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January 31, 2008

Assembly GOP: Don't release prisoners

Published 04:50 PM Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The entire Assembly Republican caucus has authored and signed a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urging him not to consider settling lawsuits with prisoner-rights activists that would result in the early release of inmates. ... (more) | Comments

Bill Simon follows his leader

Published 02:00 PM Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Former GOP candidate for California governor Bill Simon signed up early as Rudy Giuliani's point man in the state. Today, a day after Giuliani threw his political weight behind Sen. John McCain, Simon followed suit. ... (more) | Comments

Video: Romney ad to debut in California

Published 01:56 PM Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announced today that he will begin airing a television ad in California, starting Friday. Watch the spot -- which attacks Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. ... (more) | Comments

Big bucks, yes, but no TV credit

Published 01:11 PM Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Jim Sanders

Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, in October, asked members of his Democratic caucus to give $45,000 to the term limits initiative. Not a random figure, perhaps. ... (more) | Comments

Poizner targeted for retaliation?

Published 10:10 AM Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Jim Sanders

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said he has been threatened by legislative leaders for leading the fight against a ballot initiative to alter term limits. "In my case, this is just a complicated, difficult path for me," said Poizner, who has contributed $2.5 million of his personal fortune to... ... (more) | Comments

Get your delegates on

Published 09:20 AM Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

California is the biggest prize on the delegate map during next Tuesday's primaries and caucuses, when voters in more than 20 states will head to the polls.

Capitol Alert breaks down how candidates collect delegates in the Golden State. ... (more) | Comments

'T' is for taxes (and more)

Published 09:18 AM Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Senate leader Don Perata, D-Oakland, is upping his rhetoric in support of increased taxes in the state to close the budget hole. Perata(more) | Comments
January 30, 2008

Ose to seek Doolittle seat

Published 01:56 PM Wednesday, January 30, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Former Rep. Doug Ose will officially launch his bid to return to Congress this Friday, hoping to fill the House seat vacated by Rep. John Doolittle. ... (more) | Comments

Bill Jonesin’ for McCain

Published 01:19 PM Wednesday, January 30, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Former California Secretary of State Bill Jones was canvassing the Capitol on Tuesday, seeking out new legislative supporters for his favored candidate – GOP front-runner John McCain. ... (more) | Comments

Video: Obama-Kennedy ad in LA, Bay Area

Published 09:18 AM Wednesday, January 30, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is launching a new television ad in California's Democratic strongholds featuring the endorsement of Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy. ... (more) | Comments
January 29, 2008

Poll: Prop. 93 in tight contest

Published 06:01 PM Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

A new Los Angeles Times/CNN/Politico poll shows Proposition 93 with a narrow lead, 50 percent to 46 percent in next Tuesday's California presidential primary. ... (more) | Comments

Assembly vote 'disappears'

Published 05:13 PM Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Jim Sanders

The Assembly, in an unusual turn of events, erased all traces that it voted today to kill a controversial cocaine bill. The tally immediately was expunged, ensuring that it can't be used by challengers in this year's elections. For the curious, however, the final vote was 37-33 -- four short... ... (more) | Comments

Edwards has more advice for Schwarzenegger

Published 03:42 PM Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Longshot Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, who recently let Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have it over the governor's proposed cuts in education and health care, is now telling Schwarzenegger to sign onto his plan to help bail out California's ailing economy. ... (more) | Comments

Schwarzenegger opposes Proposition 92

Published 03:29 PM Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Judy Lin

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced his opposition to the community college initiative, saying it would worsen the state's budget problems. ... (more) | Comments

Does a newspaper (endorsement) matter?

Published 11:30 AM Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

If newspaper editorial boards had their way at the polls next Tuesday, Propositions 92 and 93 would be handily defeated, while Propositions 94 through 97 would lose narrowly.

Of course, editorial boards don't decide elections. Or do they?

See the complete list of newspaper endorsements on Capitol Alert. ... (more) | Comments

Endorsement of the day: Waters for Clinton

Published 11:24 AM Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton today picked up the endorsement of Maxine Waters, a veteran congresswoman and powerful voice in Los Angeles' African American community. ... (more) | Comments

Tuesday tidbits

Published 09:36 AM Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

LGBT for 93? McCain's Golden State leadership team. Hollywood donors and the GOP. And more. ... (more) | Comments
January 28, 2008

No more 'absentee' voters in California

Published 05:07 PM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Jim Sanders

Think you voted by absentee ballot? Guess again. ... (more) | Comments

Perata's letter of opposition

Published 04:27 PM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Senate leader Don Perata sent a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the speaker announcing his opposition to AB X1 1. Click through to read it. ... (more) | Comments

Governor falls from star to cameo in Prop. 93 ad

Published 04:25 PM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Jim Sanders

Call it a campaign mystery. Why would the Yes on Proposition 93 campaign shelve a TV ad that features Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsing the measure for 30 seconds and replace it with one that shows the governor in a cameo role, on screen for only a couple seconds? Nobody's... ... (more) | Comments

How they voted and what they said

Published 04:08 PM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The Senate Health Committee voted down Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed health overhaul today. Here's how the members voted and some of what they said. ... (more) | Comments

Times' poll: McCain, Clinton hold big leads in California

Published 03:49 PM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Dan Smith

It is considered the most closely watched California presidential primary in a generation. But that doesn't necessarily mean the Feb. 5 Democratic and Republican contests will be particularly close. ... (more) | Comments

Schwarzenegger in new TV ad: Yes on 93

Published 10:13 AM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Jim Sanders

Breaking out its biggest gun, perhaps, the Proposition 93 campaign has unveiled a 30-second television advertisement featuring Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. ... (more) | Comments

Núñez makes the case

Published 10:04 AM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

"The health care reform bill the Assembly approved in December is within hours of either making history or being killed in the State Senate," writes the speaker in an online op-ed. "I honestly don’t know what the Senate is going to." ... (more) | Comments

Who’s on health? And where they stand

Published 09:40 AM Monday, January 28, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The Senate Health Committee will take a decisive vote this afternoon on a dramatic overhaul of health care in California. But the chances of passage for the $14.9 billion annual plan appear slim, as two Democrats on the committee have voiced their opposition.

Here’s a look at who’s on the 11-member panel and what they've said about how they plan to vote today. ... (more) | Comments
January 25, 2008

New kid on the GOP block

Published 12:46 PM Friday, January 25, 2008 by Jim Sanders

George and Sharon Runner, the only husband and wife serving together in the Legislature, have another family reason to celebrate today -- they're grandparents. Again. ... (more) | Comments

A Friday roundup

Published 11:15 AM Friday, January 25, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Money in politics. GOP in debt. Tom McClintock flirts with Ron Paul. Meg Whitman flirts with gubernatorial run. ... (more) | Comments

Denham takes one raise, declines another

Published 10:59 AM Friday, January 25, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

DenhamSince Jeff Denham was elected to the Senate in 2002, he has voluntarily cut his pay four times and usually told his constituents about it. What he hasn’t told them about is the three raises he subsequently accepted. ... (more) | Comments

Senate delays lottery director's hearing

Published 10:45 AM Friday, January 25, 2008 by Judy Lin

The Senate Rules Committee has postponed a confirmation hearing for Lottery Director Joan Borucki in order for staff to examine lottery funds spent on an employee recognition party. Borucki was scheduled to appear before senators Wednesday. Also, Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, will hold an informational hearing Feb. 12 to review... ... (more) | Comments
January 24, 2008

Endorsement of the day

Published 05:22 PM Thursday, January 24, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Ted Gaines goes for Rico Oller. ... (more) | Comments

Dozens of Assembly bills shelved

Published 04:46 PM Thursday, January 24, 2008 by Jim Sanders

Legislation to devise an alternative for students who are proficient but can't pass the high school exit examination was one of many bills sidetracked today in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. ... (more) | Comments

Prison population drops

Published 04:32 PM Thursday, January 24, 2008 by Andy Furillo

The prison expert for the Legislative Analyst's Office told the Senate Budget Committee today that lower-than-expected inmate population projections will save the state $55 million in the current fiscal year. ... (more) | Comments

Second eminent domain measure makes June ballot

Published 11:49 AM Thursday, January 24, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

There may not be much on the June ballot. But there will be two competing measures looking to rein in government's use of eminent domain. ... (more) | Comments

Take 'interim' out of her title

Published 11:18 AM Thursday, January 24, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The California Taxpayers' Association has named Teresa Casazza as president of the 82-year-old organization. ... (more) | Comments
January 23, 2008

Ma comes to Burton's defense

Published 06:18 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, a San Francisco Democrat and former aide to Sen. John Burton, issued a statement today defending her former boss, who faces a sexual harassment lawsuit, and calling him "a man of outstanding character." ... (more) | Comments

Burton accused of sexual harassment

Published 05:27 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Former state Senate leader John Burton was sued today for sexual harassment by the executive director of the San Francisco charity that bears his name. The lawsuit alleges more than 100 acts of inappropriate behavior. ... (more) | Comments

Video: New TV and radio ads

Published 04:28 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

clinton1.jpg The No on 92 campaign launches a radio campaign. Hillary Clinton launches her second California TV spot. A No on 93 features a pair of prisoners. Tribes launch yet another TV spot. ... (more) | Comments

Trust me, I'm honest

Published 03:28 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Kevin Yamamura

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he hasn't sold out and doesn't give favors to donors. How do you know? You just have to trust him based on what you see of him on television, he suggested Wednesday. ... (more) | Comments

Poizner gives $1 million more to No on 93

Published 02:42 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has opened his wallet again to oppose Proposition 93, donating $1 million earlier today to defeat the term limits measure. He previously gave $1.5 million.... ... (more) | Comments

Senate vote on health plan postponed until Monday

Published 02:25 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The Senate Health Committee will postpone a vote on a measure to overhaul health care in California, Sen. Sheila Kuehl announced this afternoon, as the marathon hearing heads into its sixth hour. ... (more) | Comments

Fun around the net

Published 09:22 AM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Jim Battin buys carbon credits. The Democratic Party hires bloggers. The state GOP will host its convention among firecrackers. ... (more) | Comments

The LAO Report

Published 09:08 AM Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Aurelio Rojas has the story today about the new legislative analyst's report here.

Find the full report here. ... (more) | Comments
January 22, 2008

Endorsement of the day

Published 01:57 PM Tuesday, January 22, 2008 by Amy Chance

U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), supporting GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney: "Our country is facing great challenges. Among the most ominous is illegal immigration, which has been permitted to spin out of control for the last decade and a half. The safety of our country and the prosperity of our... ... (more) | Comments

Yee to oppose health bill – landmark legislation now one vote short

Published 12:35 PM Tuesday, January 22, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

On the eve of a hearing for landmark health legislation, a spokesman for Sen. Leland Yee said the San Francisco Democrat will oppose the health care measure.

The move throws into limbo whether the legislation has the necessary votes to move forward. ... (more) | Comments

Mortgage crisis has personal side for speaker

Published 09:26 AM Tuesday, January 22, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Fabian Núñez faced rising interest rates he couldn't afford, too. It was more than a decade ago, in his pre-speakership days. ... (more) | Comments

Duncan drops out

Published 09:07 AM Tuesday, January 22, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The only Californian in the presidential race is no more. ... (more) | Comments
January 18, 2008

Common Cause: Thumbs up to Prop. 93

Published 05:32 PM Friday, January 18, 2008 by Jim Sanders

California Common Cause today endorsed Proposition 93, the ballot initiative to alter legislative term limits. ... (more) | Comments

CCPOA gives $1 million more to No on 93

Published 05:23 PM Friday, January 18, 2008 by Andy Furillo

The California Correctional Peace Officers Association contributed another $1 million today to the campaign to defeat the ballot measure that would alter term limits. ... (more) | Comments

Video: Yes on 92 hits airwaves

Published 02:30 PM Friday, January 18, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Now that backers of the community college ballot measure are airing television ads, six of the seven measures on the Feb. 5 ballot are waging TV campaigns.

Watch the ads. ... (more) | Comments

GOP options to keep parks open

Published 10:10 AM Friday, January 18, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday that he wants lawmakers to come up with alternatives to closing 48 state parks, Assembly GOP leader Mike Villines was listening. ... (more) | Comments
January 17, 2008

Yes on 93 cancels $500,000 in TV ads

Published 05:30 PM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Anthony York at Capitol Weekly reports that the Yes on 93 campaign is pulling the plug on more than a half-million dollars worth of reserved television time this week. ... (more) | Comments

Governor asks Ed Coalition to pitch ideas

Published 04:13 PM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Judy Lin

Following up on his meeting with education advocates in San Diego, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger held a videoconference today with members of the Education Coalition to discuss his proposal to suspend Proposition 98 as part of his budget plan. At least one advocate was left feeling a little bit frustrated. ... (more) | Comments

First Clinton ad to air in California

Published 02:40 PM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Following in the footsteps of Sen. Barack Obama earlier this week, Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign has hit the airwaves in California. ... (more) | Comments

Return to sender...

Published 12:50 PM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Dan Smith

This from Steve Wiegand, playing it straight... Embarrassed by the “misplacing” of four California Indian casino compacts that resulted in the deals being approved without being reviewed, federal Interior Department officials said today they are taking steps to see “we don’t ever have a repeat of this.” ... (more) | Comments

Greg Lucas returns, promises 'fun' and 'a speck of insight'

Published 12:15 PM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Long-time San Francisco Chronicle reporter Greg Lucas, who left the paper amid severe cutbacks last summer, has resurfaced online.

He asks, "What’s the big deal about a teensy $14.5 billion shortfall?" ... (more) | Comments

For whom the road tolls

Published 10:28 AM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Judy Lin

State leaders are weighing in on a proposed toll road in Southern California that environmentalists are trying to kill. ... (more) | Comments

Finally, a vote for 91

Published 10:00 AM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Its own proponents may have abandoned Proposition 91. But Tom McClintock has not. ... (more) | Comments

Scratch that morning presser

Published 09:22 AM Thursday, January 17, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

This morning's Senate Budget Committee meeting is still happening. But the pre-hearing press conference with Senate leader Don Perata and Senate budget chair Denise Ducheny has been canceled. The press event was in this morning's AM Alert. ... (more) | Comments
January 16, 2008

Eminent-domain battle imminent

Published 02:28 PM Wednesday, January 16, 2008 by Dan Walters

The first - and more far-reaching - of two competing ballot measures restricting seizures of private property by local governments qualified for the June ballot today and the other is on the verge of making it. ... (more) | Comments

Taking the budget on the road?

Published 12:25 PM Wednesday, January 16, 2008 by Judy Lin

Republican Assembly leader Mike Villines says lawmakers and the governor may take the budget show on the road. "Maybe we need to start making sure people understand we're still moving California forward. We're still building in California," Villines said Tuesday after he and other legislative leaders met with Gov. Arnold... ... (more) | Comments

Term limits TV wars to heat up

Published 11:54 AM Wednesday, January 16, 2008 by Dan Smith

The battle over Proposition 93 to alter the state's term limits law is about to become more visible on television. ... (more) | Comments

Pete Wilson was framed

Published 11:31 AM Wednesday, January 16, 2008 by Amy Chance

California political history buffs may want to check out "The New Political Geography of California," a new compilation of analyses from the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley. Among the offerings: "Is California really a blue state?" by academic experts Morris P. Fiorina and Samuel J. Abrams. It explores... ... (more) | Comments
January 15, 2008

'Trojan horse' fights Prop. 93

Published 11:28 AM Tuesday, January 15, 2008 by Jim Sanders

The fight to kill Proposition 93 may not be going to the dogs - but to the horses? Perhaps. Opponents of the term limits initiative Tuesday parked a wooden, 10-foot-tall "Trojan horse" outside the office of Gale Kaufman, who chairs the Yes on 93 campaign, to dramatize their claim that the measure is deceptive. ... (more) | Comments

Aanestad opts against run for Doolittle seat

Published 10:09 AM Tuesday, January 15, 2008 by Amy Chance

State Sen. Sam Aanestad said Tuesday that he will not seek the House seat held by Rep. John Doolittle, who is retiring at the end of the year after nine terms in Congress. Aanestad is making the same decision that state Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, made Monday. It clears the... ... (more) | Comments

What the gov. said

Published 09:05 AM Tuesday, January 15, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Read Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's endorsement of Proposition 93, the term limits measure. ... (more) | Comments

Video: More TV ads

Published 09:05 AM Tuesday, January 15, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Catch the latest spots opposing the Indian gambling compacts, Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97 and the new ad in favor of Proposition 93, the term limits measure. ... (more) | Comments
January 14, 2008

More on California poll

Published 04:55 PM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Amy Chance

More info on the latest CA poll. ... (more) | Comments

Health hearing postponed

Published 03:48 PM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

By Aurelio Rojas
A long-awaited hearing scheduled for Wednesday by a Senate committee on the health care plan negotiated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez has been delayed. ... (more) | Comments

Clinton (Bill) in Sacramento Tuesday

Published 02:19 PM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Dan Smith

Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to watch the Nevada debate at a downtown Sacramento location Tuesday night, California Democratic Party adviser Bob Mulholland confirmed today. ... (more) | Comments

Clinton, McCain lead in California

Published 01:43 PM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Dan Smith

A new poll shows Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican John McCain leading among California likely voters in the state's Feb. 5 primary. ... (more) | Comments

Third special session convened

Published 01:28 PM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

This one is for the state's fiscal emergency. Also, the LAO releases its budget analysis. ... (more) | Comments

Obama runs first California ad

Published 11:26 AM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Amy Chance

Here is the Obama ad that began running in the Bay Area over the weekend:... ... (more) | Comments

Endorsement of the day

Published 10:35 AM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Amy Chance

Actor Jon Voight, of "Coming Home" fame, backing Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani: “America is approaching one of its most important elections in history and we must elect a leader with the strength and resolve of Rudy Giuliani,” said Voight. “His commitment to keeping our military strong and his track... ... (more) | Comments

Legislature could see hiring and salary freezes ... and more

Published 08:42 AM Monday, January 14, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

With the governor calling for a 10 percent across-the-board cuts – including in the Legislature – the Assembly and Senate are bracing for potential cutbacks that could include a hiring freeze, a salary freeze, severe limits on out-of-town travel and more. ... (more) | Comments
January 11, 2008

Endorsement of the day

Published 03:52 PM Friday, January 11, 2008 by Amy Chance

Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, backing Hillary Clinton. ... (more) | Comments

Frommer tapped for transportation panel

Published 01:20 PM Friday, January 11, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Former Assemblyman Dario Frommer, who served as Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez's right-hand man as majority leader, has been appointed by the speaker to the influential California Transportation Commission. A new law gives the legislative leaders an appointed seat on the board for the first time. ... (more) | Comments

Poizner initiative cleared for signatures

Published 11:20 AM Friday, January 11, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

An initiative to toughen penalties on California drivers who don't maintain car insurance was cleared to begin gathering signatures today. ... (more) | Comments

Two quick analyses

Published 09:30 AM Friday, January 11, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Assembly Democrats and the left-leaning California Budget Project have each produced two quick analyses of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget. Find the Democratic analysis here. And find the California Budget Project's take here. ... (more) | Comments

Perata switches to Crown Vic

Published 08:33 AM Friday, January 11, 2008 by Judy Lin

Apparently the navy blue Chevrolet Impala wasn't tough enough for the Don. ... (more) | Comments

Nurses 'borrow' Obama for new ad

Published 08:30 AM Friday, January 11, 2008 by Jim Sanders

Riding the coattails of Barack Obama, a new 60-second radio ad by the California Nurses Association borrows from a speech by the Democratic presidential hopeful to serve its own purpose of ripping a proposed $14.5 billion health care overhaul in California. ... (more) | Comments
January 10, 2008

SB 777 referendum falls short

Published 06:54 PM Thursday, January 10, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

A referendum campaign to stop enactment of an anti-discrimination law protecting gay and lesbian students fell short Thursday of the needed number of signatures. ... (more) | Comments

Connerly endorses Giuliani

Published 02:47 PM Thursday, January 10, 2008 by John Hill

Ward Connerly, who has worked to ban racial preferences in California and elsewhere, announced Thursday that he is endorsing former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani for president. Connerly said that Giuliani is more committed than other Republican candidates to eliminating racial preferences. ... (more) | Comments

‘An ugly year, unfortunately’

Published 02:02 PM Thursday, January 10, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

That’s what Assemblyman Roger Niello predicted following the unveiling of a state budget that make deep cuts across near every department. And judging from reactions on both sides of the aisle, the Fair Oaks Republican’s quick analysis sounds spot on. ... (more) | Comments

What parks are proposed for closure?

Published 12:58 PM Thursday, January 10, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Sutter's Fort is among the hits. parks.gif ... (more) | Comments

The Doolittle reaction

Published 12:24 PM Thursday, January 10, 2008 by Amy Chance

Rico Oller: Sent press release titled "Rico Oller for Congress!" “I believe in the conservative values and principles that helped shape this great nation, and that’s the leadership I will take with me to Washington D.C. Voters in this district deserve a candidate who will fight vigorously against illegal immigration,... ... (more) | Comments

The budget reaction

Published 11:53 AM Thursday, January 10, 2008 by Micaela Massimino

Responses to the governor's proposed budget. LAST UPDATE: 6:00 p.m. ... (more) | Comments

The Doolittle fallout

Published 10:15 AM Thursday, January 10, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Now that the congressman is retiring, where do the political chips fall? ... (more) | Comments
January 09, 2008

S.F. health plan wins in court

Published 04:11 PM Wednesday, January 09, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

A federal court today ruled that San Francisco's employer-based health care plan can take effect, a potential boost for the statewide health overhaul being negotiated in Sacramento. ... (more) | Comments

A Steinberg switcheroo

Published 11:06 AM Wednesday, January 09, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Sen. Darrell Steinberg endorsed former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards back in early 2007. But following Edwards' third-place showing in New Hampshire (with 17 percent of the vote), the Sacramento Democrat is changing horses. ... (more) | Comments

Who are your delegates?

Published 10:43 AM Wednesday, January 09, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The secretary of state has posted the full list of submitted delegates by each of the GOP presidential candidates. ... (more) | Comments

State partners with Microsoft, Google

Published 10:18 AM Wednesday, January 09, 2008 by Judy Lin

The state has teamed up with Microsoft and Google to develop a school-finder Web site for parents trying to decide where to enroll their children.

Launch date? Soon. ... (more) | Comments
January 08, 2008

Exclusive video: More lawmakers respond to speech

Published 08:12 PM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Hear from Sens. Carole Migden, Alex Padilla and Jeff Denham, as well as Assembly members Roger Niello, Ted Gaines and Karen Bass. ... (more) | Comments

Exclusive video: Legislative leaders respond to speech

Published 07:40 PM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

fdhsk.JPG Watch the Big Four and their on-camera takes on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's State of the State address. ... (more) | Comments

The reactions

Published 04:17 PM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Amy Chance

A compilation of responses to the governor's speech. ... (more) | Comments

The Democratic response

Published 03:33 PM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Amy Chance

Here's the full text of the Democratic response to the governor's address from Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata ... (more) | Comments

The full text

Published 03:08 PM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Amy Chance

The complete prepared text of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's State of the State address ... (more) | Comments

Video: Yes on 93 ad touts ‘the benefits of term limits, the benefits of experience’

Published 11:36 AM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

the93ad.JPGThe proponents of Proposition 93 have launched their inaugural television ad, which began airing today. It features former Director of Finance Tim Gage, who who says Proposition 93 "strikes a balance." ... (more) | Comments

Excerpts of the Democratic response

Published 11:31 AM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

After Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers his State of the State speech, the Democratic legislative leaders, Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata will have a few minutes to respond. Here are some of their pre-released comments. ... (more) | Comments

Excerpts from the State of the State speech

Published 11:30 AM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

The governor's office has teased out a few key paragraphs of what's scheudled to be a 30-minute speech. We've posted the excerpts. The governor talks about ending autopilot spending and implementing education reforms this year, even though "this is not the year to talk about money." ... (more) | Comments

'Probably God saying something to us'

Published 09:31 AM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

If you are into omens, then Monday's very brief Senate session didn't portend well for an easy, smooth year of bipartisanship. ... (more) | Comments

What if they knew he was in Congress?

Published 09:05 AM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Democratic Rep. Dennis Cardoza was a victim of road rage in Merced last week. ... (more) | Comments

Perata gets a new car

Published 09:01 AM Tuesday, January 08, 2008 by Judy Lin

Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata is now driving a more understated car: a navy blue Chevy Impala. The Oakland Democrat who was carjacked at gunpoint in his district on Dec. 29 selected a vehicle that has become popular among municipal police departments. It came from a state pool of... ... (more) | Comments
January 07, 2008

Richman refines pension measure

Published 04:05 PM Monday, January 07, 2008 by John Hill

Former Assemblyman Keith Richman, who has long argued that the state employee pension system is costing taxpayers too much, is re-writing an initiative that would scale back pension benefits for new government employees. Richman said he plans to make some minor changes and refile the initiative in the next couple... ... (more) | Comments

'Mike's Right'

Published 02:10 PM Monday, January 07, 2008 by Amy Chance

"Mike's right," Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata said Monday about Villines' unwillingness to support a water bond via the initiative process. "Until we have a really good idea of what we're faced with this budget, and what the forecast is this year, we probably just want to hold on tight and wait until we know the answer to that. Anything we do right now would just be cocktail talk." ... (more) | Comments

Commission: Unfunded liability at $180 billion

Published 01:41 PM Monday, January 07, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

California's state and local governments face an unfunded liability for public employee retirement and health care costs of more than $180 billion over the next 30 years and should immediately begin setting aside money to pay for it, a blue-ribbon commission appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recommended today. ... (more) | Comments

State hires Bear Stearns to sell EdFund

Published 01:40 PM Monday, January 07, 2008 by Judy Lin

The Schwarzenegger administration has hired Bear Stearns to sell EdFund, the state's student loan guarantee program. But it’s unclear whether the state can get $1 billion for the nonprofit. Late last week, the Finance Department awarded the global investment firm a contract to maximize the state’s profit on the sale... ... (more) | Comments

Villines wary of huge water bond

Published 12:06 PM Monday, January 07, 2008 by Jim Sanders

Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines said Monday that he does not expect the Legislature to place a massive water bond measure on this year's ballot. ... (more) | Comments

Perata to do water redo

Published 11:52 AM Monday, January 07, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

UPDATED Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata's office announced today that the Senate leader will reintroduce water legislation that was vetoed last year by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. ... (more) | Comments

Video: Term limits campaign turns to TV battle

Published 10:19 AM Monday, January 07, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Prop93.JPG The campaign to change California’s legislative term limits has become a televised advertising battle, as the opponents of the measure have launched two advertisements, while proponents of the measure will begin airing ads on Tuesday all the way through Feb. 4, according to public records. ... (more) | Comments

Around the net

Published 09:20 AM Monday, January 07, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Mike Carona goes back to work. Chief Justice Ron George wants reform. David Dreier on Dem hit list? Dan Schnur on Don Perata. And more. ... (more) | Comments
January 04, 2008

How to spend $80,000 in four minutes

Published 02:50 PM Friday, January 04, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

It's easy. Buy TV ads during the National Football League playoffs. ... (more) | Comments

Bad weather, go home

Published 12:12 PM Friday, January 04, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Staffers in both the Senate and Assembly have been told that because of the weather, work officially ended today at noon.

"Due to the severe weather condition, all Assembly Offices will shut down at noon today," read the e-mail sent to all Assembly offices.

As for the governor, he has scheduled a 1 p.m. briefing today at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base by emergency services officials. ... (more) | Comments

Video: Compact foes air first ad

Published 09:09 AM Friday, January 04, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Opponents of the four Indian gambling referendums on next month's ballot are airing their first television ad of the campaign, arguing the tribes "cut themselves a Sacramento deal." ... (more) | Comments

Toney takes his TURN

Published 09:04 AM Friday, January 04, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

Mark Toney, who worked as a consumer advocate in Rhode Island, is the new executive director of The Utility Reform Network, the San Francisco based consumer group, as of Jan. 1. ... (more) | Comments
January 03, 2008

Schwarzenegger campaigns for gambling compacts

Published 03:09 PM Thursday, January 03, 2008 by Kevin Yamamura

In a television ad promoting four tribal gambling compacts he signed and negotiated, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asks voters to approve the deals to provide "billions of dollars for California families." The ads began running today statewide, said Roger Salazar, spokesman for the tribes' Coalition to Protect California's Budget & Economy.... ... (more) | Comments

Drive-through democracy

Published 01:23 PM Thursday, January 03, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

No need to get out of your car to drink a cappuccino, eat a double cheeseburger -- or qualify a referendum for the ballot. ... (more) | Comments

Lantos, Speier and Yee

Published 12:39 PM Thursday, January 03, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

With Rep. Tom Lantos' announcement Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with cancer and is retiring from Congress, political speculation has quickly turned to the rare seat left open by his departure. ... (more) | Comments

Hanson Bridgett: Where lawmakers go to wait?

Published 12:21 PM Thursday, January 03, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

First it was Darrell Steinberg. Now it's Jackie Speier. ... (more) | Comments

Newsom off the market?

Published 09:57 AM Thursday, January 03, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

San Francisco's Gavin Newsom will be sworn in today for his second term as mayor, but the Democrat also appears to be losing a second title: the city's most-eligible bachelor. ... (more) | Comments

Villaraigosa heads to Iowa

Published 09:13 AM Thursday, January 03, 2008 by Shane Goldmacher

As the political world focuses today on the Iowa caucuses, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has headed east to the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a Latino population of 3.8 percent. ... (more) | Comments
January 02, 2008

The Latest resumes on Jan. 3

Published 11:28 AM Wednesday, January 02, 2008 by Amy Chance

While Shane Goldmacher celebrates the holidays, check in with Steve Wiegand, Dan Walters, California Clips, and CTNS video.... ... (more) | Comments


 

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