Democrats

88 percent of governors (about every nine out of ten) in the United States are male, and another 88 percent are white. America is a very diverse place. Its governors, on the other hand...not so much.

Bet you didn't think you'd be reading a story about toilet seats on this fine Friday. But when covering Ted Cruz, the topics of focus are rarely sensical or easily understood.

On the national stage tea party numbers appear larger than they really are. The House tea party caucus only consists of 49 members. And of the 100 members of the Senate only Paul and Cruz fit the 2010 tea party mold. But, most importantly, American public opinion does not find itself on the extremes.

A minimum wage increase is enjoying broad support across the board among voters. Democrats are currently championing the cause and are in position for a major political victory if the legislation passes. Interestingly, research shows that voter turnout dramatically increases when the minimum wage is part of a ballot initiative.

If Republicans stop a wage hike at the federal level, they may be welcoming a barrage of minimum wage ballot initiatives that not only would allow states to forge ahead on their own, but also would increase progressive voter turnout.

A records request by ProPublica to the IRS turned up a list of the original funders of the group: Exxon, Pfizer, Time Warner, and other corporations put up at least 85 percent of the $1.3 million the foundation raised in the first year and a half of its existence, starting in 2003.

The transportation bill passed the House of Delegates with only 53 percent of the vote, and only 12.5 percent of Democrats. The plan passed the House with 53 votes, of which just 4 were Democrats. This plan raises the gas tax by 5 cents and indexes it to the cost of the construction materials it takes to build roads.

Senate Democrats are proposing legislation that would grant in-state tuition at Virginia colleges to young people with Deferred Action status, allowing them full access to the benefits of a college education for the first time in history.

Some of the states' few dozen data volunteers are so devoted that they log into the party database daily from their home computers. Deb Pitzrick, 61, of Eden Prairie, convinced a group of her friends to form the "Grandma Brigade." These women, in their 50s, 60s and 70s, no longer want to knock on doors for the Democrats. Instead, they support the party by gathering public information about other voters.

Going past midnight happens elsewhere, especially at the end of sessions or as other deadlines loom. But the Wisconsin Assembly routinely pushes debates and votes on contentious bills into the wee hours, when only lobbyists and the cleaning crew are left in the building.