The field is set for major federal races this November, following a fascinating primary election that saw candidates and independent groups pour millions into radio and TV ads, mailers, phone banks, and other get-out-the-vote efforts. Rick Henderson, managing editor of Carolina Journal, analyzes the field for U.S. Senate (Thom Tillis v. Kay Hagan v. Sean Haugh) and key congressional races. Then we turn a contentious issue: Obamcare. As people across the United States deal with the implications of the federal Affordable Care Act, North Carolina’s U.S. senior senator is touting an alternative health care reform plan. Sen. Richard Burr recently outlined his plan for a John Locke Foundation audience and in a one-on-one interview with Carolina Journal Radio. Next is a look at criminal justice policy. The state’s Justice Reinvestment Act already has had an impact on the state’s prison population projections. Susan Katzenelson, executive director of the N.C. Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, recently shared details with state lawmakers. That’s followed by a look at a renewed push for redistricting reform. Advocates continue to push toward their goal during this year’s legislative session. Jane Pinsky of N.C. Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform explains why groups with various political philosophies support a change in the way North Carolina draws its election maps. And finally, we look at the flawed economics behind the call for raising the federal minimum wage. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Research, Roy Cordato, explains why Keynesian economic theory was long ago discredited despite its resurgence in the Obama years.