Politics and Elections

McClintock attacked by Republican political operative

The two-week federal government shutdown was an interesting public relations move by the White House. The media, predictably, blamed Republicans and the Tea Party. But it also was curious that veteran GOP operative, political analyst and former legislative aid Tony Quinn

Congressional hopeful defined by freedom

Katy Grimes October 21, 2013

Note: This is the first in a series of interviews of all the major candidates for the crucial 7th Congressional District in California. SACRAMENTO — Having faith in freedom, Igor Birman is hoping voters “hire” him for Congress. “I’m here

Will immigration reform move forward?

Adam O'Neal October 18, 2013

President Obama, during his press conference Thursday, identified three policy areas where he believed Congress — at its most dysfunctional point in recent memory — could actually produce legislation. He suggested that the legislative branch pursue a farm bill, a

President Arnold?

John Seiler October 18, 2013

Three years ago I reviewed Ian Halpern's biography of then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, “The Governator: From Muscle Beach to His Quest for the White House, the Improbable Rise of Arnold Schwarzenegger.” Back than it was by far the best biography of

CA legislators join vote to end federal shutdown

Adam O'Neal October 17, 2013

The 16-day federal government shutdown is over, and America’s borrowing limit has been raised following an 81-19 vote in the Senate and a 285-144 vote in the House. President Obama signed the measure into law shortly after midnight. The fight

Union power prevents public-sector union reform

Ed Ring October 16, 2013

“Public employees have a private interest in taking more and more of the taxpayer-generated revenue for themselves. In other words, public employees have a private interest in diverting public funds from public services to their wages and pensions. In this

Shutdown dents legislators' fundraising

Adam O'Neal October 11, 2013

Earlier this week, CalWatchdog.com mentioned some of the political implications that the partial government shutdown will have on Congress, particularly a few vulnerable representatives from California. Members are dealing with the competing demands of winning leverage against the other party, while