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Sudden death of GOP Senator has no bearing on supermajority

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

Gov. Brown signs suite of gun-control bills

James Poulos July 7, 2016

New legislation on guns was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown and advanced on Capitol Hill, as California elected officials continued a concerted push for tighter regulations at both the state and federal level. To the satisfaction of state Democrats,

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

Sacramento stabbings heighten populist and nationalist tensions

James Poulos June 30, 2016

A group tied to the neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements found itself at the center of a bloody political firestorm in Sacramento, heightening election-year populist and nationalist tensions. A few dozen members of the Traditionalist Worker Party did battle with

CA Democrats line up to back marijuana legalization

James Poulos June 30, 2016

The executive board of the California Democratic Party has endorsed recreational marijuana, throwing its support behind the ballot measure that has won the support of Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Meeting recently in Long Beach, the board voted in favor of the

Why does Hugh Hefner keep contributing to this Senate candidate?

Matt Fleming June 29, 2016

Sure as the sun rises every morning, every election cycle Playboy legend Hugh Hefner gives to Loretta Sanchez’s congressional races. In fact, Playboy’s editor in chief is one of the Orange County Democrat’s top donors this cycle, having given $10,400