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Posted 13 November 2008
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Election results
We all know that on November 4th, we elected a new president and a large chunk of the U.S. Congress. Did you also know that thousands of state legislative seats and 11 governorships were on the line that day too? Voters left their mark on the state political landscape, shifting the partisan control of state government in a dozen states. Democrats gained control of both houses in four state legislatures: Delaware, Nevada, New York and Wisconsin. Republicans gained two Southern legislatures: Oklahoma and Tennessee. At press time, only seven states have split legislative control: Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Democrats control 27 state legislatures, and Republicans have 14. Nebraska is non-partisan. At the time of this release, Montana is undecided with the control in the House still too close to call. Analysts expect that when all the votes are counted, Democrats will likely net a relatively small number of overall seats. Missouri was the only state where gubernatorial party control changed hands, from Republican to Democrat.
Incidentally, the New Hampshire Senate has become the first legislative chamber in the U.S. ever to have a majority of women members, with 13 of the 24 senators.
How did veterinarian candidates fare?
Twelve veterinarians won re-election to their state legislatures: Dr. Eugene Maddox (GA), Dr. Krayton Kerns (MT-22 votes margin, recount possible), Dr. James B. Rausch (NH), Dr. Roger G. Wells (NH), Dr. Phil Richardson (OK), Dr. Lee Denney (OK), Dr. Brian Renegar (OK), Dr. Doug Whitsett (OR), Dr. Charles "Doc" Anderson (TX), Dr. Jimmie Don Aycock (TX), Dr. John Mathis (UT), and Dr. Kathy Haigh (WA).
Two veterinarians were elected to the state legislature for the first time. Dr. Steve Abrams of Arkansas City, Kan., won election in the race for District 32, Kansas State Senate. Dr. Dan Brown of Rolla, Mo., won election to District 149 of the Missouri House of Representatives. Both are Republicans who will be serving their first terms.
Dr. Jake Hines lost his re-election bid in Wisconsin Assembly District 42. Meanwhile, two veterinarian challengers also were defeated: Dr. Elton Gissendanner in Florida's District 77, and Dr. Charles Dake, in Missouri House District 132.
Retiring in 2008 were Dr. Robert Jackman, Ind. and Dr. Bob Bastian, Pa. In Ohio, Dr. Shawn Webster did not run for re-election in the 53rd House District due to term limits. Dr. Kurt Schrader is leaving the Oregon Senate to become the sole veterinarian in the U.S. House of Representatives. He easily defeated Republican Mike Erickson in Oregon's 5th Congressional District. Dr. Schrader was elected to the Oregon House three times and to the Senate twice. Click here for his post-election interview with JAVMA.
Before the November 2008 elections, 24 veterinarians were serving in state legislatures (17 Republicans, 6 Democrats, one non-partisan). That number will drop to 22 in the next legislative session (16 Republicans, 5 Democrats, one non-partisan).
California Proposition 2
Among the 153 state ballot measures facing voters nationwide, California's Proposition 2 passed with 63% of the vote. It will prohibit, effective 2015, confinement of farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs. Voters and legislators in other states have voted to eliminate calf and pig crates, but California's Proposition 2 vote represents the first time voters have been asked to eliminate the practice of confining chickens in battery cages. Because there are few veal producers in California and the largest pork producer in the state voluntarily had planned to eliminate small crates, the law will mostly affect the state's 20 million egg-laying hens. Statements from supporters indicate that similar initiatives could be headed to other states.
The AVMA released a statement urging that veterinarians and animal welfare scientists be involved in the process of developing and implementing systems that comply with Proposition 2 to make sure that resulting changes in animal housing actually improve conditions for the animals they are intended to help.
Greyhound racing bans
In Massachusetts, voters passed Question 3, which will phase out greyhound racing by 2010. The measure received 57% of the vote, amid charges that greyhounds are caged inhumanely and raced to injury. Opponents pointed out that a ban would cost jobs and tax revenue at a time when both are sorely needed.
The city of South Tucson, Ariz. also approved an initiative on November 4th to regulate the care and handling of dogs. The initiative applies to all dogs, but targets those at Tucson Greyhound Park. It makes it illegal to feed dogs raw and diseased meat and to inject dogs with anabolic steroids or other artificial performance-enhancing substances. The initiative also requires that dogs be kept in a minimum-size cage for no more than 18 hours.
California governor proposes sales tax on veterinary services
Citing declining economic conditions, a threat to critical state services, and $11.2 billion less in revenues than projected when the state budget was signed just six weeks ago, California Governor Arnold Schwarznegger is proposing a combination of cuts and revenue increases. The proposal includes a temporary sales tax increase and taxing several services for the first time, including veterinary services, appliance and furniture repair, vehicle repair and golf. The California VMA is opposed to the tax on veterinary services, which would take effect on Feb. 1, 2009, if approved. It's not clear whether the legislature will have time to consider the governor's budget proposal before it adjourns for the year. The AVMA is aware of only three states that tax veterinary services: Hawaii, New Mexico and South Dakota.
The link at the top or bottom of the page will take you to the latest chart of significant pending bills and regulations from around the country.
View legislative update (PDF)
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