.
Not voting in the midterms.
When you don’t show up for the midterms, it shows ignorance of how anything works, but you same non-voting people seem to have all the answers.
“People think this is a game.”
Not voting for Kamala.
Not voting for Hillary.
Not voting in the midterms.
When you don’t show up for the midterms, it shows ignorance of how anything works, but you same non-voting people seem to have all the answers.
Reposted
This is why we run everywhere.
It’s quite literally my life’s work to support underfunded dems running in Red America. They speak truth to power, organize their communities, give voters a choice and a voice - and make progress.
And sometimes they show the whole country what’s possible. ✨
LFG. 💙
It’s quite literally my life’s work to support underfunded dems running in Red America. They speak truth to power, organize their communities, give voters a choice and a voice - and make progress.
And sometimes they show the whole country what’s possible. ✨
LFG. 💙
February 1, 2026 at 1:42 PM
This is why we run everywhere.
It’s quite literally my life’s work to support underfunded dems running in Red America. They speak truth to power, organize their communities, give voters a choice and a voice - and make progress.
And sometimes they show the whole country what’s possible. ✨
LFG. 💙
It’s quite literally my life’s work to support underfunded dems running in Red America. They speak truth to power, organize their communities, give voters a choice and a voice - and make progress.
And sometimes they show the whole country what’s possible. ✨
LFG. 💙
Reposted
The editors of The Nation magazine have formally nominated the city of Minneapolis and its residents for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
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February 1, 2026 at 9:53 PM
The editors of The Nation magazine have formally nominated the city of Minneapolis and its residents for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.
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