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RicoPez

@ricopez.bsky.social
182 followers 104 following 1.3K posts

Thirsty for civil, principled, practical, and centrist perspective. Reform is critical when our political system no longer allows for those in the middle to be heard and taken seriously.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by RicoPez
Steve Schmidt @thewarningses.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We know what Trump does when voters reject him. He lies about the result. He attacks the people who uphold it. He demands loyalty to himself over the Constitution. We’ve seen this before. The test is coming. The latest at The Warning: steveschmidt.substack.com/p/the-losers...
steveschmidt.substack.com
The loser’s coup
PLUS: Join Jamie Davis, Louisiana Senate candidate, and me TODAY at 1:30 pm ET
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 11h
"midterms are likely to produce a sizable, perhaps even a huge, blue wave. But Democrats would be fooling themselves if they took this to mean that most Americans have a positive view of the party or will necessarily stay loyal to it over the long run."
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 11h
"Ralph Nader’s third-party run likely helped put George W. Bush in the White House in 2000. Jill Stein may have rendered the same service to Donald Trump in 2016. Even Ross Perot, the most successful third-party candidate of the past decades, ultimately helped Bill Clinton win the White House"
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 12h
A good problem to have but reform is needed. "structural conditions once favored a duopoly of incumbent parties. But these structural conditions have since eroded to such an extent that the old certitudes no longer apply. A successful third-party bid is much more likely now than it was in the past."
thedispatch.com
The Three-Party Problem
Alternatives to the two-party system struggle to gain a foothold, and voters might not be any happier with the candidates who emerge.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 23h
Regaining your mojo starts with debating Donalds and sitting down to interview with every conservative media outlet there is to show you here to fight for Florida @davidjolly.bsky.social
nbcnews.com
Florida Democrats try to regain their mojo after years of Republican dominance
Republicans in Florida maintain large cash and voter registration advantages, making it an uphill climb for Democrats.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 23h
"Jolly needs to debate because unlike political junkies like me, there are people in Florida who don’t know him from pistachio pudding. Jolly should bring some sense to this state, and demonstrate to the people that he is a superb candidate to be our next governor." @davidjolly.bsky.social
sun-sentinel.com
David Jolly must debate Byron Donalds | Letters to the editor
With polls showing a tight race for governor, fretful Sun Sentinel readers continue to question the strategy of Democratic nominee David Jolly.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
We need electoral reform to make third parties viable to compete for office and participate in governing rather than only spoiling a system designed for two party dominance.
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Reposted by RicoPez
Center for Ballot Freedom @centerforballotfreedom.org · 05/10/2026
Whether it's fusion voting in local races, fair redistricting, or proportional representation, lasting reform requires political support. Building a movement around these ideas is essential—because meaningful change happens when people have the power to make it a reality. @unitedkansas.bsky.social
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Paul Rieckhoff @rieckhoff.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
This is big. And should be celebrated. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro endorses open primary legislation that passed Pennsylvania House
(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro backs a bill that would open Pennsylvania’s primary elections to unaffiliated voters.
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Reposted by RicoPez
Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Early voting is already underway in some states. From now until Nov 3, I urge you all to... 1) Help get out the vote 2) Protect our electoral machinery from interference 3) Not succumb to complacency, defeatism, or cynicism We are the only ones who can end this nightmare.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
"Americans appear skeptical that they would ever actually get the $5,000 checks. A CNN poll last month showed 77% said it was “not too likely” or “not at all likely” that they would get the money as promised if Republicans hold both the House and Senate."
cnn.com
Trump is clearly trying to buy votes with taxpayer money | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump is ramping up his efforts to use taxpayer money and resources to help Republicans win the 2026 midterm elections.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The bipartisan Build America Cacus Proposal: 1. A home you can afford. 2. Care when you need it. 3. Cheaper power. 7. Faster cures and breakthroughs 5. Infrastructure that actually gets built. 6. More opportunity at every age.
politico.com
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
"40-member caucus is rolling out a .... proposal that outlines abundance-oriented proposals touching on health care, transportation, childcare and research. On artificial intelligence, for example, the agenda proposes standardizing federal data sets in a format that is ready for AI-driven analysis"
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
“It’s clear that this has become — even beyond our caucus — a real governing philosophy, uniting factions across both parties all over the country,” Harder said in a Wednesday interview." We need more bipartisan, moderate, and problem solving politicians working together.
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Reposted by RicoPez
Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
At a time in history when the most influential leaders of the U.S. need to stand up loudly and clearly for the rule of law, democracy, and decency, they are leading the charge in the opposite direction — fawning over the most dangerous authoritarian America has ever witnessed. Do not forget this.
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Reposted by RicoPez
The Bulwark @thebulwark.com · 04/10/2026
Kudlow: "Are you running away from Donald Trump?" Byron Donalds: "No, I support the president."
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
We need nothing less than a substantive bipartisan reform movement that curbs executive authority, puts teeth in ethics rules, places term limits on Congress and the Supreme Court, and empowers third parties.
washingtonpost.com
Trump’s opponents are planning efforts to reverse his changes to presidency
As the midterms approach, some of the president’s foes are working to ensure his aggressive approach to executive power doesn’t outlast him.
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Reposted by RicoPez
Independent Americans @indyamericans.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
They want your tax dollars. They won't give you a vote. youtu.be/Ls0Er0X84-4 #IndependentAmericans
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The fact that the super wealthy can easily afford to throw $1.7 billion at an election cycle should be justification enough for raising their taxes.
washingtonpost.com
Meet the megadonors pouring more than $1.7 billion into the 2026 elections
Billionaires and Elon Musk, who recently temporarily achieved trillionaire status, make up the top individual donors.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
"Americans’ confidence in the economy sank to the lowest level in more than a decade this month as prices remain elevated and wages stagnate amid the ongoing Iran war."
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
We need reform that will give voters real choices.
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Reposted by RicoPez
Adam Kinzinger @adamkinzinger.substack.com · 03/10/2026
MAGA is OBSESSED with presidents who are crooks. They elected Trump twice and now they're spending tax dollars to rewrite RICHARD NIXON'S legacy. They're revisiting Watergate because it's the only time that a president's party has told him to stand down. And that's something they're incapable of.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"A majority, 65%, of U.S. adults now blame Trump's policies for persistently high costs" "only 17% of U.S. adults approve of the Republican president's handling of the cost of living. Just 26% approve of his handling of the economy overall, marking a new low."
pbs.org
Most Americans blame Trump for high prices as his economic approval hits new low, AP-NORC poll shows
A majority, 65%, of U.S. adults now blame Trump’s policies for persistently high costs more than factors outside of his control, signaling growing weariness over his aggressive use of tariffs and cont...
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Reposted by RicoPez
Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” —George Orwell (1984)
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
I am not sure that the way California is proposing to apply the proposed "wealthy tax" is the right way to do it. That is a decision for California to make. What is plain to see is that if individuals have $100 million dollars on hand to defeat it, then they should be taxed.
cnn.com
A Google co-founder is spending $100 million to defeat California’s wealth tax. It could become one of his best investments | CNN Politics
Google co-founder Sergey Brin has funneled just over $100 million to a group trying to defeat a one-time state tax on California’s billionaires this November.
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Reposted by RicoPez
Center for Ballot Freedom @centerforballotfreedom.org · 01/10/2026
If you’ve ever felt trapped by a disagreeable, binary choice at the ballot box — known in elite political science circles as a “hold your nose” vote — Lisa Disch wants you to know that feeling isn’t a personal failing. Read more: substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
Podcast: The Two-Party System is a Social Construct
The latest This Old Democracy features professor Lisa Disch on the artificial roots of two-party rule, the buried history of multi-party democracy and a credible strategy a better party system.
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FairVote @fairvote.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"We're likely to see a narrow window to halt gerrymandering… One area where I see real opportunity is proportional representation, which could achieve elections that actually reflect the will of the people." – @democracyfund.bsky.social's Joe Goldman in @npquarterly.bsky.social
nonprofitquarterly.org
Restoration or Reconstruction? A Window of Opportunity for Election Reform | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
If we are prepared and play our cards right, we may have a window of opportunity to build new election systems that reflect Americans’ choices.
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Reposted by RicoPez
Fix Our House @fixourhouse.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Britain may be on the brink of adopting proportional representation 👀 www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham expected to say he will push ahead with electoral reform plans
Exclusive: Labour conference speech will kick off process that could replace current system with proportional representation
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Forward Party @fwdparty.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
This country is governed by The Flip Flop: every two years, voters toss out the party in power and reinstall the other. Back and forth. Meanwhile, Independent America (most Americans) are left out in the cold while solutions continue to be sparse. Lindsey was on @msnownews.bsky.social to explain.
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Paul Rieckhoff @rieckhoff.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"I Can't Vote in That Election" — Paul Rieckhoff Takes New York's Closed Primaries to Court. On NewsNation with Connell McShane, advocate Chad Peace and I unveiled our new lawsuit against the State of New York to open primaries for independent voters: youtu.be/AuKcgkim3C0
youtu.be
"I Can't Vote in That Election" — Paul Rieckhoff Takes New York's Closed Primaries to Court
YouTube video by Righteous Media
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Center for Ballot Freedom @centerforballotfreedom.org · 29/09/2026
If Americans want an alternative to the two-party doom loop, fusion voting is one of the most promising solutions on the table. @andycraig.bsky.social @washingtonpost.com www.washingtonpost.com/ripple/2026/...
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Center for Ballot Freedom @centerforballotfreedom.org · 29/09/2026
Fusion voting bans make it nearly impossible for serious minor parties to grow into lasting electoral forces. These laws deny emerging parties a pathway to build support, win influence, and compete—leaving voters with fewer choices and a political system dominated by the same two major parties.
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U.S. Term Limits @ustermlimits.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“If you limit the terms of those that serve, they will do the right thing as opposed to whatever it takes to get reelected.” — Gary Johnson, former New Mexico Governor & two-time Libertarian presidential nominee Would term limits help members of Congress better focus on governing?
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Protect Democracy @protectdemocracy.org · 23/09/2026
NEW: We make the case for how Trump’s corruption can be *directly connected* to his election interference efforts, and his broader work to consolidate power. Plus, a plan to get the stolen money back. ⬇️ protdem.org/4z6g7jJ
A webpage titled "President Trump's corruption, explained," with resources for understanding authoritarianism. The background shows a smartphone screen displaying financial information from "World Liberty Financial," featuring a currency exchange rate and a percentage change in value.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Stand up face-to-face and debate him. If you can’t stand up for your positions, you can't stand up for Florida. @davidjolly.bsky.social
floridapolitics.com
Inconvenient truth? Byron Donalds ad drags David Jolly for debate dodge, ideological evolution
Politicians can change their minds. But will voters accept it?
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Reposted by RicoPez
Joe Walsh @walshfreedom.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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NPR @npr.org · 29/09/2026
The former transportation secretary says weaker fuel-economy standards could raise long-term costs for drivers and leave U.S. automakers further behind China. n.pr/4hRyp21
n.pr
Democrat Pete Buttigieg criticizes Trump's rollback of fuel-economy standards
The former transportation secretary says weaker fuel-economy standards could raise long-term costs for drivers and leave U.S. automakers further behind China.
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 29/09/2026
As some Republicans back away from Trump, electoral maps shift, and court disputes play out, @toluseo.bsky.social and Madeleine Carlisle talk with @adamhsays.com about the confusion voters are facing ahead of the midterms.
bit.ly
Republican Candidates Are Running From Trump. Will It Work?
And how midterm maps and ongoing court disputes are scrambling this election
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Why would anyone want to give money to someone who runs and hides from his opponent? @davidjolly.bsky.social Why don't you try working for it? You should be making every effort to debate your opponent and go to every conservative media outlet for interviews. Prove you are not just some empty suit!
wlrn.org
David Jolly to national Democrats: Show me some money for governor's race
This week the national elections rating group Decision Desk HQ shifted the Florida governor’s race to a “Toss up,” saying Donalds has a 60% probability of winning, down from 68%.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“My answer is no to general election debates, and it’s my final decision,” he said." How do you tell voters that you really don't want their vote without telling them that you really don't want their vote?
wmnf.org
David Jolly rejects debate request, answers questions on property taxes and Florida’s future
David Jolly explained why he will not debate Byron Donalds and answered questions about property taxes, disability services, local control, and citrus at a Tampa Tiger Bay event.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"Here is what I know: the real losers in all of this are the voters of Florida. There should be debates. This state is at a critical moment in time, and the next Governor is going to have to deal with a lot of scary and important issues" @DavidJolly.bluesky.social
cbsnews.com
Jim DeFede calls for Byron Donalds, David Jolly to debate in Florida governor's race
Florida voters deserve to hear the candidates address property taxes, insurance, the economy, education, health care, and other major issues facing the state.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
If you are asking voters to put their faith in you, you need to earn it. If you believe your ideas are worthy of votes, you need to stand up for them. Our two major parties have failed us so horribly that they can't even debate ideas anymore. Shame on you.
tampabay.com
Everyone, grow up and debate each other | Column
For the sake of Florida voters, David Jolly and Ashley Moody should spar with their competition.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"it shouldn’t be paid for with taxpayer dollars,” the top Senate Republican told reporters"
politico.com
John Thune: Taxpayer dollars shouldn't fund Trump ads
The Senate GOP leader, however, said they have a “great message.”
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The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 28/09/2026
Donald Trump’s extravagant spending could threaten the global economy and destroy trust in the dollar—and Republicans are enabling this, @davidfrum.bsky.social argues.
bit.ly
Blame Trump for Rising Borrowing Costs
Lenders don’t trust the United States anymore.
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Get money out of politics.
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FairVote @fairvote.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Problem: Voters are fed up with our broken politics. Solution: #RankedChoiceVoting rewards politicians who solve problems for all of us. Learn more about ranked choice voting ⬇️ fairvote.org/our-reforms/ranked-cho…
fairvote.org
Ranked Choice Voting - FairVote
Ranked choice voting makes our elections better by allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
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U.S. Term Limits @ustermlimits.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Term limits would put more emphasis on merit. What matters more in Congress: what you bring to the table, or how long you’ve been sitting there? #termlimits #termlimitCongress #termlimitsnow
A decorative interior ceiling of a dome, likely the U.S. Capitol, with a motivational message about term limits: "Earning a real voice in Congress shouldn't take decades. Term limits shift the focus from seniority to what members have to offer." The image includes the U.S. Term Limits logo.
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Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 27/09/2026
Kennedy: "I don't think any public official, including Trump or Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money on private ads for themselves ... I may end up with a sombrero on my head, but I also think we ought to have a rule that no politician can have a building named after him when he's alive"
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RicoPez @ricopez.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
If you believe you are a leader, if you believe that you are capable to serve American voters and that your idea will make things better, you should be insisting on a debate and not making excuses. @DavidJolly.bsky.social
texastribune.org
James Talarico challenges Ken Paxton to Fox News debate
Paxton has yet to accept any debate invitations despite his campaign saying he was eager to confront Talarico in the campaign for U.S. Senate.
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Aaron Black @aaronblack.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Trump seeks to label Democrats as communists, but he was the one who rolled out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping and kissed his ass. He is clearly Putin’s comrade and buying government stakes in private companies, so why aren’t more people calling out this bullshit? #ComradeTrump
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