Politics: Member Stations

Far down the ballot, district attorney races could reshape the criminal justice system for millions of Americans by electing a more diverse slate of prosecutors.

"There are so many checks and balances on this system. It continues to prove itself on a daily basis," said Karen Osborne, the director of elections in Maricopa Country, Ariz.

The tobacco giant is supporting its first cigarette tax — 60 cents more per pack. But some health groups oppose Missouri's ballot measure, as do some education groups that would benefit from the tax.

It's common for governors to raise money for political allies. What's not common is for governors to spend tens of millions of dollars out of their own pocket for political allies. But that's exactly what Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is doing on behalf of statehouse Republicans.

Rep. Scott Garrett said he would withhold his dues to the National Republican Congressional Committee unless the party stopped supporting gay candidates. Those comments have hurt him.

Voters in four states will decide whether to strengthen gun laws next month. In California, a first in the nation ballot measure would make it much harder to buy ammunition and for felons to own guns.

How do Republicans appeal to Latino voters in a year when their presidential nominee has campaigned for a wall with Mexico and mass deportation?