September 2015 | Page 2 of 6

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CA Democrats push to ease voter registration

California Democrats succeeded in sending Gov. Jerry Brown legislation that would substantially expand voter registration. The move teed up a significant advance toward one of the party’s longtime statewide and nationwide goals. As MSNBC noted, Democrats see themselves at a

Clinton crisis renews Brown buzz

James Poulos September 24, 2015

With doubts swirling around the Democrats’ leading candidates for president, speculation has returned that Gov. Jerry Brown could enter the race. Even some analysts skeptical than he will jump in have suggested that, under the circumstances, he nonetheless should do so.

Fiorina’s rise spotlights CA career

James Poulos September 24, 2015

Buoyed by a big debate win, Carly Fiorina’s rise in the polls has brought with it renewed scrutiny of her record as a CEO and Senate candidate in California. After besting her rivals in the first “undercard” debate, Fiorina won

Government transparency effort faces union backlash

Dave Roberts September 23, 2015

Senate Bill 331, a bill sponsored by government employee unions that is on Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk, is touted as increasing transparency in contracting by certain local governments. But critics say the bill’s provisions are actually intended to punish agencies

Fiorina now lives in swing state, not CA

Chris Reed September 23, 2015

Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina’s Republican presidential campaign is in the middle of a boomlet, changing impressions left by her failed 2010 California Senate bid and prompting admiring reviews from both national pundits and those here in the Golden State.

DeMaio/Reed pension reform initiative may be pushed back to 2018 ballot

Joel Fox September 22, 2015

Over the weekend, two sources indicated to me that the Chuck Reed/Carl DeMaio pension reform initiative would be pulled, re-written, and re-submitted to the attorney general for a new title and summary. If it is to be re-filed, it is

State Treasurer refinances state bond debt, saves taxpayers $270 million

John September 22, 2015

The State of California has found a way to save $270 million — without budget cuts or raising taxes. State Treasurer John Chiang recently announced that his office had completed the sale of $1.93 billion in general obligation bonds, which

CA GOP moderates immigration tone

James Poulos September 22, 2015

Hoping to satisfy restive constituents without handing Democrats a cudgel, the California Republican Party made moves designed to project a more moderate tone on immigration. The new posture became official through a delegates’ vote at the state party’s semiannual convention in

Unique “behested” campaign donations prop up nonprofits, political endeavors in growing numbers

Steve Miller September 21, 2015

Donations to special interests on behalf of statewide officeholders have grown from $250,000 in 2000 to $4.9 million so far this year, records show. The donations, which can be solicited by the charity or the officeholder, are unlimited and need

CA GOP Convention: United GOP wraps up Anaheim convention

John September 21, 2015

California Republicans wrapped up their annual fall convention Sunday — optimistic and united. The three-day convention in Anaheim marked the second consecutive convention where Republicans have avoided controversial internal fights and expanded its reach to groups traditionally excluded from the