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Despite the efforts of the Romney campaign and media treatment of the Republican nominating process as all but wrapped up in his favor, the reality is the GOP race continues on for several reasons. There remains a substantial and meritorious challenge to Gov. Romney receiving 50 delegates from Florida and 29 delegates from Arizona, based on the systems that those states used to award delegate. Both basically used winner-take-all rules, in a violation of RNC policy. It's a view shared by Michael

The US Supreme Court will hold hearings this week on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Obama’s health care plan. The lawsuit was filed by twenty six states, four small business owners, and the proudly ferocious National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB.)  The lawsuit contends the federal government does not have the authority to order people and businesses to buy health insurance (and face fines if they don’t.)  The hearings will surely be closely watched. Indeed, the future

Voters in Florida flocked to the polls yesterday to participate in the Florida primary election. With 29 electoral votes, 50 delegates up for grabs, and as host of the Republican National Convention in August, Florida's political significance is obvious. Despite its political significance, however, voter turnout yesterday was down 14% since 2008. Here are the final results of yesterday's primary election: Mitt Romney: 46.4%, Newt Gingrich: 31.9%, Rick Santorum: 13.4%, Ron Paul: 7%, Other: 1.3%

Although California has slipped from the top spot of providing the most cold-weather farmers' markets, USDA statistics reveal that the Golden State maintains its leading role in the local food movement by having the second highest number of winter markets for direct farm-to-consumer sales. According to the Agriculture Department’s updated National Farmers Market Directory, there are 7,222 U.S. farmers' markets. About 83 percent of these venues are only open during spring and summer months, but

Voter turnout in the United States is disturbingly low. In the 2008 presidential election, voter turnout was higher than it had been in a generation, but barely 60% of eligible voters bothered to cast a ballot. In non-presidential election years, the numbers are even worse, with over 60% of eligible voters opting not to vote. Given these dismal numbers, one would think that states across the country would seek to implement policies that would encourage participation in the electoral process. Ins

Last night, the GOP candidates participated in yet another Republican Presidential Debate, marking the second and final debate before the Florida primary. While the debate became heated between candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul also had their moments in what the Washington Times described as "a dignified discussion worthy of selecting the next President of the United States." Below is a summary of the candidates' most defining moments in the debate. On the cam

After a hectic weekend in South Carolina, the candidates start their campaigning in Florida with another Presidential Debate tonight, hosted by NBC. For a recap of the South Carolina Primary results: Newt Gingrich: 40.4%, Mitt Romney: 27.8%, Rick Santorum: 17%, Ron Paul: 13%, and Other: 1.4% What's more important than these percentages, however, is the actual numbers of delegates distributed in South Carolina. Of the 25 delegates up for grabs, Gingrich won 23, bringing his total number of dele

Supporters of independent and third party candidates have long decried the draconian laws regulating ballot access in states across the country.  They have argued that the ballot access system, which has been constructed by Democratic and Republican lawmakers over the last century, deprives voters of choice, unreasonably burdens upstart candidates for public office, and insulates entrenched incumbents from political competition. Virginia's ballot access laws are so restrictive that the majority

The average age of farmers and ranchers in America is increasing, and rural populations are in decline. This is why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is acting to plant a new crop of much needed agricultural producers here in California and across the nation. Last week, Ag Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced this year's winners of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) 'Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program' (BFRDP). According to a NIFA news release, a tota

Bank of America may have tipped the scales toward a true movement of independence in 21st century America.  By announcing that it would charge $5 per month for use of a debit card beginning early next year, the bank has single-handedly dumped a new inflationary burden onto many Americans who shop for items such as groceries and clothing using their debit cards.  And the bank is doing so just at the time when Americans can least afford it – with the economy teetering on the edge of yet another re