Politics and Elections

Live-blogging the election

At the CalWatchdog.com blog, we’ll be live-blogging the election this evening. So tune in. The main races to watch are: Superintendent of public instruction, between union ally Tom Torlakson and reformer Marshall Tuck. Several California races for U.S. Congress, which

Out-of-state campaign contributions

John Seiler November 3, 2014

Part of bullet-train legal mystery may be answered

Chris Reed October 31, 2014

For close followers of the bullet-train saga, one of the most basic mysteries of recent years has been what happened after Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael Kenny’s tentative ruling in August 2013 that blocked the state from starting construction on

Pension spikes crumbling CA roads

James Poulos October 31, 2014

From roads to bridges and well beyond, California’s neglected infrastructure won’t receive relief this election cycle. For years, the state has lavished money on other projects — especially public pensions. Despite a flurry of bad press surrounding the crushing burdens those pensions

Assembly 65 swing-seat spending tops $5.2 million

John October 31, 2014

Two years ago, legislative Democrats pulled off an upset in the heart of conservative Orange County. “I was a surprise win in the last election,” Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton, said in a recent interview of her four-point victory over Republican Chris

8 of 9 Water Bond Czars hail from NorCal

Wayne Lusvardi October 30, 2014

Call them Water Bond Czars. They’re the nine members of the California Water Commission and will decide how to implement Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion water bond on the Nov. 4 ballot, should voters pass it. While most media

Field Poll: Dems win in CA, schools chief close

John Seiler October 30, 2014

It isn’t over till it’s over, Yogi Berra famously said. But in California’s partisan statewide races, it might be just about over for Republican challengers to Democrats. But the nonpartisan race for superintendent of public instruction remains too close to

Democrats divided on big issues in CA

James Poulos October 30, 2014

Although Democrats in California are eager to celebrate major victories next Tuesday, political fault lines lie under their party. From anti-rape legislation, to education reform, to health costs and beyond, an anticipated left-leaning consensus has failed to materialize in the

Rail court decision could run over future bonds

James Poulos October 29, 2014

Is there a cow catcher on the front of the California high-speed rail project? One that pushes away future bond measures on everything from water to parks? That’s the unasked question as voters head to the polls next Tuesday to

Secretary of State 2014: Tight race, cautious candidates

John October 29, 2014

It’s one of the few competitive statewide races in California. And befitting a close contest, Democrat Alex Padilla and Republican Pete Peterson share remarkably close visions for the job of secretary of state. CalWatchdog.com asked the two candidates a half dozen questions about