How pot could change 2012, and more news from the swing states
(CBS News) Could marijuana enthusiasts tip the electoral scales in Colorado this November? Will Florida's voter purge be upheld? And why, again, did Democrats pick Charlotte for the convention? Below, CBS News presents the latest political headlines from battleground states across the nation.
Colorado's marijuana vote - a boon or bust for Obama?
In Colorado, a ballot initiative on the legalization of marijuana could have major consequences for President Obama's re-election prospects - even though neither he nor his rival, Mitt Romney, supports such a measure. So why does it matter? According to the AP, the issue could cut one of two ways for the president: Young Democrats will either come out for pot and lend some incidental support to Mr. Obama in the process, or vote against him in protest of the administration's conflicting signals on the issue.
Rick Scott vs. the DOJ in Florida?
Is Florida Governor Rick Scott headed for a showdown with the Justice Department? The Miami Herald seems to think so. The Herald's Marc Caputo reports on the controversial Republican governor's latest efforts to proceed with a purge of potential non-citizens on Florida voting rolls - an action Democrats say violates the National Voting Rights Act of 1993.
Dems: A southern convention will help us expand the electoral map
According to the Charlotte Observer, Democrats say they have a good shot at expanding the electoral map this November -- specifically in North Carolina, home to this year's Democratic National Convention. After all, says DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, "holding the convention here provides us with a phenomenal organizing tool." Realistic? The GOP says no: "This is what you'd expect from Debbie Wasserman Schultz," convention spokesman James Davis told the Observer.
Can Romney make inroads in Pennsylvania?
President Obama may have won big in Pennsylvania back in 2008, but Mitt Romney's not ready to give up on the state quite yet. At the very least, his campaign's hoping to make Mr. Obama's re-election team work up a sweat in efforts to fend him off. Thanks to new voter ID laws, Catholic discontent with the White House, and Romney's relatively moderate image, it may not be such a crazy idea. The Associated Press reports.
Scott Walker threats under investigation
Wisconsin's recall election was one of the most closely-watched - and nastiest - races in the 2012 election cycle so far. But after months of campaigning and millions of dollars, the state's embattled Republican Governor Scott Walker managed to hold off the competition. The drama, however, may extend beyond the race itself: On Wednesday, the Milwaukee Police Department says it's evaluating threats made against him via social media.
Haley Bull contributed to this report
