Elections
Streetsblog Basics
Oberstar Says Goodbye, Mica Promises Rail and a Long-Term Bill
Rep. Jim Oberstar said goodbye today after 36 years in the House, during which he helped pioneer federal support for biking and walking. "I go in peace of mind and heart, but with sadness," he said in his concession speech.
November 3, 2010
The Silver Lining: 73 Percent of Transpo Ballot Measures Win
Ready for some good news? Voters around the country got to decide on 29 transportation-related ballot initiatives yesterday. According to an analysis by the Center for Transportation Excellence, transportation advocates and reformers won 73 percent of them. If you add in other initiatives that passed earlier this year, the victory rate jumps to 77 percent.
November 3, 2010
Election Results: GOP Govs Win Big, Dems Take California, Oberstar Ousted
The biggest news from last night, of course, is that the GOP won control of the House of Representatives. That means Republicans now control all the House committees, and Ohio's John Boehner -- a believer in wider highways -- will wield the Speaker's gavel. The Democrats hung on to the Senate, though, and pundits are forecasting two years of gridlock.
November 3, 2010
Will Georgia’s Next Governor ‘Unclog Atlanta’?
This is the final installment of our series on high-stakes governor's races. We hope you'll be watching along with us tonight as the results come in for the races we've followed in Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio, California, Texas, Maryland, Colorado, and Tennessee. Now, we turn to Georgia.
November 2, 2010
Election Day Finds Two Livability Champions on the Ropes
Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN) will likely lose his chairmanship of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as control of the House is widely expected to shift to the Republicans after today's election. But Oberstar could also lose his seat in Congress.
November 2, 2010
Will Florida’s Next Governor Sink the State’s Chances for Rail?
We're keeping the news coming on the governor’s races we're following most closely. Check out our previous coverage of Wisconsin, Ohio, California, Texas, Maryland, Colorado, and Tennessee. This one could be the most important yet.
November 2, 2010
Suburban State Senate Candidates Campaign Against MTA Payroll Tax
With the MTA at least $9 billion short on funding for its five-year capital plan, New Yorkers who ride buses and subways should be counting on legislators to secure a new revenue stream for transit. But after tomorrow's elections, the first transit fight in Albany may not be over new revenue at all. Repealing the payroll mobility tax, passed along strict party lines as part of the 2009 MTA funding package, is a top priority for many suburban State Senate candidates, especially Republicans.
November 1, 2010
Anti-Rail Candidates Take Aim at High Speed Dreams in the Midwest
In the latest installment of our series on key governor’s races, here's the news from Wisconsin and Ohio. Check out our previous coverage of California, Texas, Maryland, Colorado, and Tennessee. Let them serve as a reminder to vote on Tuesday.
October 29, 2010
See Where New York’s House Candidates Stand on Transportation
The outcome of New York's Congressional races on Tuesday may end up determining federal transportation policy for years to come.
October 29, 2010