Matt Fleming, Author at CalWatchdog.com

Posts From Matt Fleming

Matt Fleming

Women poised for modest gains in legislative races

Women make up more than half of California’s population, but only about one-fourth of the Legislature. And in November, that’s unlikely to change too much, according to a CalWatchdog analysis. While an October surprise, outside factor or just particularly good

State Controller fined for disclosure violations from 2014

Matt Fleming July 22, 2016

State Controller Betty Yee was fined $2,082 on Thursday by the state’s campaign ethics watchdog for violations during her 2014 run for office. The Fair Political Practices Commission found that in seven instances Yee’s state controller campaign did not file

Lawmakers perpetuate “system-is-rigged” narrative by honoring family members with awards, critics say

Matt Fleming July 21, 2016

At a time when voters are increasingly convinced the system is rigged, some state legislators are making that perception worse by giving district-wide awards to their family members, critics say. While it’s not uncommon for legislators to participate in award ceremonies recognizing

Californians approve of Brown, Obama and CA — country, not so much

Matt Fleming July 15, 2016

A majority of Californians approve of the job Gov. Jerry Brown is doing and think the state is on the right track, according to several Field Polls released this week. But the same correlation doesn’t extend to the perception of President Barack

Sudden death of GOP Senator has no bearing on supermajority

Matt Fleming July 14, 2016

While the sudden death of a Republican senator Thursday morning seemingly gives Senate Democrats a two-thirds majority in the chamber, the state’s Constitution prevents it from having any effect, a Senate Rules Committee spokesman confirmed. Sen. Sharon Runner died Thursday

Sanchez has uphill climb for Senate even after encouraging poll, endorsements

Matt Fleming July 9, 2016

New polling and a surprise endorsement light up the path to victory for Loretta Sanchez’s quest for the U.S. Senate — but both also illustrate the challenges ahead. Sanchez — a Democratic congresswoman from Orange County — is hoping to

Political ethics law to get overhaul soon

Matt Fleming July 8, 2016

After 42 years of regulating the state’s political ethics, with countless updates and tweaks, the Political Reform Act is due for an overhaul — and stakeholders are set to begin the process next week. On Thursday, July 14, Fair Political

Is Democratic CA senate leader’s ammo-sales bill legal?

Matt Fleming July 5, 2016

Legislative Democrats pushed through a gun-control measure last week that is almost certain to be challenged in court — where it’ll have a tough time surviving — all for the sake of what some claim is a political grudge. The Legislature

Assemblyman accused of domestic violence removed from leadership post

Matt Fleming July 2, 2016

Speaker Anthony Rendon on Friday finally took action against a lawmaker accused of domestic violence by removing him from his committee assignments, which included a committee chairmanship. The Paramount Democrat’s move follows a court order for Assemblyman Roger Hernández to stay

What initiatives are on the November ballot?

Matt Fleming July 1, 2016

Voters have been warned for a while to be prepared for a seemingly never-ending series of ballot measures, and on Thursday the secretary of state released the final list of what initiatives qualified. Seventeen total. And while voters will read