Turnstyle Political Roundup For August

Chris McCoy on Friday, Aug. 26th

This week, Turnstyle brings together political stories on hot topics ranging from Arizona’s immigration battles to Republican candidates Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman sparring in their campaigns for president. In addition, we include a story on President Barack Obama’s track record on improving diversity in nominating federal judges.

Arizona challenge to the Voting Rights Act

Arizona state officials are railing against the Voting Rights Act in court, citing that it unlawfully restricts changes to voting rules and regulations. The Act is meant to protect voters from discrimination based on race. Anti-illegal immigration activists are helping to lead the charge.

Arizona politician building a border fence

Arizona State Senator Steve Smith has proposed building a border fence along the breadth of the southern American border with Mexico, and is collecting contributions nationwide for the project. Opponents equate the idea with the Berlin Wall.

Rick Perry a Formidable Force?

GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry, governor of Texas for ten years following George W. Bush, has recently emerged on the national stage as a major player on the Republican side. Columnist David Brooks notices his surge in the polls and remarks that his candidacy should be regarded seriously.

Obama: Diversity in Judicial Nominations

President Barack Obama has increased the amount of judicial nominations that are women and minorities, including nominating triple the percentage of African Americans and double the amount of women for federal judgeships than George W. Bush.

Huntsman on Evolution, with News Hour

Jon Huntsman, the former Republican governor of Utah, and current candidate for president, announced this week via Twitter that he believed in evolution and found global warming credible, contradicting candidate Rick Perry’s statements on the issue.

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The Political Roundup

Turnstyle on Friday, Jul. 15th

The Political Roundup delivers a mix of political content from around the web, curated for the Turnstyle reader.

Public Opinion Forms Around Debt Ceiling Issue

Opinions are beginning to shape around the issue of raising the debt ceiling. Americans are just about equally concerned about increasing government spending as they are about the potential blow to the economy by refusing to raise the debt limit.

Young Adults Stepping Up To The Political Plate

Young college grads, some who can’t even legally consume alcohol, have got the politics bug — they are stepping up to challenge well-funded incumbent politicians.

Update On Atlanta Schools Cheating Scandal

Governor Nathan Deal of Atlanta condemns the 178 teachers and principals that cheated by changing their students’ test scores. He says you just don’t cheat students.

Duncan And Obama On Education: Dream Act Can Reduce Deficit

Obama responds to questions about America’s schools during his Twitter Town Hall discussion, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says the DREAM Act is a must for the future of education and our country’s economy.

Voter ID Requirements Affect Youth Voters

At least 34 states have recently introduced bills that would require a government-issued, photo ID for voting– this law will soon go into effect in Wisconsin.

Robyn Gee and Chris McCoy contributed to this article.

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