The idea of universal health care (Medicare for All) has surged in popularity since the 2016 Bernie Sanders campaign. Quite a few progressive candidates for the 2018 midterm elections ran, or are running, on a platform which includes Medicare for All.

Not very many states share the history Maine has with policymakers outside the major parties. It currently has 7 voting members in the state legislature not affiliated with the Republican or Democratic Party, it has elected independent governors, and has one of the nation's only two independent U.S. senators.

Among the sitting independent legislators is Marty Grohman. Grohman is serving out his second term as a member of the Maine State House. Instead of seeking re-election, however, he decided to run for Congress in Maine's 1st Congressional District.

San Diego, CA.- San Diego Congressman Duncan Hunter Jr. and his wife Margaret were indicted on fraud and campaign finance related charges.

The charges stem from Hunter and his wife’s misuse of  $250,000 worth of campaign funds for personal expenses and the filing of false campaign finance records. The Department of Justice investigation went on for nearly two years.

A federal grand jury in California returned the 48-page indictment detailing the allegations against the couple.

You wouldn't notice it at all watching the mainstream television news media or reading mainstream newspapers. For some reason they haven't been too talkative about it, but this is the ten year anniversary of the Wall Street financial crisis that struck America and the world with devastating consequences for millions of people.

Most people make a conscious effort to ensure that they optimize their physical wellbeing. But all too often, they overlook the importance of their mental health, too.

And that doesn’t mean patients are to blame for their lack of care. If you're suffering from a broken arm or visible injury, you can stroll into your nearest hospital to receive immediate attention. But when your mind's unhealthy or you start to feel mentally worn down, enjoying quick support isn't quite as easy.

San Diego, CA.- San Diego Congressman Duncan Hunter and wife Margaret have been indicted on fraud and campaign finance related charges.

The charges stem from Hunter and his wife's misuse of  $250,000 worth of campaign funds for personal expenses and the filing of false campaign finance records. The Department of Justice investigation went on for more than a year.

A federal grand jury in California returned the 48-page indictment detailing the allegations against the couple.

In the latest episode of "In Full Color," I talk with Independent Voting President Jackie Salit, who has spent several years advancing election reform policies and working outside the two major parties to effect change for a better democratic process.

The 2010 Supreme Court Citizens United ruling opened the door for money to flood into political campaigns.

In November, Mainers will vote for governor. Recent poll results show four candidates splitting the vote. Talk of “spoilers” is rearing its ugly head, again. Rather than discussing all of the candidates’ qualifications, voters are forced to consider the possible adverse consequences of a vote outside the two major parties.

Many must be asking: “Wasn’t ranked-choice voting going to solve this?” The answer is yes, it would have solved it. But our state lawmakers are hiding behind a constitutional technicality they could easily fix.