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Clinton crisis renews Brown buzz

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

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

Sacramento sends Brown sweeping medical pot regulations

James Poulos September 20, 2015

Marking the end of one era and the start of a new one, Sacramento lawmakers sent legislation to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk that would revolutionize California’s approach to legal medical marijuana. Together, Assembly Bills 266 and 243, along with Senate Bill 643, were dubbed the

CA GOP Convention: Huckabee defends tax record, renews feud with Club for Growth

John September 19, 2015

Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee defended his record of raising taxes at a Friday morning press conference at the California Republican Party’s fall convention, renewing his long-running feud with the country’s leading free-enterprise advocacy group. “My policies

Brown raises fire alarm

James Poulos September 19, 2015

Stinging from a surprise defeat in the Legislature over the scope of proposed emissions cuts, Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency over California’s raging wildfires. “His announcement, which will help expedite debris removal and waive fees to replace