Reforms Loosen Grip of Legislative Leaders
After California’s stringent term limits were enacted in 1990, the legislative power equation in Sacramento shifted noticeably. For nearly a quarter of a century, clout has been concentrated in the offices of the Senate President pro Tempore and the Speaker of the Assembly. Individual members have been generally expected to toe the line. However, this […]
California Here He Comes
Let’s stipulate that the GOP’s Trump boom may fizzle long before California’s June 2016 Presidential primary rolls around —remember Michele Bachmann and the pizza man? But The Donald has the resources, the bravado and the profile, potentially, to stay in the race through the Primary season. And the state’s GOP presidential Primary might even matter—for the […]
Trump Impact—Overblown?
As if politics weren’t crazy enough this year, Donald Trump has brought his unreality show to the 2016 Presidential race. Trump’s buffoonery has captured the attention of the media and the hearts of more than a few grumpy voters, at least for a while. But those who worry (Republicans) or hope (Democrats) that Trump’s antics […]
It’s A Small World, After All
Just back from two weeks in London. It was a getaway from California’s dehydrated climate, but not from the many issues that confront us back home. Britain certainly isn’t facing a drought and we’re not facing the Scottish Independence movement or a decision on whether or not to stay in the European Union. (Although there’s […]
GOP Pulse Detected
News Flash: The California Republican Party appears to have a pulse. From all appearances, “Dr.” Brulte seems to be weaning the state’s GOP off life support. Despite the party’s anemic scorecard in the last election, there was a new tone and heightened energy in the air at last weekend’s Republican convention in Sacramento. To paraphrase […]
Senate Race Is No Done Deal
The “conventional wisdom” has California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris all but sworn in as Senator Barbara Boxer’s successor. Not so fast. Harris is off to a good start. By stepping out first and unhesitantly, the Attorney General has garnered a lot of endorsements and media coverage. She has attained “front runner” status in the eyes […]
A Tail of Two Politicians
“If you want a friend in Washington,” Harry Truman once famously said, “get a dog.” That doesn’t always work out in politics. Ask Mitt Romney. But when it does it, it can do more for a politician than a lapel full of flag pins. Ask California Governor Jerry Brown; he proved that can work in […]
Is Hardball A Felony?
Politics is not inherently a criminal enterprise, but you’d never know it by the headlines. Texas Governor Rick Perry’s indictment in Texas is another example of a political prosecution that seeks to criminalize common political behavior. Perry has been charged with “abuse of official capacity” (maximum sentence 99 years) and “coercion of a public servant” […]
Ten Defining Moments that will Shape Election Outcome
Forget all those political ads. Forget the SuperPACs. Forget the rallies and stump speeches. Forget the talking heads. In the ten weeks leading up to the 2012 Presidential Election, the outcome is likely to be shaped by ten defining moments: 10. Governor Chris Christie’s keynote address to the GOP convention will undoubtedly lay out the […]