Politics and Elections

June ballot measure “orphaned,” but poised to pass

While dozens of measures are vying to make it on the November general election ballot, one proposal is ready for the June primary — even though no one is campaigning for or against it. Proposition 50 is a constitutional amendment empowering legislators to

Chavez drops Senate campaign, recommits to Assembly

Matt Fleming February 9, 2016

In dramatic fashion, Assemblyman Rocky Chavez announced Monday he was suspending his campaign to replace the retiring Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer while at a debate for that seat. “I think the best role I can fill for the Republican Party and

Democratic Party faces restive CA activists

James Poulos February 8, 2016

Disgruntled Democratic activists in California have begun to buck the national party in key races this election year. After a string of failures in several central valley campaigns, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has come in for scorn by increasingly independent party members

CA poised for higher primary profile

James Poulos February 6, 2016

Accustomed to languishing at the tail end of the party primary calendar — a dispiriting position for a state that has long been treated as an ATM for East Coast candidates seeking national office — Californians have awoken this year to the

Kochs’ CA donor conclave reflects uneasy race

James Poulos February 6, 2016

With the Republican primary race for the presidential nomination still remarkably fluid, donors and campaign heavyweights gathered under the Koch brothers’ aegis in the California desert to discuss — and possibly shape — the party’s political future. The event, located

Rohrabacher spokesman: No plans to retire

Matt Fleming February 2, 2016

A spokesman for Rep. Dana Rohrabacher confirmed on Monday that the Huntington Beach Republican has no plans to retire at the moment. On Friday, Scott Baugh — both a former state legislator and former chairman of the Orange County Republican Party

Jerry Brown for president? Two interesting angles

Chris Reed January 28, 2016

Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters observed in a column last Friday that Gov. Jerry Brown might still have the White House itch: Does the three-time White House hopeful read about Hillary Clinton’s slide and left-winger Bernie Sanders’ surge in their

CA Dems face election year divides

James Poulos January 27, 2016

Conflicts over the spoils of Democratic leadership in California have come to define the party’s prospects and future in 2016 and beyond. Division and disagreement Falling victim to their extreme dominance in statewide politics, an increasing number of Democrats have sharpened their blades

Sanders/Clinton split could sting CA Dems

James Poulos January 26, 2016

California Democrats divided amidst their own dominance — along lines of class, geography and spending policy — can add another fracture line to the mix: the race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders for their party’s presidential nomination. “En route

Legislature plans to close entrance to public, provide lobbyists special access

John January 18, 2016

Though it brands itself as “the people’s house,” the California State Capitol will soon become less accessible to the public, while continuing to provide lobbyists with “special access.” Beginning February 1, the California state Legislature intends to convert its east entrance