The Latest: GOP winner of Arizona primary eyes April contest

Republican candidate and former Arizona state Sen. Debbie Lesko celebrates with her husband, Joe, after voting results show her victory in a special primary election for the Congressional District 8 seat during a campaign party at Lesko's home, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. A special primary election was being held to replace Arizona Republican Rep. Trent Franks who resigned amid accusations of sexual misconduct.

Is Everything Ok With Joe Manchin? He Just Gave A Bizarre Sports…

Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin made a strange sports car analogy Wednesday on MSNBC when asked about his position on banning the sales of AR-15s. Co-host of "Morning Joe" Willie Giest asked Manchin what his position was on making the AR-15 illegal for civilians - Manchin didn't have an answer.

Qualifying for May primary election set for next week

This Friday is the last day for prospective local political candidates to file a Declaration of Intent to run for political office this year. A DOI must be filed before a candidate can begin campaigning and raising campaign contributions, according to Laurie Fulton, election supervisor.

Sex, campaign funding scandals dog US House race in Arizona Source: AP

Sex-related and campaign funding allegations involving several top candidates have captured much of the attention in the Republican primary to replace a U.S. congressman from Arizona who quit amid charges of sexual misconduct last year. Because the state relies heavily on mail-in ballots completed before the revelations against two of the lead contenders surfaced, it's unknown how much of an impact they will have on Tuesday's special contest to replace Rep. Trent Franks in the 8th Congressional District.

Governor Jay Inslee’s message for Donald Trump on guns:…

The Governor of Washington directly challenged Donald Trump 's proposal to arm teachers, telling the President educators had urged against the idea. "I just think this is a circumstance where we need to listen that educators should educate and they should not be foisted upon this responsibility of packing heat", Governor Jay Inslee told the President during a White House gathering.

Democratic group sues Walker over not calling elections

A national Democratic group led by former U.S. Attorney Eric Holder filed a lawsuit Monday attempting to force Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to call two special elections to fill legislative vacancies. Walker has refused to call special elections for the seats that became open two weeks before a surprise Democratic victory in a state Senate special election in a district that had been in Republican hands for 17 years.

Sex, campaign funding scandals upend Arizona US House race

The closing days of the Republican primary to replace an Arizona congressman who quit in a sex scandal have included a top contender admitting he received texts from a Senate aide posing topless, and a second favorite fighting claims of campaign funding improprieties. It remains to be seen what the impact may have on Tuesday's contest to replace Rep. Trent Franks because the state relies heavily on mail-in ballots completed before the revelations surfaced.

Florida restaurant inspection fines drop sharply under Rick Scott

Fines from the Florida agency that oversees restaurants inspections has dropped sharply to $1.1 million in fines in 2017 against 2,500 food establishments in 2017, compared to $4.7 million in 2010. Fines from the Florida agency that oversees restaurants inspections has dropped sharply to $1.1 million in fines in 2017 against 2,500 food establishments in 2017, compared to $4.7 million in 2010.

Willis plans to bring new eyes to U.S. senate

And Willis views that as an asset in his run for the U.S. senate seat held by Democrat incumbent Joe Manchin. "It's going to take someone who is coming from the outside with fresh ideas about business, how the economy works and how currency flows, to make the changes that we need, " Willis is one of six Republican challengers - along with U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins, State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship, Bo Copley and Jack Newbrough -all who will run in the May 8 primary.

CALmatters Commentary: 3 legislators down, how many to go?

Tony Mendoza on Thursday became the third state legislator and the first senator to resign after being accused of sexual harassment in the scandal that has enveloped the Capitol. As his fellow senators were meeting in closed "caucuses," mulling whether to expel or suspend him, an aide to the Artesia Democrat walked up to the Senate's front desk and submitted a vitriol-filled resignation letter.

Why we need bail reform: California shouldn’t be requiring a payment for freedom

Quick Bail Bonds on Vignes Street across from the Men's Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles. The debate over the bail system, which Gov. Jerry Brown appealed to the Legislature to overhaul about 40 years ago, is being revived.

74 Lawmakers Call On Florida Gov. To ‘Immediately’ Suspend Broward County Sheriff

Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran sent a letter to Governor Rick Scott Sunday urging him to suspend Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel over his department's handling of the Parkland shooting. PARKLAND, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Broward County Sheriff, Scott Israel , Florida Governor Rick Scott, ,and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, , speak to the media about the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where 17 people were killed yesterday, on February 15, 2018 in Parkland, Florida.

California Democratic Party won’t endorse Dianne Feinstein

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein failed to win the official endorsement of the California Democratic Party as she seeks her fifth term, another sign that the party is divided over how best to battle Republicans in Washington. Democratic activists were more eager to back her primary challenger, state Senate leader Kevin de Leon, who is touting himself as a fresh face with stronger progressive credentials, particularly on immigration.

Florida sheriff says he won’t resign amid questions about school shooting response

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel says he's not stepping down amid criticism of his department's response to the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Israel's declaration comes after a Florida state representative called on Gov. Rick Scott to remove Israel from his post for his deputies' "incomprehensible inaction" during the massacre.