What Hurricane Sandy means for election 2012

There has been a lot of speculation about the hurricane that hit the east coast Monday and what it means for the upcoming presidential election.  While I certainly don’t have the answer, I’m going to throw my hat into the ring of speculation.  I hope you do the same.

I want to start by offering my sincerest condolences to those struggling with the loss of power, property and, worst of all, life from Hurricane Sandy.  We must remember that an election, while important, is not as important as people.  There are a lot of things you can do to help with disaster relief – things as small as giving blood locally and as big as going out to help with clean up.   For information on how to help or to donate, visit the Red Cross hurricane page here.

Now when it comes to the election, many began to wonder if the election date would be moved.  This seems incredibly unlikely, although certain counties could change polling locations if your local site was destroyed.  Even some of the hardest hit places in New Jersey don’t seem to be phased.  The election has been placed on the back burner while officials are concerned with flooding and clean up, but in a recent CNN article, New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie (R) said “the election will take care of itself.”

In my opinion, there are two factors which could actually impact the election, and they’re things that BOTH parties should be worried about.

When employment just isn't enough

One of the biggest issues this election cycle is jobs. Unemployment. But there is a whole category of the employed that is overlooked.

I have a DREAM...

I will continue to follow campaign 2012 in my blog for the time being, and in particular I want to focus on “little known” issues in this year’s election.

When it comes to immigration, there is a lot of confusion about “illegal aliens.”  Many don’t know what that means or why there is a debate.  Shouldn’t they be sent back to the country where they came from if they are in the United States illegally?  Maybe, but maybe not.  When it comes to “illegal aliens” in the United States, here is where things get sticky…

The biggest election issue you've never heard of

With just 40 days left until the presidential election, Americans must begin to decide what candidate they will vote for.  More importantly, they must decide why.

Issues such as abortion, gay marriage and job creation have all been hot topics in the 2012 election.  But there is another issue looming just over three months away, an issue that many people have never even heard of.  This issue could lead to thousands of jobs lost in Maryland alone, said Businessweek.  Another study found that 2.14 million jobs could be lost.  Why have so few people heard out this?

Politics... it's war.

They say "all's fair in love and war," but I think what they meant was politics.

This election has focused less on the economy than on warfare. But I don't mean the war overseas.  Rather, any issue where two sides disagree has been dubbed "warfare" during this election cycle.

Health Care: Why We Should Care

We are in the last hour before the Supreme Court rules about President Obama's famous health care law and speculation is abound.  Will it be struck down?  Upheld?  No one is quite sure, but everyone has a guess.

I don't.

Some of you may know that one of my undergraduate degrees is in political science with a focus in law.  I studied for the LSATs and considered going to law school.  I decided instead to get my Masters in journalism.  That being said, I've studied the legal system quite a bit.

So amidst this speculation, this uncertainty and uproar, there is a bigger question than "will this be upheld."  That question is "what are the repercussions?"

Why I Caved.

Yesterday a friend of mine asked if I was planning to vote in the recall election today.  I said no.  I am a Maryland resident and want to keep my Maryland residency for when I move back after graduating.  Why go through the hassle of becoming a Wisconsin resident to vote once (actually twice, with the presidential election in November. I planned to vote absentee.)?  My friend didn't ask any more questions, but smiled at me and said ok.

I voted today (clearly my friend knows me too well).  Here's why...