Tennessee: Alexander foresees bipartisanship. US Sen. Lamar Alexander (R) believes that despite presidential politics, “there’s also plenty to work on that would help the country,” with the White House and congressional Republicans cooperating on criminal justice reform, prescription drug abuse, biomedical research and simplifying federal student aid applications, he told Memphis’ Commercial Appeal ……. Louisiana: Edwards off to mixed start. On the upside, newly inaugurated Democratic governor John Bel Edwards promptly fulfilled his campaign promise to expand Medicaid under “Obamacare.” On the downside, the Republican state House of Representatives promptly rejected Edwards’ choice for House Speaker, traditionally a prerogative of the governor ……. Virginia: Judge okays GOP oath. A federal judge last week rejected the challenge by Donald Trump supporters of a requirement that voters in the state’s primary (R) must sign an “I am a Republican” pledge …….
