The midterm elections are just two weeks away, and there are dozens of competitive races around the country that will have an impact on animal protection. The Humane Society Legislative Fund has endorsed more than 300 candidates in the upcoming contests, and today launched four television ad campaigns supporting congressional champions for the humane treatment of animals in key districts from the Inland Empire to the Great Lakes to the Bayou.

The Arizona politicians in the pocket of the NRA are trying to pull one over on Arizona voters. They placed Proposition 109 on the ballot, which would amend the state constitution regarding the “right to hunt,” but it would do much more than that. It’s a power grab by politicians and special interests to take away the citizens’ right to vote on wildlife issues.

Many reputable dog breeders wholeheartedly support cracking down on large-scale puppy mills, cruel mass-breeding facilities that draw funds and attention away from good breeders and give the business a black eye. Good breeders know that stronger humane regulations can only lead to happier and healthier generations of dogs.

The campaign for YES! on Prop B to crack down on puppy mill cruelty in Missouri today launched its second week of TV and radio advertising, with new ads featuring Tony La Russa, manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and co-founder of the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), and Dr. Connie Medling, staff veterinarian for the Humane Society of Missouri.

The campaign for YES! on Proposition B, the Prevention of Puppy Mill Cruelty Act, officially kicked off today in Missouri, as the coalition supporting the statewide ballot measure launched its first TV ad of the election season. The 30-second spot, titled “Bad News,” began running today in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia/Jefferson City, Joplin, and Cape Girardeau.

I told you recently about efforts to stop rampant puppy mill abuses in Missouri, which is home to about 30 percent of the nation’s puppy mills, far dwarfing any other state. This November, Missourians will vote on Proposition B, a measure to stop puppy mill abuses by establishing common sense standards for the proper care of dogs.

Last month, 24-year-old Brent Kandra was fatally mauled by a captive black bear at the private residence of notorious exotic animal dealer and exhibitor Sam Mazzola in Columbia Township, Ohio. Mazzola had four tigers, one lion, eight bears and a dozen wolves according to his May bankruptcy filing, and the recent death of a young man at his property has highlighted Ohio’s lack of any restrictions on the private possession of dangerous wildlife.

Arizona, like 23 other states, allows citizens to circulate petitions and pass statewide laws directly through ballot initiatives. It’s a check on the politicians when they fail to represent their constituents’ views, and on the well-heeled special interests when they block policy reforms.

My 16-year-old cat, Oliver, was diagnosed with cancer last month. It’s been a trying time for our family, as we work to get him the best treatment possible. Fortunately, Oliver has veterinary pet insurance to help cover some of the medical costs.

Former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who died in a plane crash last week, is well-known for his 40 years of service to the state of Alaska and for his record as the longest serving Republican senator. At the Humane Society Legislative Fund, we are deeply saddened by the loss, and that will surprise many a person. While we disagreed with him on many issues through the years, including drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the use of steel-jawed leghold traps, he became demonstrably more sympathetic and active on animal welfare issues later in his life.