What issues will Californians take into consideration when casting their vote for the next governor?
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, according to the latest Field Poll.
OK, not just jobs, but a whopping 69 percent voters said a candidate's stance on jobs and the economy was one of the most important issues influencing which guv hopeful will snag their support.
That figure marks a sharp uptick from 2006, when 39 percent of voters rated jobs and economy as a top issue. But it's not too surprising considering the state's unemployment rate hit 12.5 percent in January.
In a close second was the roughly $20 billion budget deficit, which 68 percent of voters rated among their most important issues. A majority of voters also identified education (60 percent) and health care (51 percent) as top issues. .
Other policy stances on a plurality of voters' minds include taxes (47 percent) illegal immigration (37 percent) and water (36 percent).
Click here for the full poll and statistical tabulations prepared exclusively for Capitol Alert.
There's lots of committee action on tap today, as lawmakers consider legislation in advance of breaking for spring recess at the end of the week.
In other news under the dome, Christopher Wysocki has been named the new deputy chief of staff for the Senate Republican Caucus.
Wysocki, currently a consultant to GOP Sen. Mimi Walters, has previously worked as deputy chief of staff to former Assembly Republican Leaders Jim Brulte and Bill Leonard. He has also held various government relations posts in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
SERVICES: Memorial services for Barry Nestande, chief of staff to former GOP Sen. John Benoit, will be held 10 a.m. Friday at the Southeast Community Church in Indian Wells. Nestande, brother to Republican Assemblyman Brian Nestande and son of former state lawmaker Bruce Nestande, died Friday after he collapsed while working out. He was 49.
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