From nmpolitics.net:

A judge’s decision to side with Gov. Susana Martinez in redistricting of state House seats is certainly a win for Republicans, but it’s arguably more significant as a loss for Democrats.

The Democratic judge, James A. Hall, ruled Tuesday in favor of Martinez’s plan, saying it’s better because it protects Native American-majority districts while changing districts less than other plans.

The critical quote from Hall’s ruling about the Democratic-controlled Legislature’s plan, which Martinez vetoed and Hall rejected, states that it “contains significant population deviations between districts which are not justified by historically significant state policy or unique features.”

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Part 2:

SGLF.org to serve as hub for state based policy education

Alexandria, Va. (December 1, 2011) – The State Government Leadership Foundation launched a new website today as part of a substantial ramping up of the organization’s efforts to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of smaller government, lower taxes, balanced budgets and efficiency in governing. The new website includes a dynamic, state-by-state legislative tracking tool, in-depth policy discussions regarding the top ten issues state lawmakers are facing, news articles, email updates and other resources.

In addition to today’s launch of the website, the SGLF – an affiliate of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) – will devote significant resources in the form of research and training, public communications, conferences and other means of dialogue among conservative state leaders.

“State governments face a broad range of policy issues and the influence that state leaders have on them is immense. Through this new website and with regular engagement of experts, policymakers and the public, the SGLF will take the lead in spotlighting smaller, smarter and more efficient government solutions,” said Chris Jankowski, SGLF Executive Director.

The first major SGLF event will take place next Wednesday when the group partners with The Heritage Foundation to host a forum that includes Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), six Secretaries of State, and former Federal Election Commission member Hans. A. von Spakovsky. The event will examine the Electoral College and the effort being made to effectively abolish it with the National Popular Vote Plan.

The SGLF firmly believes that good policy will ultimately be realized at the state level. While Washington continues to struggle with gridlock, out of control spending and lack of direction, leaders within the states are taking action and productively getting things done.

To visit the new website and learn more about the SGLF, visit http://www.SGLF.org.

About the SGLF
The State Government Leadership Foundation (SGLF) spotlights hotbed issues and conservative policies that state government officials wrestle with most. For too long, out-of-touch leaders in the states have colluded with special interests to raise taxes, swell state budgets, and increase the size of government. The SGLF is taking the lead on educating elected and appointed state government officials, providing support to local officeholders, and highlighting meaningful, conservative solutions. The SGLF is a 501 (c)(4) social welfare organization affiliated with the Republican State Leadership Committee, one of the largest conservative caucuses in the country.

From the Republican State Leadership Committee:

Alexandria, Va. (December 1, 2011) – The Republican Attorneys General Association, a caucus group with the Republican State Leadership Committee, announced this week that members of RAGA will join FOX News’ Mike Huckabee in co-hosting a Republican presidential candidate forum on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

The participating Attorneys General include Pam Bondi (Florida), Ken Cuccinelli (Virginia) and E. Scott Pruitt (Oklahoma). The event will be moderated by former Arkansas governor and host Mike Huckabee and will air live from 8 – 10 p.m. (EST).

“This forum is an excellent opportunity to engage each of the candidates in a candid conversation about issues that are important to voters in our state and across the nation,” Bondi said. “This will be a historic election, and I am excited to play a part in helping voters gain a better understanding of candidates’ beliefs on fundamental issues such as constitutionalism and the role of government.”

The forum is an opportunity for state attorneys general and the presidential candidates to elevate the discussion of constitutional issues and the federal government’s overreach into state matters. The format will be one-on-one questioning of the candidates directly from the attorneys general.

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