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Brown’s tenure as lieutenant governor was bookended by two projects, both of which offered opportunities for Maryland to stand out from other states: Preparing for an influx of jobs at military posts because of a congressionally ordered base realignment, and leading the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. ... The health-care effort was marred by the failed launch of the state’s online insurance marketplace, which Brown has said was not his direct responsibility. (Johnson, 10/29)

Haven't been keeping up with the gubernatorial campaigns? We've got you covered. (10/31)

A once-obscure effort by a group of states to get out from under federal health care regulations has become an issue in the final days of the Kansas governor’s race. On Wednesday, Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Jill Docking teamed with Republican Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger at a Wichita news conference to criticize Republican Gov. Sam Brownback for signing a bill authorizing Kansas’ membership in a multi-state health care compact. Docking, Democrat Paul Davis’ running mate, said the compact could put the “Medicare benefits of Kansas seniors at risk.” If the compact is approved by Congress, its nine member states could suspend federal health care regulations within their borders and take over several programs now administered by the federal government. (McLean, 10/30)

With four days before the statewide election, California voters remain supportive of a $7.5 billion water bond, but sentiment toward two health-related ballot measures have shifted sharply downward, according to a Field Poll released Friday. (Gutierrez, 10/31)

A TV political ad opposing Proposition 46 in California opens with black silhouettes of plaintiff lawyers shaking hands. In a later frame, a worried older woman opens a medical bill. A doctor in an empty hallway shakes his head. Opponents of Proposition 46, who backed the ad, say it accurately portrays what will happen if Californians vote Tuesday in favor of the ballot initiative supported by plaintiff lawyers and patient advocacy groups. Among other things, the measure would raise the cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice suits from $250,000 to $1.1 million and index the cap to inflation. They argue that raising that cap—which hasn't been increased since it was approved in 1975—would cause doctors' medical liability insurance premiums to rise. Those costs, they say, would then be passed on to consumers. (Schencker, 10/30)