The race is still not over

The race for the 23rd district congressional seat is still undecided due to conservative candidate Doug Hoffman revoking his concession.

According to Syracuse.com Hoffman sent out a note to supporters criticizing the Democratic party for stealing the election. Hoffman also accused unions and activist groups of tampering with ballots. 

 The race was determined on November 4th  long before a large amount of absentee ballots had come in.

According to the Huffington Post  “Owens defeated Hoffman despite a voter registration edge of 45,000 for Republicans and big-name endorsements for Hoffman from former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson and others.”

Hoffman is currently trailing behind Owens by a little less than 3,000 votes, with absentee ballots still being counted in six counties.

Hoffman's campaign is urging supporters to donate money so that each and every vote can be counted.

My Take: This is a story that I personally have been following for weeks now. I think its important for students to understand the politics in the district they are living in.

 Sergeant says he did the right thing by breaking his silence

A Sergeant is still defending his decision to break his silence about a serious war crime he witnessed while in Iraq in 2007.

According to CNN.com former Army Sgt. Jess Cunningham spoke up about the four Iraqi detainees that were killed executioner style by three sergeants and left in a canal in Baghdad.  Cunningham says that he does not regret breaking his silence, but he decided not to say anything sooner because he was afraid “his fellow soldiers might turn on him.”

The three sergeants, Sgt. John Hatley, Sgt. Joseph Mayo and Sgt. Michael Leahy, were all convicted of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit premeditated murder. They are serving time in a military prison.

My Take: I think this is a very interesting story because not many people understand or for that matter know the inner workings of the military or how they resolve conflict within their ranks. I think it's an important story to continue to follow especially after the tragic incidents at Fort Hood two weeks ago.

 "Going Rogue" 

Sarah Palin started her book tour this week, receiving controversy from all sides. According to CNN.com Palin has taken some pretty unpredictable steps in order to say in the headlines. Such steps included resigning as governor of Alaska, endorsing Doug Hoffman in the race for the 23^rd congressional district, as well as agreeing to interviews with Oprah and Barbara Walters.  

According to CNN “Her book, "Going Rogue" was a bestseller before it was even released. Between the book sales and speaking fees, the self-described "hockey mom" stands to make millions.”

My Take: I feel like Palin is trying to revamp her image after having it badly burned in the spotlight of the media. Her new book and recently being on the cover of Newsweek has put her in the spotlight again. I think that this story is relevant to my peers because she has been the source of humor on shows like SNL or late night talk shows, which I know a lot of my peers, watch.