In more traditional times, the Republican and Democratic candidates would be attacking each other to see who will be the next state senator from District 19 in Santa Barbara. But this isn't business-as-usual. California now has an open primary, meaning voters can vote for any candidate, regardless of party preference.

Republicans versus Democrats, liberals versus conservatives, Hayek versus Keynes, religion versus spirituality– unlike an independent mindset, the “us versus them” mentality and modality can be quite divisive. Who are you? What are your labels? And is pitting yourself against others an effective means of accomplishing what you want?

Proposition 28 Proponents/Funders: Majestic Realty, Common Cause of California, the League of Women Voters, Congress of California Seniors, Californians for a Fresh Start (Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce), Los Angeles County AFL-CIO, Jerrold Perenchio, United Nurses Associations of California, Eli Broad. According to Ballotpedia.org, $2.1 million has been contributed to the campaign for a "yes" vote on Proposition 28, as of May 2, 2012.

Opponents to Proposition 28: Jon Fleischman, California Republican Party, Howie Rich, Parents in Charge Foundation, U.S. Term Limits, National Tax Limitation Committee

From the sexual allegations against Herman Cain to Newt Gingrich's proposal of a moon colony, this election cycle has has its fair share of drama. And while it's easy to get caught up in the sensationalism of the presidential race, let's not forget that primaries are about more than just presidential nominees.

Today, in a live address in Albany, New York, President Barack Obama outlined his plan for economic success, creating a 5 point plan for Congress to follow in order to restore economic prosperity in America. Streamed live on the White House official website, here are his five main talking points: