Politics and Elections

McCarthy poised for House Speakership

In a twist as sudden as it was unlikely, Republicans appear poised to make Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Though he could face opposition from the House’s conservative caucus, McCarthy’s reputation — and solid positioning

CA Democrats push to ease voter registration

James Poulos September 24, 2015

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

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.

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

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

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

New poll: CA Republicans prefer Trump and Carson

James Poulos September 17, 2015

California’s often-beleaguered Republican voters are putting their faith in their party’s biggest outsiders. In a new poll conducted by USC Dornsife and the Los Angeles Times, respondents indicated an overwhelming preference for Donald Trump and Ben Carson, reflecting West Coast

CA ‘anchor baby’ debate goes national

James Poulos August 25, 2015

Republican presidential candidates were drawn deeper into the immigration controversies centered on California, as Donald Trump’s leading opponents sought a way to blunt his apparent advantage among voters with his tough talk on birthright citizenship and deportation. The numbers game