Day 17: Election Prayer Focus Florida

Florida - The Sunshine State

Motto: In God We Trust

Capital City: Tallahassee

Largest City: Jacksonville

Florida is a key swing state and the election results from this state have decided the last two Presidential elections.

Leaders

Governor Charlie Crist (R)

Senator Mel Martinez (R)

Senator Bill Nelson (D)

1. Jeff Miller (R)
2. Allen Boyd (D)
3. Corrine Brown (D)
4. Ander Crenshaw (R)
5. Virginia Brown-Waite (R)
6. Cliff Stearns (R)
7. John L. Mica (R)
8. Ric Keller (R)
9. Michael “Gus” Bilirakis (R)
10. C. W. Bill Young (R)
11. Kathy Castor (D)
12. Adam Putnam (R)
13. Vern Buchanan (R)
14. Connie Mack (R)
15. Dave Weldon (R)
16. Tim Mahoney (D)
17. Kendrick Meek (D)
18. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R)
19. Robert Wexler (D)
20. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D)
21. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R)
22. Ron Klein (D)
23. Alcee L. Hastings (D)
24. Tom Feeney (R)
25. Mario Diaz-Balart (R)

Our national leaders find themselves poised to make history. Many are faced with a "legacy vote" that may determine their political futures. We must pray that our leaders walk in great wisdom and possess the courage to do what is right and not just what is popular. Call forth God's remedy for the financial ills of our nation. Declare that our leaders are granted a spirit of revelation and have insight into God's ways for our nation. Declare that their spiritual eyes are flooded with light and they know what to do in every situation that faces our nation. Declare they are filled with the knowledge of God's will and make wise decisions. Declare that the Word of God is the final authority for our nation and every decision that is made lines up with it. Declare that our leaders will not disregard the peace of God in helping them to make decisions; the peace of God will rule (umpire) in their hearts. Declare that the Holy Spirit will guide our leaders into all truth. Dispell all fear over our nation which would cause our leaders or our citizens to make rash decisions. Declare that we the people are open and submitted to God's plan for our nation and our leaders have the wisdom to discern and implement His plan.

Prayer Points

*Declare that revival continues in the state of Florida.

*Declare that the good work God has begun in the state of Florida continues and spreads across this nation.

*Declare signs and wonders continue to follow the preaching of the Word in Florida.

*Declare Christian leaders receive divine strategy to evangelize.

*Declare the leaders in Florida walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

*Declare prosperity over the state of Florida.

*Declare our leaders at NASA continue to lead the world in cutting-edge technology and space exploration.

*Declare safety and mission success over our astronauts.

*Declare protection over the people of Florida.

*Declare protection over the miles of Flordia coastline from attack or natural disaster.

*Declare protection over the National Guard, military personnel, and military bases in Florida.

*Declare legislation in the state of Florida is in accordance with the Word of God.

*Declare Christians in the state of Florida get out and vote.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in the state of Florida and an end to the confusion in vote tabulation.

In 1513, Ponce de León, seeking the mythical “Fountain of Youth,” discovered and named Florida, claiming it for Spain. Later, Florida would be held at different times by Spain and England until Spain finally sold it to the United States in 1819. (Incidentally, France established a colony named Fort Caroline in 1564 in the state that was to become Florida.)
Florida's history in the early 19th century was marked by wars with the Seminole Indians, which did not end until 1842.
Florida's economy rests on a solid base of tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. Leading the manufacturing sector are electrical equipment and electronics, printing and publishing, transportation equipment, food processing, and machinery. Oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits lead Florida's agricultural products list, followed by potatoes, melons, strawberries, sugar cane, peanuts, dairy products, and cattle.
Major tourist attractions are Miami Beach, Palm Beach, St. Augustine (founded in 1565, thus the oldest permanent city in the U.S.), Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale on the East Coast; Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg on the West Coast; and Key West off the southern tip of Florida. The Orlando area, where Disney World is located on a 27,000-acre site, is Florida's most popular tourist destination. Also drawing many visitors are the NASA Kennedy Space Center's Spaceport USA, Everglades National Park, and the Epcot Center. (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108198.html)

Florida is the fourth most populous state in the U.S.

As of 2000, 76.91 percent of Florida residents age 5 and older spoke only English at home as a first language, while 16.46 percent spoke Spanish, and French-based creole languages (predominantly Haitian Creole) was spoken by 1.38 percent of the population. French was spoken by 0.83 percent, followed by German at 0.59 percent, and Italian at 0.44 percent of all residents. Florida's climate makes it a popular state for immigrants. Florida's public education system identifies over 200 first languages other than English spoken in the homes of students. In 1990, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) won a class action lawsuit against the state Department of Education that required educators to be trained in teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Article II, Section 9, of the Florida Constitution provides that "English is the official language of the State of Florida." This provision was adopted in 1988 by a vote following an Initiative Petition. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida)

Religion
Florida is mostly Protestant, but Roman Catholicism is the single largest denomination in the state. There is also a sizable Jewish community, located mainly in South Florida; no other Southern state has such a large Jewish population. Florida's current religious affiliations are shown in the table below:
Roman Catholic, 26%
Protestant, 40%
Baptist, 9%
Methodist, 6%
Pentecostal, 3%
Jewish, 3%
Muslim, 1%
other religions, 2%
non-religious, 16%

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida)

We must pray for our nations future leaders who are currently being educated in the state of Florida. Florida is home to 11 public universities, 28 community colleges, and 28 private universities. Hundreds of thousands of college student now reside in the state of Florida.

We also must pray for the evangelizing of the many senior citizens who make Flordia their home for at least part of the year.

Weather

Florida's nickname is the "Sunshine State", but severe weather is a common occurrence in the state. Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, as it experiences more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country. Florida has the highest average precipitation of any state, in large part because afternoon thunderstorms are common in most of the state from late spring until early autumn. A fair day may be interrupted with a storm, only to return to sunshine. These thunderstorms, caused by collisions between airflow from the Gulf of Mexico and airflow from the Atlantic Ocean, pop up in the early afternoon and can bring heavy downpours, high winds, and sometimes tornadoes. Florida leads the United States in tornadoes per square mile (when including waterspouts but these tornadoes do not typically reach the intensity of those in the Midwest and Great Plains. Hail often accompanies the most severe thunderstorms.
Snow in Florida is a rare occurrence. During the Great Blizzard of 1899, Florida experienced blizzard conditions; the Tampa Bay area had "gulf-effect" snow, similar to lake-effect snow. The Great Blizzard of 1899 is the only time the temperature in the state is known to have fallen below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (−18 °C). The most widespread snowfall in Florida history happened on January 19, 1977, when snow fell over much of the state, as far south as Homestead. Snow flurries fell on Miami Beach for the only time in recorded history. A hard freeze in 2003 brought "ocean-effect" snow flurries to the Atlantic coast as far south as Cape Canaveral.
The 1993 Superstorm brought blizzard conditions to the panhandle, while heavy rain and tornadoes beset the peninsula. The storm is believed to have been similar in composition to a hurricane, and even brought storm surges of six feet or more to regions of the Gulf coast.
Although some storms have formed out of season, tropical cyclones pose a severe threat during hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30. Florida is the most hurricane-prone US state, with subtropical or tropical water on three sides and a lengthy coastline. It is rare for a hurricane season to pass without any impact in the state by at least a tropical storm. August to October is the most likely period for a hurricane in Florida.

Hurricane Andrew bearing down on Florida on August 23, 1992.
In 2004, Florida was hit by a record four hurricanes. Hurricanes Charley (August 13), Frances (September 4 – 5), Ivan (September 16), and Jeanne (September 25 – 26) cumulatively cost the state's economy US$42 billion. In 2005, Hurricane Dennis (July 10) became the fifth storm to strike Florida within eleven months. Later, Hurricane Katrina (August 25) passed through South Florida and Hurricane Rita (September 20) swept through the Florida Keys. Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida in the early morning of October 24 as a Category 3 hurricane, with the storm's eye hitting near Cape Romano, just south of Marco Island, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Florida was the site of the second costliest weather disaster in U.S. history, Hurricane Andrew, which caused more than US$25 billion in damage when it struck on August 24, 1992. In a long list of other infamous hurricane strikes are the 1926 Great Miami Hurricane, the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Hurricane Donna in 1960, and Hurricane Opal in 1995. Recent research suggests the storms are part of a natural cycle and not a result of Global Warming. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida)

Day 16: Election Prayer Focus Georgia

Georgia - The Peach State

Motto: Wisdom, Justice and Moderation

Capital/Largest City: Atlanta

Leaders

Governor Sonny Purdue (R)

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

1. Jack Kingston (R)
2. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D)
3. Lynn Westmoreland (R)
4. Hank Johnson (D)
5. John Lewis (D)
6. Tom Price (R)
7. John Linder (R)
8. Jim Marshall (D)
9. Nathan Deal (R)
10. Paul C. Broun (R)
11. Phil Gingrey (R)
12. John Barrow (D)
13. David Scott (D)

Prayer Points

*Declare revival comes to Georgia.

*Declare signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in Georgia.

*Declare divine strategies come to Christian leaders in Georgia.

*Declare an end to the gasoline shortage in Georgia

*Declare the economy of Georgia prospers.

*Declare the leaders of Georgia walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

*Declare the major media outlets in Georgia speak the truth and are held accountable to the truth by the people.

*Declare legislation passed in Georgia is in accordance with the Word of God.

*Declare the people of Georgia get out and vote.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in Georgia.

*Declare protection over the people of Georgia.

*Declare protection over the National Guard, military personnel, and military bases in Georgia.

Hernando de Soto, the Spanish explorer, first traveled parts of Georgia in 1540. British claims later conflicted with those of Spain. After obtaining a royal charter, Gen. James Oglethorpe established the first permanent settlement in Georgia in 1733 as a refuge for English debtors. In 1742, Oglethorpe defeated Spanish invaders in the Battle of Bloody Marsh.
A Confederate stronghold, Georgia was the scene of extensive military action during the Civil War. Union general William T. Sherman burned Atlanta and destroyed a 60-mile-wide path to the coast, where he captured Savannah in 1864.
The largest state in the southeast, Georgia is typical of the changing South with an ever-increasing industrial development. Atlanta, largest city in the state, is the communications and transportation center for the Southeast and the area's chief distributor of goods.
Georgia leads the nation in the production of paper and board, tufted textile products, and processed chicken. Other major manufactured products are transportation equipment, food products, apparel, and chemicals.
Important agricultural products are corn, cotton, tobacco, soybeans, eggs, and peaches. Georgia produces twice as many peanuts as the next leading state. From its vast stands of pine come more than half of the world's resins and turpentine and 74.4 percent of the U.S. supply. Georgia is a leader in the production of marble, kaolin, barite, and bauxite.

(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108201.html)

Agriculture and industry
Georgia's agricultural outputs are poultry and eggs, pecans, peaches, peanuts, rye, cattle, hogs, dairy products, turfgrass, tobacco, and vegetables. Its industrial outputs are textiles and apparel, transportation equipment, cigarettes, food processing, paper products, chemical products, electric equipment. Tourism also makes an important contribution to the economy. Georgia is home to the Granite Capital of the World (Elberton). Atlanta has been the site of enormous growth in real estate, service, and communications industries.
Atlanta has a very large effect on the state of Georgia and the Southeastern United States. The city is an ever growing addition to communications, industry, transportation, tourism, and government. Food is also a major industry in Georgia.
Industry in Georgia is now quite diverse. Major products in the mineral and timber industry include a variety of pines, clays, stones, and sands. Textile industry is located around the cities of Rome, Columbus, Augusta, and Macon. Atlanta is a leading center of tourism, transportation, communications, government, and industry. Some industries there include automobile and aircraft manufacturing, food and chemical processing, printing, publishing, and large corporations. Some of the corporations headquartered in Atlanta are: Arby's, Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Pacific, Hooters, ING Americas, Cox, and Delta Air Lines. Major corporations in other parts of the state include: Aflac, CareSouth, Home Depot, Newell Rubbermaid, Primerica Financial Services, United Parcel Service, Waffle House and Zaxby's.
Several United States military installations are located in Georgia including Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Fort Benning, Moody Air Force Base, Robins Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Atlanta, Fort McPherson, Fort Gillem, Fort Gordon, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Coast Guard Air Station Savannah and Coast Guard Station Brunswick. However, due to the latest round of BRAC cuts, Forts Gillem and McPherson will be closing and NAS Atlanta will be transferred to the Georgia National Guard. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_%28U.S._state%29)

Like most other Southern states, Georgia is largely Protestant Christian. The religious affiliations of the people of Georgia are as follows:
Protestant: 70%
Baptist: 26%
Methodist: 12%
Presbyterian: 3%
Pentecostal: 3%
Roman Catholic: 12%
Other: 3%
Non-religious: 13%
Georgia shares its Protestant heritage with much of the Southeastern United States. However, the number of Roman Catholics is growing in the state because of the influx of Northeasterners resettling in the Atlanta metro area and also because of large Hispanic immigration into the state.
The largest denominations by number of adherents in 2000 were the Southern Baptist Convention with 1,719,484; the United Methodist Church with 570,674; and the Roman Catholic Church with 374,185.
Georgia's Jewish community dates to the settlement of 42 mostly Sephardic Portuguese Jews in Savannah in 1733. Atlanta also has a large and established Jewish community. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_%28U.S._state%29)

Politics

Until recently, Georgia's state government had the longest unbroken record of single-party dominance of any state in the Union. This record was established partly by disfranchisement of most blacks and many poor whites in the early 20th century, lasting into the 1960s.
After Reconstruction, white Democrats regained power, especially by legal disfranchisement of most African Americans and many poor whites through erection of barriers to voter registration. In 1900, shortly before Georgia adopted a disfranchising constitutional amendment in 1908, blacks comprised 47% of the state's population. A "clean" franchise was linked by Progressives to electoral reform. White, one-party rule was solidified. To escape the oppression, tens of thousands of black Georgians left the state, going north in the Great Migration for jobs, better education for their children and the chance to vote.
For over 130 years, from 1872 to 2003, Georgians only elected white Democratic governors, and white Democrats held the majority of seats in the General Assembly. Most of the Democrats elected throughout these years were Southern Democrats or Dixiecrats who were very conservative by national standards. This continued after the segregationist period, which ended legally in the 1960s. According to the 1960 census, the proportion of Georgia's population that was African American had decreased to 28%. After civil rights legislation under President Johnson secured voting and civil rights in the mid-1960s, most African Americans in the South joined the Democratic Party.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Georgia made significant changes in civil rights, governance, and economic growth focused on Atlanta. It was a bedrock of the emerging "New South." This characterization was solidified with the election of former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter in 1976 to the U.S. Presidency.
The political dominance of Democrats ended in 2003, when then-Governor Roy Barnes was defeated by Republican Sonny Perdue, a state legislator and former Democrat himself. It was regarded as a stunning upset. While Democrats retained control of the State House, they lost their majority in the Senate when four Democrats switched parties. They lost the House in the 2004 election. Republicans now control all three partisan elements of the state government.
In recent years, many conservative Democrats, including former U.S. Senator and governor Zell Miller, have decided to support Republicans. The state's socially conservative bent results in wide support for such measures as restrictions on abortion. Even before 2003, the state had become increasingly supportive of Republicans in Presidential elections. It has supported a Democrat for president only three times since 1960. In 1976 and 1980, native son Jimmy Carter carried the state; in 1992, the former Arkansas governor Bill Clinton narrowly won the state. Generally, Republicans are strongest in the predominantly white suburban (especially the Atlanta suburbs) and rural portions of the state. Many of these areas were represented by conservative Democrats in the state legislature well into the 21st century. Democrats do best in the areas where black voters are most numerous, mostly in the cities (especially Atlanta) and the rural Black Belt region that travels through the central and southwestern portion of the state. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_%28U.S._state%29)

Television

Georgia is home to Ted Turner, who founded TBS, TNT, TCM, Cartoon Network, CNN and Headline News, among others. The CNN Center, which houses the news channel's world headquarters, is located in downtown Atlanta, facing Marietta Street, while the home offices of the Turner Entertainment networks are located in midtown, near the Georgia Tech campus, on Techwood Drive. A third Turner building is on Williams Street, directly across Interstate 75 and Interstate 85 from the Techwood Drive campus and is the home of Adult Swim and Williams Street Studios.
The Weather Channel's headquarters are located in the Smyrna area of metropolitan Atlanta in Cobb County.
WSB-TV was the state's first television station, and the southeastern United States' second. WSB-TV signed on Channel 8 in 1948, and moved to its present day location on Channel 2 in 1952. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_%28U.S._state%29)

Day 15: Election Prayer Focus South Carolina

South Carolina - Palmetto State

Motto: Prepared in mind and resources.

While I breathe, I hope.

Capital/Largest City: Columbia

Leaders

Governor Mark Sanford (R)

Senator Jim DeMint (R)

Senator Lindsey Graham (R)

1. Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R)
2. Joe Wilson (R)
3. J. Gresham Barrett (R)
4. Bob Inglis (R)
5. John M. Spratt (D)
6. James E. Clyburn (D)

Prayer Points

*Declare that revival comes to South Carolina.

*Declare that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in South Carolina.

*Declare divine strategies be released to Christian leaders in South Carolina.

*Declare the leaders in South Carolina walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

*Declare prosperity comes to South Carolina.

*Declare business opportunities increase in South Carolina.

*Declare that legislation passed in South Carolina is in agreement with the Word of God.

*Declare the people of South Carolina get out and vote.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in South Carolina.

*Declare an end to the gasoline shortage in South Carolina.

*Declare protection over the state of South Carolina.

*Declare protection over the South Carolina National Guard, military personnel, and military bases.

Following exploration of the coast in 1521 by Francisco de Gordillo, the Spanish tried unsuccessfully to establish a colony near present-day Georgetown in 1526, and the French also failed to colonize Parris Island near Fort Royal in 1562. The first English settlement was made in 1670 at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River, but poor conditions drove the settlers to the site of Charleston (originally called Charles Town).
South Carolina, officially separated from North Carolina in 1729, was the scene of extensive military action during the Revolution and again during the Civil War. The Civil War began in 1861 as South Carolina troops fired on federal Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, and the state was the first to secede from the Union.
Once primarily agricultural, South Carolina today has many large textile and other mills that produce several times the output of its farms in cash value. Charleston makes asbestos, wood, pulp, steel products, chemicals, machinery, and apparel.
Farms have become fewer but larger in recent years. South Carolina ranks third in peach production; it ranks fourth in overall tobacco production. Other top agricultural commodities include nursery and greenhouse products, watermelons, peanuts, broilers and turkeys, and cattle and calves. The only commercial tea plantation in America is 20 mi south of Charleston on Wadmalaw Island. (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108268.html)

Early in the 20th century, South Carolina developed a thriving textile industry. By 2007, textile employment had dropped significantly. The state also converted its agricultural base from cotton to more profitable crops, attracted large military bases, created tourism industries and, most recently, attracted European manufacturers.

Religion
South Carolina, like most other Southern states, has a Protestant Christian majority, and a lower percentage of non-religious people than the national average. The religious affiliations of the people of South Carolina are as follows:
Christian: 92%
Protestant: 84%
Southern Baptist: 45%
Methodist: 15%
Presbyterian: 5%
Other Protestant: 19%
Roman Catholic: 7%
Other Christian: 1%
Other Religions: 1%
Non-Religious: 7%
Sephardic Jews have lived in the state for more than 300 years, especially in and around Charleston. Until about 1830, South Carolina had the largest population of Jews in North America. Many of South Carolina's Jews have assimilated into Christian society, shrinking Judaism down to less than 1% of the total religious makeup. In addition, Roman Catholicism is growing in South Carolina due to immigration from the North.

South Carolina Singularities
Adjutant general: The head of the state's national guard, the adjutant general, is a statewide elected official.
Driving Under the Influence: South Carolina is the only state in the nation with mandatory videotaping by the arresting officer of the DUI arrest and breath test.
Fire Safety Regulations: South Carolina is the only state that allows fire officials to sidestep a federal regulation requiring that for every employee doing hazardous work inside a building, one must be outside.
School Buses: South Carolina is the only state in the nation that owns and operates its own school bus fleet.
Strokes: South Carolina has the highest rate of stroke deaths in the nation.
Black Water River: With the Edisto River, South Carolina has the longest completely undammed / unleveed blackwater river in North America.
Outdoor Sculpture: South Carolina is home to the world's largest collection of outdoor sculpture located at Brookgreen Gardens.
Landscaped Gardens: South Carolina is home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States, at Middleton Place near Charleston.

Day 14: Election Prayer Focus North Carolina

North Carolina - The Tar Heel State

Motto: To Be Rather Than To Seem

Capital City: Raleigh

Largest City: Charlotte

Leaders

Governor Mike Easley (D)

Senator Richard Burr (R)

Senator Elizabeth Dole (R)

1. G. K. Butterfield (D)
2. Bob Etheridge (D)
3. Walter Jones (R)
4. David E. Price (D)
5. Virginia Foxx (R)
6. Howard Coble (R)
7. Mike McIntyre (D)
8. Robin Hayes (R)
9. Sue Myrick (R)
10. Patrick McHenry (R)
11. Heath Shuler (D)
12. Melvin L. Watt (D)
13. Brad Miller (D)

Prayer Points

*Declare that revival comes to North Carolina.

*Declare that North Carolina opens to Christian media.

*Declare that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in North Carolina.

*Declare tht Christian leaders receive divine strategies to reach the people of North Carolina.

*Declare the economy of North Carolina prospers.

*Declare that gasoline supplies are brought into North Carolina and the shortage is ended.

*Declare the leaders walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

*Declare that legislation passed in North Carolina is in accordance with the Word of God.

*Declare that Christians in North Carolina get out and vote.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in North Carolina.

*Declare the people of North Carolina are protected.

*Declare protection over the coastline and miliarty bases in North Carolina.

*Declare protection over the National Guard an military personnel of North Carolina.

History and Facts

English colonists, sent by Sir Walter Raleigh, unsuccessfully attempted to settle Roanoke Island in 1585 and 1587. Virginia Dare, born there in 1587, was the first child of English parentage born in America.
In 1653 the first permanent settlements were established by English colonists from Virginia near the Roanoke and Chowan rivers. The region was established as an English proprietary colony in 1663–1665 and in its early history was the scene of Culpepper's Rebellion (1677), the Quaker-led Cary Rebellion (1708), the Tuscarora Indian War (1711–1713), and many pirate raids.
During the American Revolution, there was relatively little fighting within the state, but many North Carolinians saw action elsewhere. Despite considerable pro-Union, antislavery sentiment, North Carolina joined the Confederacy during the Civil War.
North Carolina is the nation's largest furniture, tobacco, brick, and textile producer. Metalworking, chemicals, and paper are also important industries. The major agricultural products are tobacco, corn, cotton, hay, peanuts, and vegetable crops. The state is the country's leading producer of mica and lithium.
Tourism is also important, with visitors spending more than $1 billion annually. Sports include year-round golfing, skiing at mountain resorts, both fresh- and salt-water fishing, and hunting.
Among the major attractions are the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge National Parkway, the Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores, the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, Guilford Courthouse and Moores Creek National Military Parks, Carl Sandburg's home near Hendersonville, and the Old Salem Restoration in Winston-Salem.

(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108254.html)

On May 20, 1861, North Carolina was the last of the Confederate states to secede from the Union. It was readmitted on July 4, 1868. The state was the location of the first successful controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air flight, by the Wright brothers, at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk in 1903. Today, it is a fast-growing state with an increasingly diverse economy and population. As of July 1, 2007, the population was estimated to be 9,061,032 (a 12% increase since April 1, 2000). Recognizing eight Native American tribes, North Carolina has the largest population of American Indians of any state east of the Mississippi.

Religion
North Carolina, like other Southern states, has traditionally been overwhelmingly Protestant. By the late 19th century, the largest Protestant denomination was the Southern Baptists. However, the rapid influx of northerners and immigrants from Latin America is steadily increasing the number of Roman Catholics and Jews in the state. Yet, the numerical dominance of the Baptist Church remains strong.
In many rural counties the Southern Baptists remain the dominant Christian church. The second-largest Protestant church in North Carolina are the Methodists, who are strong in the northern Piedmont, and especially in populous Guilford County. There are also substantial numbers of Quakers in Guilford County, and northeastern North Carolina.
The Presbyterian, historically Scots-Irish, have had a strong presence in Charlotte, the state's largest city, and in Scotland County. The current religious affiliations of the people of North Carolina are shown below:
Christian: 80%
Protestant: 59%
Baptist: 38%
Methodist: 9%
Presbyterian: 3%
Other Protestant: 9%
Roman Catholic: 10%
Other Christian such as Non-denominational and Mormon Church: 11%
Judaism: 1%
Other religions: 9%
Unaffiliated, non-religious and others: 10%

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina)

Economy

Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city, continues to experience rapid growth, in large part due to the banking & finance industry. Charlotte is now the second largest banking center in the United States (after New York), and is home to Bank of America and Wachovia. The Charlotte metro area is also home to 5 other Fortune 500 companies.
BB&T (Branch Banking & Trust), one of America's largest banks, was founded in Wilson, NC in 1872. Today, BB&T's headquarters is in Winston-Salem, although some operations still take place in Wilson.
The information and biotechnology industries have been steadily on the rise since the creation of the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in the 1950s. Located between Raleigh and Durham (mostly in Durham County), its proximity to local research universities has no doubt helped to fuel growth.

North Carolina remains a control state. This is probably due to the state's strongly conservative Protestant heritage. Four of the state's counties - Clay, Graham, Mitchell, and Yancey, which are all located in rural areas - remain "dry" (the sale of alcoholic beverages is illegal). However, the remaining 96 North Carolina counties allow the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, as is the case in most of the United States. Even in rural areas, the opposition to selling and drinking alcoholic beverages is declining, as the decreasing number of "dry" counties indicates.
North Carolina is one of the 12 states to decriminalize marijuana. In 1997 Marijuana and Tetrahydrocannabinols were moved from a schedule I to schedule IV . Transfer of less than 5 grams is not considered sale, and up to 1 1/2 ounces is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or community service, at the judge's discretion, rather than imprisonment or a felony charge.

Food

A nationally-famous cuisine from North Carolina is pork barbecue. However, there are strong regional differences and rivalries over the sauces and method of preparation used in making the barbecue. Eastern North Carolina pork barbecue uses a vinegar-based sauce and the "whole hog" is cooked, thus using both white and dark meat. The "capital" of eastern Carolina barbecue is usually considered to be the town of Wilson, near Raleigh. Western North Carolina pork barbecue uses a ketchup-based sauce and only the pork shoulder (dark meat) is used. The "capital" of western Carolina barbecue is usually considered to be the town of Lexington, south of Winston-Salem. A third type of pork barbecue, using a sauce which is a combination of ketchup and vinegar, is "Shelby" barbecue which is made in the town of Shelby.
North Carolina is the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, first produced in 1890 in New Bern. Regional soft drinks created and still based in the state are Sun Drop and Cheerwine. Krispy Kreme, a popular chain of doughnut stores, was started in North Carolina; the company's headquarters are in Winston-Salem. Despite its name, the hot sauce Texas Pete was created in North Carolina; its headquarters are also in Winston-Salem. The Hardees fast-food chain was started in Rocky Mount. Another fast-food chain, Bojangles', was started in Charlotte, and has its corporate headquarters there. A popular North Carolina restaurant chain is Golden Corral. Started in 1973, the chain was founded in Fayetteville. Popular pickle brand Mount Olive Pickle Company was founded in Mount Olive in 1926. Cook Out, a popular fast food chain featuring burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes in a wide variety of flavors, was founded in Greensboro in 1989 and operates exclusively in North Carolina. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina)

Confessing the Word of God Over Our Nation

We are facing a critical time in our nation at this moment regarding our financial markets and ultimately our soveriegnty and security. It is critical that "We the People" make our voices heard, not only to our representatives in Washington, but in the heavenlies. We have been given dominion in the earth to follow the example of our Heavenly Father to speak those things that be not as though there already were.

We must take our rightful place of authority and clearly speak the promises of God over our nation. It is our duty as citizens to pray for our leaders during this crucial hour of decision making. Please join me in praying for our nation and our leaders. I have included a confession I make daily during my time of confessing the Word. I found this confession on the Creflo Dollar Ministry site. This site is a great resource for daily devotions and Word confessions. (http://www.creflodollarministries.org/Public/Bible/Daily-Confessions.aspx)

In the name of Jesus, I declare that this nation is blessed of the Lord, and no weapon formed against these United States shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

This country is filled with people who pray and seek God's face. As such, His eyes and ears are attuned to our prayers (2 Chronicles 7:15).

Because unseen, angelic forces are working on behalf of this country, we will be victorious over our enemies (2 Kings 6:16-17).

There is no division among the citizens of this country. We form a united front by praying for our leaders daily (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

I declare that the plans for acts of terrorism are revealed to those who provide our national security (Daniel 11:25).

I am not afraid to travel, because God preserves my going out and my coming in. I carry out my daily affairs secure in the knowledge that I am more than a conqueror (Psalm 121:8; Romans 8:37).

As the righteousness of God, I have authority over my enemies, and nothing will harm me (Luke 10:19).

According to Proverbs 18:21, my words have creative ability; in the name of Jesus, I have what I say. I release most holy faith to bring these things to pass.

Day 13: Election Prayer Focus Virginia

Virginia - The Old Dominion





Motto: Thus Always to Tyrants


Capital City: Richmond


Largest City: Virginia Beach





Leaders


Governor Tim Kaine (D)


Senator John Warner (R)


Senator Jim Webb (D)


1. Robert J. Wittman (R)
2. Thelma D. Drake (R)
3. Bobby Scott (D)
4. Randy Forbes (R)
5. Virgil H. Goode, Jr. (R)
6. Bob Goodlatte (R)
7. Eric I. Cantor (R)
8. James P. Moran (D)
9. Rick Boucher (D)
10. Frank R. Wolf (R)
11. Thomas M. Davis (R)





Prayer Points


*Declare that revival comes to Virginia.


*Declare Christian media expands in Virginia.


*Declare signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in Virginia.


*Declare a preparing of the hearts of the people of Virginia to open to the Gospel.


*Declare the leaders of Virginia walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.


*Declare the economy of Virginia propsers.


*Declare protection over the people of Virginia.


*Declare protection over the National Guard and military personnel of Virginia.


*Declare protection over the Atlantic fleet, military bases in Hampton Roads, and the Pentagon and federal agencies based in Virginia.


*Declare legislation passed in Virginia is in accordance with the Word of God.


*Declare Christians in Virginia get out and vote.


*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in Virginia.


*Declare that truth is spoken through the many media outlets in Virginia.





The history of America is closely tied to that of Virginia, particularly during the Colonial period. Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement in North America and slavery was introduced there in 1619. The surrenders ending both the American Revolution (Yorktown) and the Civil War (Appomattox) occurred in Virginia. The state is called the “Mother of Presidents” because eight U.S. presidents were born there.
Today, the service sector provides one-third of all jobs in Virginia, generating as much income as the manufacturing and retail industries combined in 1999 and accounting for 23% of gross state product. (The largest component of the service sector is business services, which includes computer and data processing services.)
Virginia has a large number of manufacturing industries, including transportation equipment, food processing, electronic and other electrical equipment, chemicals, textiles and apparel, lumber and wood products, and furniture.
Agriculture remains an important sector, and the state ranks among the top ten in a variety of agricultural products, including tomatoes, tobacco, peanuts, apples, summer potatoes, sweet potatoes, snap beans, and turkeys and broilers. Virginia also has a large dairy industry.
Virginia is one of the top ten coal producers in the U.S. Coal accounts for roughly 70% of Virginia's mineral value; crushed stone, sand and gravel, lime, and kyanite are also mined.
Points of interest include Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington; Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; Stratford, home of the Lees; Richmond, capital of the Confederacy and of Virginia; and Williamsburg, the restored Colonial capital.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel spans the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, connecting Cape Charles with Norfolk. Consisting of a series of low trestles, two bridges and two mile-long tunnels, the complex is 18 miles (29 km) long. It was opened in 1964. (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108283.html)





Religion
Christian:76%
Baptist:30%
Protestant:49%
Methodist:7%
Roman Catholic:14%
Lutheran:2%
Other Christian:13%
Presbyterian:3%
Judaism:1%
Episcopal:3%
Islam:1%
Pentecostal:2%
Other religions:4%
Congregational:1%
Non-religious:12%
Other/general:2%



Virginia is predominantly Protestant; Baptists are the largest single group with thirty percent of the population. Roman Catholics are the second-largest group. Baptist denominational groups in Virginia include the Baptist General Association of Virginia, with about 1,400 member churches, which supports both the Southern Baptist Convention and the moderate Cooperative Baptist Fellowship; and the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia with over 500 affiliated churches, which supports the Southern Baptist Convention.
While a small population in terms of the state overall, Jewish people have been long part of its history. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington includes most of Northern Virginia's Catholic churches, while the Diocese of Richmond covers the rest. The Virginia Synod is responsible for the churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Southern Virginia, and Southwestern Virginia support the various Episcopal churches. In November 2006, fifteen conservative Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Virginia voted to split from the diocese and the larger Anglican Communion church over the issue of sexuality and the ordination of openly gay clergy and bishops. Virginia law allows parishioners to determine their church's affiliation. The resulting property law case is a test for Episcopal churches nationwide, as the diocese claims the church properties of those congregations that want to secede.
About fifty percent of those practicing non-Christian faiths come from India. Others may include Vietnamese Americans and others of Asian descent. Together, those who practice Buddhism and Hinduism form the fastest growing group, and largest of the "Other Religions" group, accounting for one percent of the population. Islam, the second fastest growing religious group, accounts for 0.99% of the population. Megachurches in the state include Thomas Road Baptist Church, McLean Bible Church and Immanuel Bible Church. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia)





Media


The Hampton Roads area is the forty-second largest media market in the United States as ranked by Nielsen Media Research, and the Richmond-Petersburg area is sixtieth and Roanoke-Lynchburg is sixty-eighth. There are twenty-one television stations in Virginia, representing each major U.S. network, part of forty-two stations which serve Virginia viewers. Over eight-hundred FCC-licensed FM radio stations broadcast in Virginia, with over three-hundred such AM stations. The nationally available Public Broadcasting Service, abbreviated as PBS, is headquartered in Arlington. The locally focused Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation, a non-profit corporation which owns public TV and radio stations, has offices around the state.
Major newspapers in the commonwealth include the Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Virginian-Pilot, based in Norfolk, The Roanoke Times and the Daily Press based in Newport News. The Times-Dispatch has a daily subscription of 186,441, slightly more than the Pilot at 183,024, fiftieth and fifty-second in the nation respectively, while the Roanoke Times has about 97,000 daily subscribers. Several Washington, D.C. papers are based in Northern Virginia, such as The Washington Examiner and The Politico. The nation's widest circulated paper, USA Today, is headquartered in McLean. The Arlington based Freedom Forum is an organization dedicated to free press and journalistic free speech. Besides traditional forms of media, Virginia is home to telecommunication companies such as Sprint Nextel and XO Communications. The Dulles Technology Corridor contains the "pathways that carry more than half of all traffic on the Internet." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia)

Politics

In the last century Virginia has shifted from the largely rural, politically Southern and conservative state to a more urbanized, pluralistic political environment. The rural southern and eastern portions of the state remain largely Republican, while urban centers and the Washington suburbs have become increasingly Democratic. Regional differences play a large part in Virginia politics. Politically moderate urban and growing suburban areas, including Northern Virginia, are the Democratic base. Rural Virginia moved to support the Republican Party in response to their "southern strategy." Portions of Southwest Virginia influenced by unionized coal mines, college towns such as Charlottesville and Blacksburg, and southeastern counties in the Black Belt Region have remained more likely to vote Democratic. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia)

Day 12: Election Prayer Focus West Virginia

West Virginia - Mountain State





Motto: Mountaineers are always free.





Residents: West Virginians





Capital/Largest City: Charleston





Leaders


Governor Joe Manchin III (D)


Senator Robert C. Byrd (D)


Senator John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV


1. Alan B. Mollohan (D)
2. Shelley Moore Capito (R)
3. Nick J. Rahall II (D)





Prayer Points


*Declare that revival comes to West Virginia.


*Declare expansion to Christian media in West Virginia.


*Declare that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in West Virginia.


*Declare that the spirit of poverty is broken over the state of West Virginia.


*Declare that the economy prospers in West Virginia.


*Declare protection over the people of West Virginia.


*Declare protection over the West Virginia National Guard and military personnel.


*Declare that legislation passed in West Virginia is in accordance with the Word of God.


*Declare that the leaders of West Virginia walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.


*Declare that the Christians in West Virginia get out and vote.


*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in West Virginia.


*Declare safety over the mine workers in West Virginia.


*Declare that divine strategy comes to evangelize the people of West Virginia.








History


West Virginia's early history from 1609 until 1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it was a part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. The delegates of the 40 western counties who opposed secession formed their own government, which was granted statehood in 1863.
In 1731 Morgan Morgan established the first permanent white settlement on Mill Creek in present-day Berkeley County. Coal, a mineral asset that would figure significantly in West Virginia's history, was discovered in 1742. Other important natural resources are oil, natural gas, and hardwood forests, which cover about 75% of the state's area.
The state's rapid industrial expansion began in the 1870s, drawing thousands of European immigrants and African Americans into the region. Miners' strikes between 1912 and 1921 required the intervention of state and federal troops to quell the violence.
Today, the state ranks second in total coal production, with about 15% of the U.S. total. It is also a leader in steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures. Major agricultural commodities are poultry and eggs, dairy products, and apples.
Tourism is increasingly popular in mountainous West Virginia. More than a million acres have been set aside in 37 state parks and recreation areas and in 9 state forests and 2 national forests. Major points of interest include Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge National River, The Greenbrier and Berkeley Springs resorts, the scenic railroad at Cass, and the historic homes in the Eastern Panhandle. (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108289.html)





Only 1.1% of the state's residents were foreign-born, placing West Virginia last among the 50 states in that statistic. It has the lowest percentage of residents that speak a language other than English in the home (2.7%).





Religion
Responses to a 2001 religious survey were:
Christian (75%)
Protestant (60%)
Baptist (30%)
Methodist (15%)
Other Protestant/General Protestant (15%)
Non-denominational Christian (7%)
Roman Catholic (8%)
Not religious (13%)
A non-Christian religion (4%)
6% refused to answer.





Economy


The economy of West Virginia is one of the most fragile of any U.S. state. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, West Virginia is the third lowest in per capita income, ahead of only Arkansas and Mississippi. It also ranks last in median household income. The proportion of West Virginia's adult population with a bachelor's degree is the lowest in the U.S. at 15.3%.
West Virginia's GDP was $55.6B in 2006, which was a 0.6% increase from 2005. This makes growth rate for the state the 2nd lowest in the nation, behind only Michigan.
One of the major resources in West Virginia's economy is coal. According to the Energy Information Administration, West Virginia is a top coal-producer in the United States, second only to Wyoming. West Virginia produces minimal oil and natural gas. Nearly all of the electricity generated in West Virginia is from coal-fired power plants. West Virginia produces a surplus of electricity and leads the Nation in net interstate electricity exports. Farming is also practiced in West Virginia, but on a limited basis because of the mountainous terrain over much of the state.





Politics


At the state level, West Virginia's politics are largely dominated by the Democratic Party, with Democrats currently holding the governorship, both senate seats, two of three house seats and both houses of the state legislature. West Virginia also has a very strong tradition of union membership. In the Republican landslide of 1988, it was one of only ten states, and the only southern state (as defined by the US Census), to give its electoral votes to Michael Dukakis; it was one of only six states to support Jimmy Carter over Ronald Reagan in 1980; and it supported Bill Clinton by large margins in both 1992 and 1996. However, the West Virginia State Democratic Party, like many State Democratic Parties in the South, is on the whole more moderate than the national party. For example, Senator Robert Byrd was a member of the bipartisan Gang of 14, while Governor Joe Manchin and Congressmen Alan Mollohan and Nick Rahall are pro-life on the issue of abortion. Furthermore, the state has trended increasingly Republican in Presidential elections; despite the earlier Democratic wins in Presidential matchups mentioned, it narrowly elected George W. Bush over Al Gore in 2000, then re-elected Bush by a much larger margin in 2004, and John McCain has usually polled slightly ahead of Barack Obama for the 2008 matchup.
The most consistent support for Democrats is found in the coal fields of southern West Virginia (especially McDowell, Mingo, Logan, Wyoming, and Boone Counties), while Republicans are most numerous to the east of the Allegheny Mountains, especially in the state's Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands. The Northern Panhandle and North-Central West Virginia regions usually split right down the middle in terms of being Republican or Democrat.
Since 1996, coal interests have contributed more than $4 million to candidates for governor, the state Supreme Court and the West Virginia Legislature. The 2004 election was a record-setter for the coal industry. Gov. Joe Manchin received $571,214 from coal interests for his campaign and $174,500 for his inaugural.West Virginians for Coal, the West Virginia Coal Association's political action committee, contributed more money than any other coal industry donor.


(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Virginia)



Silly West Virginia Laws

A person may be placed in jail for up to six months for making fun of someone who does not accept a challege.
It is illegal to snooze on a train.
A person may not hold public office if he or she has ever participated in a duel.
For each act of public swearing a person shall be fined one dollar.
According to the state constitution, it is unlawful for anyone to own a red or a black flag.
If you wear a hat inside a theater, you may be fined.
Roadkill may be taken home for supper.
Whistling underwater is prohibited.
(http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/west-virginia)

Day 11: Election Prayer Focus Maryland

Maryland - The Free State; The Old Line State

Motto: Manly Deeds, Womanly Words

Residents: Marylander

Capital City: Annapolis

Largest City: Baltimore

Leaders

Governor Martin O'Malley (D)

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D)

Senator Ben Cardin (D)

1. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R)
2. C. A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger (D)
3. John Sarbanes (D)
4. [Vacant]
5. Steny H. Hoyer (D)
6. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R)
7. Elijah E. Cummings (D)
8. Chris Van Hollen (D)

Prayer Points

*Declare that revival comes to Maryland.

*Declare that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in Maryland.

*Declare that Christians will get out and vote in Maryland.

*Declare that the leaders walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

*Declare divine protection over Maryland.

*Declare divine protection over the Maryland National guard and military personnel.

*Declare protection over the ports and military bases in Maryland.

*Declare that legislation in Maryland is in accordance with the Word of God.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in Maryland.

*Declare that Christian media expands in Maryland.

*Declare that the economy in Maryland is prosperous.

Maryland Facts

The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use.

The highest median household income of any state at $68,808 in 2007.

The state poverty rate of 7.8% is the lowest in the nation.

A life sciences hub with over 350 biotechnology firms.

White collar workers comprise 25% of the workforce, the highest percentage in the nation.

"America in Miniature" because of its diverse topography.

The narrowest state, only 1 mile wide near Hancock.

Has no natural lakes, but several man-made lakes, the largest is Deep Creek Lake.

Baltimore City is the 8th largest port in the nation.

The official state sport of Maryland, since 1962, is jousting.

The official team sport since 2004 is lacrosse.

In 2008, intending to promote physical fitness for all ages, a bill was introduced in the state legislature to add walking as the official state exercise.

The Maryland Toleration Act of 1649 was one of the first laws that explicitly dictated religious tolerance, though toleration was limited to Trinitarian Christians.

Religion
Maryland was founded for the purpose of providing religious toleration of England's Roman Catholic minority. Nevertheless, Parliament later reversed that policy and discouraged the practice of Catholicism in Maryland. Despite the founding intent of the colony, Catholics have never been a majority in Maryland since early Colonial times. Nonetheless, Catholicism is the largest single denomination in Maryland. The present religious composition of the state is shown below:

Protestant 56%
Roman Catholic 23%
Jewish 4%
Baptist 18%
Other Christian 3%
Other Religions 1%
Methodist 11%
Non-Religious 13%
Lutheran 6%
Other Protestant 21%
Despite the Protestant majority, Maryland has been prominent in U.S. Catholic tradition, partially because it was intended by George Calvert as a haven for English Catholics. Baltimore was the seat of the first Catholic bishop in the U.S. (1789), and Emmitsburg was the home and burial place of the first American-born citizen to be canonized, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Georgetown University, the first Catholic University, was founded in 1789 in what was then part of Maryland. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Baltimore was the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland)

Politics
Since pre-Civil War times, Maryland politics has been largely controlled by the Democrats. Even as the politics of the Democratic party have shifted, over the last century, the views of the state have shifted with them. Maryland is nonetheless well-known for its loyalty to the Democratic Party, especially inside metropolitan areas. The state is dominated by the two urban/inner suburban regions of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. . In addition, many jobs are directly or indirectly dependent upon the federal government. As a result, Baltimore, Montgomery County and Prince George's County often decide statewide elections. This is balanced by lesser populated areas on the Eastern Shore, Western Maryland, and outer suburbs that tend to support Republicans, even though seven of nine Shore counties have Democratic-majority voter rolls. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland)

Silly Maryland Laws

Baltimore
It’s illegal to throw bales of hay from a second-story window within the city limits.
It’s illegal to take a lion to the movies.
It is a park rule violation to be in a public park with a sleeveless shirt.
No person who is a “tramp” or “vagrant” shall loiter in any park at any time.
It is a violation of city code to sell chicks or ducklings to a minor within 1 week of the Easter holiday.
Baltimore City
Though you may spit on a city roadway, spitting on city sidewalks is prohibited.
You may not curse inside the city limits.
Cumberland
It is illegal to use profane language on a playground.
Knocking stones into a public park is prohibited.
Rockville
Persons may not swear while on the highway.
It is illegal to remove a public building by writing on it.

Day 10: Election Prayer Focus Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania - The Keystone State

Motto: Virtue, Liberty, and Independence

Capital City: Harrisburg

Largest City: Philadelphia

Leaders

Governor Ed Rendell (D)

Senator Bob Casey (D)

Senator Arlen Spector (R)

1. Robert A. Brady (D)
2. Chaka Fattah (D)
3. Philip S. English (R)
4. Jason Altmire (D)
5. John E. Peterson (R)
6. Jim Gerlach (R)
7. Joe Sestak (D)
8. Patrick Murphy (D)
9. Bill Shuster (R)
10. Christopher Carney (D)
11. Paul E. Kanjorski (D)
12. John P. Murtha (D)
13. Allyson Y. Schwartz (D)
14. Mike Doyle (D)
15. Charles W. Dent (R)
16. Joseph R. Pitts (R)
17. Tim Holden (D)
18. Timothy F. Murphy (R)
19. Todd R. Platts (R)

Prayer Points

*Declare that revival comes to Pennsylvania.

*Declare that divine strategies come to Christian leaders to evangelize Pennsylvania.

*Declare that Christians will get out and vote and choose leaders who will lead in accordance with Biblical principles.

*Declare Christian media expands in Pennsylvania.

*Declare that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in Pennsylvania.

*Declare that the economy in Pennsylvania is strong and prosperous.

*Declare protection over the people of Pennsylvania.

*Declare protection over the National Guard and military personnel from Pennsylvania.

*Declare that legislation in Pennsylvania is in accordance with the Word of God.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in Pennsylvania and that any fraud is exposed.

*Declare that the leaders of Pennsylvania walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is affectionately known to the locals as PA. Pennsylvania has been known as the Keystone State since 1802 due to its central location among the thirteen original colonies and it is a keystone state economically as well.

Another one of Pennsylvania's nicknames is the Quaker State; in colonial times, it was known officially as the Quaker Province, in recognition of Quaker William Penn"s First Frame of Government constitution for Pennsylvania that guaranteed liberty of conscience. He knew of the hostility Quakers faced when they opposed religious ritual, taking oaths, violence, war and military service, and what they viewed as ostentatious frippery. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia was the seat of the federal government almost continuously from 1776 to 1800; there the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution drawn up in 1787. Valley Forge, of Revolutionary War fame, and Gettysburg, site of the pivotal battle of the Civil War, are both in Pennsylvania. The Liberty Bell is located in a glass pavilion across from Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
The nation's first oil well was dug at Titusville in 1859, and the mining of iron ore and coal led to the development of the state's steel industry. More recently Pennsylvania's industry has diversified, although the state still leads the country in the production of specialty steel. The service, retail trade, and manufacturing sectors provide the most jobs; Pennsylvania is a leader in the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, food products, and electronic equipment.
Pennsylvania's 58,000 farms (occupying nearly 8 million acres) are the backbone of the state's economy, producing a wide variety of crops. Leading commodities are dairy products, cattle and calves, mushrooms, greenhouse and nursery products, poultry and eggs, a variety of fruits, sweet corn, potatoes, maple syrup, and Christmas trees.
Pennsylvania's rich heritage draws billions of tourist dollars annually. Among the chief attractions are the Gettysburg National Military Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Dutch region, the Eisenhower farm near Gettysburg, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

(http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108264.html)

Politics

The Keystone State may once again live up to its name by being the "key" or deciding state in this year's Presidential election. Pennsylvania is a key swing state and as such must be continually bathed in prayer.

In the past decade, no political party has been clearly dominant in Pennsylvania. This, combined with Pennsylvania's rank of 6th in the country in population, has made it one of the most important swing states. Democrats are strong in urban Philadelphia and the areas of Pittsburgh, Reading, Allentown, Erie, Johnstown, State College and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Republicans are generally dominant in the vast rural areas that make up the balance of the Commonwealth. Traditionally, Republicans have also fared well in the densely populated and wealthy suburbs of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but in the 1990s and 2000s many of these suburbs began to associate more with the Democratic Party.
Since 1992, Pennsylvania has been trending Democratic in Presidential elections, voting for Bill Clinton twice by large margins, and slightly closer in 2000 for Al Gore. Most recently, in the 2004 Presidential Election, Senator John F. Kerry beat President George W. Bush in Pennsylvania 2,938,095 (50.92%) to 2,793,847 (48.42%). (

Religion

Of all the colonies, only in Rhode Island was religious freedom as secure as in Pennsylvania - and one result was an incredible religious diversity, one which continues to this day.
Pennsylvania's population in 2000 was 12,281,054. Of these, 8,448,193 were estimated to belong to some sort of organized religion. According to the Association of religion data archives at Pennsylvania State University, reliable data exists for 7,116,348 religious adherents in Pennsylvania in 2000, following 115 different faiths. Their affiliations, including percentage of all adherents, were:
Roman Catholic: 3,802,524 (53.43%)
Orthodox: 75,354 (1.06%)
Mainline Protestant: 2,140,682 (30%)
United Methodist Church: 659,350 (9.27%)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: 611,913 (8.60%)
Presbyterian Church: 324,714 (4.56%)
United Church of Christ: 241,844 (3.40%)
American Baptist Churches in the USA: 132,858 (1.87%)
Episcopal Church: 116,511 (1.64%)
Evangelical Protestant: 704,204 (10%)
Assemblies of God: 84,153 (1.18%)
Church of the Brethren: 52,684 (0.74%)
Mennonite Church USA: 48,215 (0.68%)
Christian and Missionary Alliance: 45,926 (0.65%)
Southern Baptist Convention: 44,432 (0.62%)
Independent Non-charismatic churches: 42,992 (0.60%)
Other theology: 393,584 (5.53%)
Jewish estimate: 283,000 (3.98%)
Muslim estimate: 71,190 (1.00%)
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations: 6,778 (0.10%)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 31,032 (0.44%)
Pennsylvania is also noted for having the highest concentration of an Amish population in the United States. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania Food

In his book Yo Mama Cooks Like a Yankee, author Sharon Hernes Silverman calls Pennsylvania the snack food capital of the world. It leads all other states in the manufacture of pretzels and potato chips. The Sturgis Pretzel House introduced the pretzel to America, and companies like Anderson Bakery Company, Intercourse Pretzel Factory, and Snyder's of Hanover are leading manufacturers in the Commonwealth. The three companies that define the U.S. potato chip industry are Utz Quality Foods, Inc., which started making chips in Hanover, Pennsylvania in 1921, Wise Snack Foods which started making chips in Berwick in 1921, and Lay's Potato Chips, a Texas company. Other companies such as Herr Foods, Martin's Potato Chips, Snyder's of Berlin (not associated with Snyder's of Hanover) and Troyer Farms Potato Products are popular chip manufacturers. The U.S. chocolate industry is centered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with Mars and Wilbur Chocolate Company nearby, and smaller manufacturers such as Asher's near Lansdale and Gertrude Hawk of Dunmore. Other notable companies include Just Born in Bethlehem, PA, makers of Hot Tamales, Mike and Ikes, and the Easter favorite marshmallow Peeps, Benzel's Pretzels and Boyer Candies of Altoona, PA, which is well known for its Mallow Cups. Auntie Anne's Pretzels originated in Gap, but their corporate headquarters is now located in Lancaster, PA. Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods include chicken potpie, schnitz un knepp (dried apples, hame, and dumplings), fasnachts (raised doughnuts), scrapple, pretzels, bologna, and chochow. Shoofly is another traditional Pennsylvanian Dutch food. Yuengling Brewery, America's Oldest Brewery, has been brewing beer in Pottsville, PA since 1829.
Among the regional foods associated with Pennsylvania are the pierogies, cheesesteak and the hoagie, the soft pretzel, the liver on a stick, Italian water ice, scrapple, Tastykake, and the stromboli. In Pittsburgh, tomato ketchup was improved by Henry John Heinz from 1876 to the early 1900s. Famous to a lesser extent than Heinz ketchup are the Pittsburgh's Primani Brothers Restaurant sandwiches. Outside the city of Scranton, in the Borough of Old Forge there are dozens of Italian restaurants specializing in pizza made unique by thick, light crust and American cheese. Sauerkraut along with pork and mashed potatoes is a common meal on New Year's Day in Pennsylvania. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania)

Silly Pennsylvania Laws

It is contrary to Pennsylvania law to discharge a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive weapon at a wedding.
It is illegal to have over 16 women live in a house together because that constitutes a brothel.
It it illegal to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors.
Any motorist driving along a country road at night must stop every mile and send up a rocket signal, wait 10 minutes for the road to be cleared of livestock, and continue.
A special cleaning ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling.
You may not sing in the bathtub.
Fireworks stores may not sell fireworks to Pennsylvania residents.
A person is not eligible to become Governor if he/she has participated in a duel.
Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass.
Ministers are forbidden from performing marriages when either the bride or groom is drunk.
You may not catch a fish with your hands.
You may not catch a fish by any body part except the mouth.
Dynamite is not to be used to catch fish.

Day 9: Election Prayer Focus Delaware

Delaware - The First State

Motto: Liberty and Independence

Capital City: Dover

Largest City: Wilmington

Leaders

Governor Ruth Ann Minnor (D)

Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D) Democratic V.P. Nominee

Senator Thomas R. Carper (D)

Rep. Michael N. Castle (R)

Delaware, one of the thirteen original colonies to fight in the American Revolution, was the first to ratify the Consitution of the United States on December 7, 1787. Delaware is the second smallest state in the union, following Rhode Island with 1,954 square miles of land and a population of 843,524 people (2005). Delaware is 96 miles long and ranges from 9 to 35 miles across.

The definition of the northern boundary of the state is highly unusual. Most of the boundary between Delaware and Pennsylvania is defined by an arc extending 12 miles (19 km) from the cupola of the courthouse in New Castle. It is referred to as the Twelve-Mile Circle. This is the only true-arc political boundary in the United States. This border extends all the way east to the low-tide mark on the New Jersey shore, then continues south along the shoreline until it again reaches the twelve-mile arc in the south; then the boundary continues in a more conventional way in the middle of the main channel (thalweg) of the Delaware River Estuary. To the west, a portion of the arc extends past the easternmost edge of Maryland. The remaining western border runs slightly east of due south from its intersection with the arc. The Wedge of land between the northwest part of the arc and the Maryland border was claimed by both Delaware and Pennsylvania until 1921, when Delaware's claim was confirmed. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware)

In 1802, Ëleuthère Irénée du Pont established a gunpowder mill near Wilmington that laid the foundation for Delaware's huge chemical industry. Delaware's manufactured products now also include vulcanized fiber, textiles, paper, medical supplies, metal products, machinery, machine tools, and automobiles.
Delaware also grows a great variety of fruits and vegetables and is a U.S. pioneer in the food-canning industry. Corn, soybeans, potatoes, and hay are important crops. Delaware's broiler-chicken farms supply the big Eastern markets, and fishing and dairy products are other important industries.
Points of interest include the Fort Christina Monument, Hagley Museum, Holy Trinity Church (erected in 1698, the oldest Protestant church in the United States still in use), and Winterthur Museum, in and near Wilmington; central New Castle, an almost unchanged late 18th-century capital; and the Delaware Museum of Natural History.

The Dover Air Force Base, located next to the state capital of Dover, is one of the largest Air Force bases in the country and is a major employer in Delaware. In addition to its other responsibilities in the USAF Air Mobility Command, this air base serves as the entry point and mortuary for American military personnel, and some U.S. government civilians, who die overseas.

While Delaware has no places designated as national parks, national seashores, national battlefields, national memorials, or national monuments, it does have several museums, wildlife refuges, parks, houses, lighthouses, and other historic places. Delaware also boasts the longest twin span suspension bridge in the world. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware)

Prayer Points

*Declare revival comes to the state of Delaware.

*Declare that the people of Delaware are open and receptive to the Gospel.

*Declare that Christian media expands in Delaware.

*Declare that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in Delaware.

*Declare that the economy in Delaware is strong and prosperous.

*Declare that the leaders of Delaware walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

*Declare that legislation in Delaware is in accordance with the Word of God.

*Declare that Christians get out and vote in Delaware.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in Delaware.

*Declare divine protection over Delaware.

*Declare divine protection over the National Guard and military personnel of Delaware.

Delaware's Silly Laws

• Delaware prohibits horse racing of any kind on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

• In Delaware it is illegal to get married on a dare.

• In Delaware you may not sell dead people for money without a license.

• It is illegal to fly over any body of water, unless one is carrying sufficient supplies of food and drink.

• Lewes: It is illegal to wear pants that are "firm fitting" around the waist; Getting married on a dare is grounds for an annulment. (http://www.bored.com/crazylaws/index.htm)

Day 8: Election Prayer Focus New Jersey

New Jersey - The Garden State

Motto: Liberty and Prosperity

Residents are called New Jerseyites or New Jerseyans

Capital City: Trenton

Largest City: Newark

Leaders

Governor John Corzine (D)

Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D)

Senator Robert Menendez (D)

1. Robert E. Andrews (D)
2. Frank A. LoBiondo (R)
3. Jim Saxton (R)
4. Christopher H. Smith (R)
5. Scott Garrett (R)
6. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D)
7. Michael A. Ferguson (R)
8. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D)
9. Steven R. Rothman (D)
10. Donald M. Payne (D)
11. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R)
12. Rush D. Holt (D)
13. Albio Sires (D)

Prayer Points

*Declare that revival comes to the state of New Jersey.

*Declare that New Jersey is open to the Gospel.

*Declare that legislation passed in New Jersey is in accordance with the Word of God.

*Declare that Christian media expands in New Jersey.

*Declare that divine strategies come to evangelize the people of New Jersey.

*Declare the hearts of the people of New Jersey are prepared to hear truth.

*Declare that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the Word in New Jersey.

*Declare that Christians will get out and vote in New Jersey.

*Declare an accurate accounting of the vote in New Jersey.

*Declare that angels are on assignment to protect the people of New Jersey.

*Declare protection over the National Guard and military personnel from New Jersey.

*Declare the leaders of New Jersey walk in wisdom and the fear of the Lord.

New Jersey, an area of wide industrial diversification, is known as the Crossroads of the East. Products from over 15,000 factories can be delivered overnight to almost 60 million people, representing 12 states and the District of Columbia. The greatest single industry is chemicals; New Jersey is one of the foremost research centers in the world. Many large oil refineries are located in northern New Jersey. Other important manufactured items are pharmaceuticals, instruments, machinery, electrical goods, and apparel.
Productive farmland covers nearly one million acres, about 20% of New Jersey's land area. The state ranks high in the production of almost all garden vegetables, as well as cranberries, blueberries, and peaches. Poultry, dairy products, and seafood are also top commodities.
Tourism is the second-largest industry in New Jersey. The state has numerous resort areas on 127 mi of Atlantic coastline. In 1977, New Jersey voters approved legislation allowing legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City. Points of interest include the Delaware Water Gap, the Edison National Historic Site in West Orange, Princeton University, Liberty State Park, Jersey City, and the N.J. State Aquarium in Camden. (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108246.html)

10 Things you didn’t know about NJ
The first organized baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ in 1846.
The first organized baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ in 1846.
New Jersey’s State House is the second oldest still in use. (Maryland has the oldest.)
New Jersey was known as the "Pathway of the Revolution." Over 100 battles were fought on New Jersey soil.
New Jersey has more horses per square mile than any other state. The United States Equestrian Team is headquartered in Gladstone , NJ.
The properties in the United States version of the board game Monopoly are named after the streets of Atlantic City.
New Jersey is one of only two states (along with Oregon) where self-service filling of gasoline is prohibited.
The first professional basketball game was played in Trenton, NJ in 1896.
New Jersey has 127 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
New Jersey is home to more than 9,800 farms covering 790,000 acres of farmland.

(http://www.state.nj.us/nj/about/things.html)

Social attitudes and issues
Socially, New Jersey is considered one of the most liberal states in the nation. Polls indicate two-thirds of the population are self-described as pro-choice; and in a Zogby poll of 802 people, a majority supported same-sex marriage. A Rasmussen Reports poll, however, showed that New Jersey voters consider marriage a union between a man and a woman as opposed to one between any two people by a margin of 54-42%.
In April 2004, New Jersey enacted a domestic partnership law, which is available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples aged 62 and over. During 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court voted 4 to 3 that state lawmakers must provide the rights and benefits of marriage to gay and lesbian couples. Moreover, effective February 19, 2007, New Jersey became the third state in U.S. (the other two being Connecticut and Vermont) to offer civil unions to same-sex couples, conferring over 850 rights, privileges and responsibilities of marriage; legislators declined, however, to use the term "marriage" for same-sex unions. Thus, three separate government-recognized relationships are now in effect in the Garden State: domestic partnerships, civil unions, and marriage.
New Jersey also has some of the most stringent gun-control laws in the U.S. These include bans on assault firearms, hollow nose bullets and even slingshots. No gun offense in New Jersey is graded less than a felony. BB guns and black powder guns are all treated as modern firearms. Visitors to the state should beware of bringing any firearms into the state. New Jersey recognizes no out of state gun licenses and aggressively enforces its own gun laws.