Ethan Rice – Page 3 – Ballotpedia News

October 6, 2022 at 6:03 PM

Incumbent Michael L. Fitzgerald (D) and Roby Smith (R) are running for Iowa treasurer on Nov. 8, 2022.

Fitzgerald has served as Iowa treasurer of state since 1983. Before taking office, Fitzgerald worked as a marketing analyst for Massey Ferguson Company. Fitzgerald said, “In times like today, there is no question that experience counts. Through my leadership, I will continue to promote fair government and safe financial strategies.”

Smith has represented Iowa Senate District 47 since 2011. Smith also worked as a banker and small business owner. According to his campaign website, Smith has “never missed a single vote from the floor of the Iowa Senate in eleven years” and “will bring that same dedication and work ethic to the State Treasurer’s office, where he will show up every day ready to work for Iowa’s taxpayers.”

The Iowa Capital Dispatch‘s Kate Kealy said, “If elected as state treasurer, former Republican state Sen. Roby Smith would use the position to prevent federal overreach and ensure Iowa tax dollars don’t aid terrorist organizations, his campaign states. Democratic incumbent Michael Fitzgerald said he hopes to continue building on programs he implemented during his time as the longest-serving state treasurer in the nation.”

Fitzgerald said Iowa should establish a state retirement program for Iowans with no retirement plans through their employer and said the state should protect state pension funds. “With half the people in Iowa approaching retirement age with no pension or retirement benefits, I think it’s a serious problem,” Fitzgerald said. In September 2022, Fitzgerald also announced a $10 million investment in Israel Bonds through the Development Corporation for Israel.

Smith emphasized financial privacy, saying, “Iowa needs a treasurer who understands the challenges of the 21st century and is willing to protect Iowans from a Biden administration that is determined to invade our financial privacy.” Smith also highlighted his support of tax reforms and financial literacy programs while a member of the Iowa Senate.

In the 2018 election, Fitzgerald defeated Jeremy Davis (R) with 55%-43%.

The Iowa treasurer is the state’s chief financial officer. The treasurer is elected to serve a four-year term concurrent with the governor’s term. The Iowa Treasurer’s Office maintains state funds and acts as the state’s bank. The main duties of the office include receiving and distributing state funds, investing state money, maintaining state accounts, and coordinating financial planning.

Incumbent Rob Sand and Todd Halbur running for Iowa state auditor on Nov. 8

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

October 6, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Incumbent Rob Sand (D) and Todd Halbur (R) are running for Iowa state auditor on Nov. 8, 2022.

Sand has been the Iowa auditor of state since 2019. Sand also served as assistant attorney general under Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller (D). On his campaign website, Sand said he has been non-partisan as auditor: “[Sand] defends the other party from unfair or untruthful attacks, while also criticizing his own party even when he doesn’t have to.” Sand also highlighted his record as auditor, saying he “has identified more waste, fraud, and abuse than any other single term from any other State Auditor.”

Halbur’s professional experience includes working in the banking and finance industry and as a real estate agent. He was also the former CFO of the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division. Halbur said he is “a fiscal conservative focused on protecting Iowa’s Taxpayer dollars by following the rule of law instead of being a politician. I will operate the Auditor’s office with integrity, accountability and openness.” Halbur emphasized his professional background, saying, “Iowa needs an Auditor with the financial background and qualifications I have from my previous positions in the banking industry and as a CFO.”

The Iowa Capital Dispatch‘s Kate Kealey described the race as follows: “In the race for state auditor, Democratic incumbent Rob Sand promises voters he will remain committed to serving as the taxpayers’ watchdog, while Republican opponent Todd Halbur believes the job should be separate from partisan disputes.”

In the 2018 election, Sand defeated incumbent Mary Mosiman (R) 51%-46%. Before Sand’s election, Iowa had had a Republican state auditor since 1939.

The auditor is responsible for audits of counties, cities, school districts, and other governmental offices and is required to provide guidelines to CPA firms performing such audits.

Three candidates running for Kansas state treasurer on Nov. 8

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

October 4, 2022 at 5:41 PM

Incumbent Lynn Rogers (D), Steven C. Johnson (R), and Steve Roberts (L) are running for Kansas treasurer on Nov. 8, 2022. Rogers and Johnson have led in fundraising and media attention.

Gov. Laura Kelly (D) appointed Rogers Kansas treasurer in 2020, and he assumed office in Jan. 2021. He was the lieutenant governor of Kansas from 2019 to 2021 and represented Kansas State Senate District 25 from 2016 to 2019. Rogers’ career experience includes working as an agriculture banker. Rogers described himself as “a commonsense leader who has a passion for education and improving the lives of average Kansas families” and said he had “a proven track record of working to solve problems for Kansans by finding bipartisan solutions.” Rogers emphasized his experience managing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS), saying, “We put $1.8 million back to our beneficiaries and we want to make sure that we continue to do that.”

Johnson has represented Kansas House of Representatives District 108 since 2010. His professional experience includes working for Ameriprise, a financial services firm, and agricultural nonprofits the K-State Foundation and the Kansas 4-H Foundation. On Johnson’s campaign website, he emphasized government efficiency, saying, “I’m always looking for ways to increase efficiency and eliminate waste. As Treasurer I’ll look out for taxpayers and work hard to stop wasteful government spending.” Johnson also said “eliminating woke ESG investment strategies” was one of his top priorities because “ESG funds only invest in companies based on their environmental and corporate policies, making returns on investment a secondary concern.”

In the 2018 election, Jacob LaTurner (R) defeated Marci Francisco (D) 57.7%-42.3%. LaTurner left office after being elected to represent Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District in 2020. Before Rogers, the last Democratic state treasurer in Kansas was Dennis McKinney (D), who served from 2009-2011.

According to the official website, the treasurer “ensures safe and efficient operation of state government through effective banking, investment, and cash management. In short, the State Treasurer is the Chief Banker of the State.” The treasurer is also a board trustee of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, a member of the Pooled Money Investment Board, and a member of the Committee on Surety Bonds and Insurance.

Three candidates running for Missouri state auditor in November

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

October 4, 2022 at 5:29 PM

Alan Green (D), Scott Fitzpatrick (R), and John Hartwig (L) are running for Missouri state auditor on Nov. 8, 2022. Green and Fitzpatrick have led in fundraising and polling. Incumbent Nicole Galloway (D) announced in June 2021 that she would not seek re-election.

Green was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 67 from 2014 to 2021. He served as director of the Missouri Office of Equal Opportunity and advisor to two St. Louis County officials. Green also worked as a police officer, CFO, and minister. On his campaign website, Green emphasized whistleblower protection and transparency, saying, “I will advocate for stronger legislation to protect and stand up for whistleblowers” and “[w]ork to make sure that all allocated public dollars are used for the purposes and areas intended instead of being diverted for pet projects.”

Alan Green (D), Scott Fitzpatrick (R), and John Hartwig (L) are running for Missouri state auditor on Nov. 8, 2022. Green and Fitzpatrick have led in fundraising and polling. Incumbent Nicole Galloway (D) announced in June 2021 that she would not seek re-election.

Green was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 67 from 2014 to 2021. He served as director of the Missouri Office of Equal Opportunity and advisor to two St. Louis County officials. Green also worked as a police officer, CFO, and minister. On his campaign website, Green emphasized whistleblower protection and transparency, saying, “I will advocate for stronger legislation to protect and stand up for whistleblowers” and “[w]ork to make sure that all allocated public dollars are used for the purposes and areas intended instead of being diverted for pet projects.”

Fitzpatrick was elected Missouri treasurer in 2019 and was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 158 from 2013 to 2019. His professional experience included founding and operating MariCorp United States. Fitzpatrick focused on issues of government waste and corruption, saying, “Where waste, fraud, and abuse occur, I will find it and root it out,” and “you can trust me to give you the facts, fight for reforms wherever they are needed, and not cave to pressure from lobbyists or special interest groups when those facts show they are benefiting from sweetheart deals at your expense.”

At the time of the election, the auditor was the only statewide office held by a Democrat.

The office of state auditor acts as Missouri’s independent oversight agency, working to ensure the proper use of public funds and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Missouri government. This is achieved through auditing of state agencies, boards and commissions, the circuit court system, the counties in Missouri that do not have a county auditor and other political subdivisions upon request.

Fitzpatrick was elected Missouri treasurer in 2019 and was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 158 from 2013 to 2019. His professional experience included founding and operating MariCorp United States. Fitzpatrick focused on issues of government waste and corruption, saying, “Where waste, fraud, and abuse occur, I will find it and root it out,” and “you can trust me to give you the facts, fight for reforms wherever they are needed, and not cave to pressure from lobbyists or special interest groups when those facts show they are benefiting from sweetheart deals at your expense.”

At the time of the election, the auditor was the only statewide office held by a Democrat. Galloway was appointed state auditor by Gov. Jay Nixon (D) on April 14, 2015, and took office April 27. She was re-elected in 2018, when she defeated Republican incumbent 50.4%-44.6%.

The Office of state auditor acts as Missouri’s independent oversight agency, working to ensure the proper use of public funds and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Missouri government. This is achieved through auditing of state agencies, boards and commissions, the circuit court system, the counties in Missouri that do not have a county auditor and other political subdivisions upon request.

Three candidates running for Colorado treasurer on Nov. 8

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

October 4, 2022 at 5:22 PM

Incumbent Dave Young (D), Lang Sias (R), and Anthony Delgado (L) are running for Colorado treasurer on Nov. 8, 2022.

Young was elected treasurer in 2018 and served in the Colorado House of Representatives, representing District 50 from 2011 to 2019. Young’s professional experience includes working as an instructor at Heath Junior High in Greeley, an information architect for a web design firm, and an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado, Denver. Young’s campaign website emphasized his experience as treasurer, stating Young “identified funding that was used to make $2.4 billion in infrastructure improvements” and “set-up a new, $250 million small business loan program to help Colorado grow and recover into a strong economy.”

Sias was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, representing District 27 from 2015 to 2019. He also ran on a joint ticket with the gubernatorial nominee Walker Stapleton (R) in 2018. Sias’ career experience includes serving as a U.S. Navy and Air National Guard fighter pilot and working as an attorney. Sias said, “I’m running for Colorado State Treasurer because Colorado families and taxpayers deserve a champion for transparency and accountability.” Sias also highlighted his experience in the state House, saying he “focused on solving problems in the areas of education, health care, and small business, and on government transparency and accountability.”

In 2018, Young defeated Brian Watson (R) 52.2%-44.9%. Walker Stapleton (R) was the Colorado treasurer before Young. Stapleton served from 2011 to 2019.

The treasurer oversees the Department of the Treasury, which acts as the state government’s bank. The treasury receives all revenues (taxes, fees, etc.), manages the state’s investment funds, and disburses money based on warrants (checks) drawn against the treasury. Treasurers are elected to four-year terms in federal midterm election years.

Cohen, Chen running for California controller in November

By Ethan Rice

In State

October 3, 2022 at 6:51 PM

Malia Cohen (D) and Lanhee Chen (R) are running for California controller on Nov. 8, 2022. Incumbent Betty Yee (D) was not able to file for re-election due to term limits.

Cohen was elected to the California State Board of Equalization in 2018, representing District 2. Her professional experience includes working for Power Forward Consulting and the Corporate Strategy and Communications team for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Cohen said she would “ensure that addressing equity is a cornerstone priority of her office,” and “continue to focus on job creation and job training, prioritizing communities of color and low-income communities that have endured long-term disinvestment.”

Chen’s career experience includes working as a Stanford University professor and researcher at the Hoover Institution. Chen was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2013 to serve as a member of the Social Security Advisory Board. Chen said, “For too long, the Controller has been a Sacramento insider, valuing partisanship over competence,” adding, “We need a check on the Sacramento politicians who spend first and ask questions later.”

California has had a Democratic controller since 1975. In the 2018 election, Yee defeated Konstantinos Roditis (R) 65.5%-34.5%.

The controller serves on the Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board. The areas of government audited and reviewed by the controller include school districts, the California State Lottery, oil and gas lease royalties, state agencies, and a multitude of local governments.

Incumbent Sen. Rubio (R) Demings (D), and seven others running for U.S. Senate in Florida on Nov. 8

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

August 25, 2022 at 5:41 PM

Incumbent Marco Rubio (R), Val Demings (D), and seven other candidates are running in the general election for U.S. Senate in Florida on November 8, 2022.

The Hill‘s Caroline Vakil said, “Florida’s Senate race is considered one of the most competitive this November.” In 2018, the last U.S. Senate race in the state before this one, Rick Scott (R) defeated incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson (D) by 0.2 percentage points. In 2016, incumbent Marco Rubio won re-election by a margin of 7.7 percentage points.

Rubio was first elected to the Senate in 2010 to replace retiring incumbent Mel Martinez (R). In the general election, Rubio defeated Kendrick B. Meek (D) and Gov. Charlie Crist (I). Rubio was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008, serving as majority leader from 2003 to 2006 and House speaker from 2006 to 2008. Rubio has emphasized his Senate career; according to his campaign website, “As a U.S. Senator, Marco has advanced commonsense, conservative ideas that address the issues Americans face.”

Demings has represented Florida’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2017. During her time in Congress, Demings has served on the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Prior to her time in office, Demings worked in law enforcement for nearly three decades. From 2007 to 2012, she served as the chief of police in Orlando, Florida. Demings said she is “running for U.S. Senate to fight for every Floridian to have that same opportunity to live the American Dream.”

Dennis Misigoy (L), Steven B. Grant, Tuan Nguyen, Uloma Ekpete, Edward A. Gray, Howard Knepper, and Moses Quiles are also running

The two most recent presidential elections in Florida were both decided by less than 4 percentage points. Incumbent President Donald Trump (R) won the state over Joe Biden (D) by 3.3 percentage points in 2020. Trump won the state over Hillary Clinton (D) in 2016 by 1.2 percentage points.

The outcome of this race will affect the partisan balance of the U.S. Senate. Thirty-five of 100 seats are up for election, including one special election. Democrats have an effective majority, with the chamber split 50-50 and Vice President Kamala Harris (D) having the tie-breaking vote. Fourteen seats held by Democrats and 21 seats held by Republicans are up for election in 2022.

Maloney defeats Biaggi in New York’s 17th Congressional District Democratic primary

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

August 24, 2022 at 5:29 PM

Sean Patrick Maloney defeated Alessandra Biaggi in the Democratic Party primary for New York’s 17th Congressional District on August 23, 2022. Mondaire Jones (D) had represented the 17th Congressional District since 2021, but ran in New York’s 10th Congressional District this election cycle.

Maloney has represented New York’s 18th Congressional District since 2013 and has served as the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee since 2020. Maloney was a candidate for attorney general of New York in 2018, but lost to Letitia James in the Democratic primary. He served as a senior advisor to President Bill Clinton (D) and first deputy secretary in former Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s (D) administration. Maloney said he is “focused on getting results for my neighbors in the Hudson Valley – despite gridlock and dysfunction in Washington.”

Biaggi has represented District 34 in the New York State Senate since 2019. Biaggi also served as lead counsel to the NYS Council for Women and Girls, as the deputy national operations director for Hillary Clinton’s (D) presidential campaign, as the assistant general counsel for the Office of Storm Recovery, and as a legal fellow for New York State Homes and Community Renewal. Biaggi said she ran for Congress “to protect and defend our democracy, to halt the climate crisis, to grow our supply of affordable housing, and to transform our government and economy to serve us all.” U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) endorsed Biaggi.

As a result of redistricting, the 17th Congressional District’s boundaries shifted to encompass Putnam County. According to data from The New York Times, President Joe Biden (D) received 60% of the vote in the old district, but would have received 55% of the vote in the new district. The The New York Times‘ Nicholas Fandos said congressional redistricting in the state “erased outright gains that Democrats had counted on based on the Legislature’s map and made other Democratic swing seats more competitive.”

According to Axios‘ Andrew Solender, “Maloney stoked anger from the left by running in a redrawn district mostly represented by Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), a progressive freshman who is now running for an open seat in New York City miles away from his home turf. Biaggi, who had been running in an open district that was similarly upended by redistricting, then opted to run against Maloney.”

Biaggi said Maloney was “a selfish corporate Democrat” and that “having the head of the campaign arm not stay in his district, not maximize the number of seats New York can have to hold the majority” was hurtful to the party.

Maloney said, “From my point of view, I’m just running from where I landed. If someone else is looking at the district, as well, obviously we will try to work through that as colleagues and friends.”

As of July 2022, The Cook Political Report and Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated the district Lean Democratic, while Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rated it Likely Democratic. In the previous election, Mondaire Jones defeated Maureen McArdle Schulman (R) 59% to 35%.

Crist defeats Fried in Florida gubernatorial Democratic primary

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

August 24, 2022 at 5:24 PM

Charlie Crist defeated Cadance Daniel, Nikki Fried, and Robert Willis in the Democratic primary for governor of Florida on August 23, 2022. Crist had received 60% of the vote, followed by Fried with 35%.

Crist was elected to the U.S. House in 2016. He served as governor from 2007 to 2011, attorney general from 2003 to 2007, state education commissioner from 2001 to 2003, and in the state senate from 1992 to 1998. Crist was elected to state office as a Republican before becoming an independent in 2010 and a Democrat in 2012. Crist campaigned on five steps he says would make voting easier in the state, including reversing 2021 changes to the state’s mail ballot policies, providing clean water, and easing transitions for out-of-state transplants as key issues. Three members of Florida’s U.S. House delegation, at least 22 state legislators, the Florida Education Association, and the Florida AFL-CIO endorsed Crist.

Fried was elected as agriculture commissioner in 2018 and is the only Democrat holding statewide office in Florida. Before holding elected office, Fried was a public defender, an attorney in private practice, and a government affairs advocate for the marijuana industry. Fried campaigned on reducing housing costs, lowering the price of homeowner’s insurance, a $15 minimum wage, and creating a small business growth fund. At least four state legislators and the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida endorsed Fried.

Governor Ron DeSantis (R) is running for re-election. At the time of the primary, three independent election forecasters rated the general election as Likely Republican.

Kemp, Abrams, and three other candidates running for Georgia governor on Nov. 8

By Ethan Rice

In 2022 elections

August 10, 2022 at 11:40 AM

Incumbent Brian Kemp (R), Stacey Abrams (D), and three other candidates are running in the general election for governor of Georgia on November 8, 2022.

Kemp and Abrams faced each other in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election, with Kemp defeating Abrams 50-49%. Georgia has had a Republican governor since 2003, and President Joe Biden (D) won the state by less than one percentage point in 2020. Politico‘s Brittany Gibson said Kemp and Abrams are “stuffing their campaign war chests for what is expected to be an expensive rematch,” and that “[t]he razor-thin margins for Georgia elections has made fundraising even more competitive since the last gubernatorial election.”

Abrams was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing District 89 from 2007 to 2017. She also served as House minority leader from 2011 to 2017, when she resigned her seat to run for governor. Abrams’ campaign has emphasized her position on abortion policy and gun regulations in campaign ads and statements. On her campaign website, Abrams said she would “[v]eto legislation that would further restrict abortion rights and work to repeal the 6-week abortion ban.” Abrams also said “violence our neighborhoods face is directly tied to guns and their availability and poor oversight in Georgia,” and that Kemp “cares more about protecting dangerous people carrying guns in public than saving jobs and keeping business in Georgia.”

Kemp was elected governor of Georgia in 2018. He was appointed secretary of state by Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) in 2010 and served in the Georgia State Senate from 2003 to 2007. Kemp has emphasized economic issues as a key part of his campaign platform, saying he “put hardworking Georgians first by keeping our state open in the face of a global pandemic, bringing record economic success to communities across Georgia.” Kemp’s campaign said in a statement that Abrams’ policies “will only divide Georgians and hit their pocketbooks, Gov. Kemp will stay focused on helping Georgians fight through 40-year high inflation and the recession brought on by the Biden-Abrams agenda.”

This election has the potential to change Georgia’s state trifecta status. Georgia has had a Republican trifecta—meaning Republicans controlled the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature—since 2005.

Minor party, independent, and write-in candidates running for governor include Shane Hazel (L) and independent candidates Elbert Bartell and President Boddie.

This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. There are currently 28 Republican governors and 22 Democratic governors in the United States.