The Weekender (3/20/20)

Welcome to the Democratic Governors Association’s Friday newsletter, The Weekender.
Let’s get started.

North Carolina: The Charlotte Observer Editorial Board told GOP gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Dan Forest to “hush” after Forest unsuccessfully tried to criticize Gov. Roy Cooper’s decision to eliminate dine-in service at restaurants and bars to prevent rapid spread of COVID-19. Forest was forced to walk back his comments after he was accused of trying to create chaos in a crisis.
Indiana: Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former state health commissioner Dr. Woody Myers unveiled his own COVID-19 emergency proposals to help Hoosiers through the crisis. Myers’ plan includes paid leave for all workers and laws against price gouging.

The Kansas City Star Editorial: Tale of 2 governors: Kansas’ Kelly rises to pandemic crisis. Missouri’s Parson in denial
The editorial board of the Kansas City Star called on Missouri Gov. Mike Parson to follow the lead of Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on the COVID-19 pandemic. Parson is letting his state fall dangerously behind on the fight against the virus with his inaction and lack of communication. He has dismissed the need to ban large gatherings and declared that “it’s not going to come down to government to be able to fix this.” And just a few days ago, the conservative American Enterprise Institute ranked Missouri as just one of four states that have done “no statewide action or little public guidance.”
On the other side of the state line, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has been praised for taking “bold and absolutely necessary actions.” Gov. Kelly has been at the forefront of the pandemic, making Kansas the first state to close public schools for the rest of the academic year. She also banned public gatherings of over 50 people, halted evictions and foreclosures, suspended utility disconnects, and directed state employees to stay home. Kansans can count on Gov. Kelly to take the necessary steps to protect them and their loved ones.

Every State, Every Vote: The Need For Fair and Secure Elections in the Midst of the Pandemic
On Monday, the last-minute decision to postpone the Ohio primary due to the COVID-19 pandemic set off a court battle and confused voters.
Every State, Every Vote Co-Chair Oregon Gov. Kate Brown released the following statement on COVID-19 disrupting our elections:
“Given the chaos around the decision to postpone the Ohio primary, it is clear that our nation needs a plan for upcoming elections and primaries. As governors, one of our most important jobs is protecting voting rights and voting access, especially during a crisis. States should follow the lead of Democratic governors and start preparing alternative voting methods that are accessible to everyone, like the pre-paid mail-in ballots we offer in Oregon. Whether states decide to postpone elections or not, the turmoil will continue if the government doesn’t take decisive action. Every State, Every Vote is here to help ensure that our elections remain fair and secure.”

“Now that I’ve got your attention, Mr. President – attack tweets won’t solve this crisis. But swift and clear guidance, tests, personal protective equipment, and resources would.”
– Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responding to President Trump’s Twitter attacks.

“If you want to go to Bob Evans and eat, go to Bob Evans and eat.”
Who said it? Send your answer to press@dga.net and we’ll reveal the answer in the next Weekender!
If you guessed GOP Candidate for North Carolina Governor Dan Forest two weeks ago, you were right! Forest pleaded, “We better have people come down to our aid,” because he is exhausting the little bit of cash he has on hand, with a burn rate of 144% during the first half of 2019, and 107% in the off-year. Ah, fiscal responsibility!