Posted on 06/08/2005 3:49:19 PM PDT by calcowgirl
SACRAMENTO -- South Bay Sen. Debra Bowen has been dumped from a powerful committee that oversees spending measures, apparently for refusing to commit blindly to bills pushed by Democratic Party leaders.
Little is being said officially about the punishment, which could dampen the Redondo Beach Democrat's fund-raising efforts but burnish her independent credentials in a looming campaign for secretary of state.
In a twist, Bowen also had to cast a vote on her own fate as well.
The rebellion unfolded earlier this month when party leaders finalized their recommendations for a long list of measures still pending before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Traditionally, that panel tucks away most bills that would cost taxpayers more than $150,000. Lawmakers then must anxiously wait until legislative leaders review the so-called "suspense file" in a political as well as budget context.
For six years, Bowen said, she received a list of the bills that had the leadership's blessing at least the night before the vote. For some reason, the list was kept squirreled away this time, she said.
But that apparently didn't stop committee Chairwoman Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, from demanding that Democrats on the panel pledge their support sight unseen, according to various accounts.
Bowen and Sen. Jackie Speier, D-Daly City, balked, triggering a party squabble behind closed doors. A few hours later, the Rules Committee controlled by Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata, D-Oakland, replaced both of them. Perata and Migden refused to comment.
Bowen said she was not taking a stand on any particular bill. It just did not feel right approving millions of dollars in programs so quickly, she said.
Bowen refused to reveal what happened in the Democratic caucus, calling it an "internal matter."
"I don't think it's worth getting into," she said. "It wasn't a comfortable place."
Bowen, who sits on the Rules Committee, abstained from determining her fate when the other four members took up the issue.
Bowen says she longs for the Appropriations Committee action.
"I just miss it," she said. "It's an interesting committee. It's an opportunity to look at a wide range of issues."
Bowen may not miss the workload, however, as she gears up her campaign for secretary of state. But she could miss campaign contributions that are easier to raise from positions on influential committees like the appropriations panel.
Bowen insisted her firing would have no effect on financial support for her statewide campaign.
Secretary of State Bruce McPherson, a moderate and respected Republican, was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve out the term of Democrat Kevin Shelley, who resigned amid corruption allegations earlier this year. McPherson is widely believed to be interested in running for the post next year.
dang, where's muh hanky? ;-)
c'Rats rotting from within..
peRATa and Migden bust a move
I don't know all these folks, but from what I've read I was surprised to see Speier going against the tide.
Bowen is my rep. While I haven't gotten her to agree on anything, she does return email, lol.
For a democrat, she had half a brain at least, imo
She is a survivor of the Jimmy Jones days, and now, of this pestilent pack of c'Rats imposing their will on even their own party members.
Democrats with integrity? Wow! I still am disappointed that they didn't raise more of a stink. this is what happens when there is gerrymandering and some seats are termed "safe". Democracy suffers.
Good illustration of why California is out of control. Any Democrat attempting to exercise even the tiniest amount of common sense is ruthlessly purged. If she becomes Secretary of State, I hope there's a way she can pay those dirtbags back. Maybe by uncovering some campaign finance shenanigans.
A friend of mine lives in north Redondo. He's about 2 blocks from the intersection of Inglewood Ave and Manhattan Beach Blvd. You know, the day labor gathering site. ;^)
I think you meant one of the day labor gathering sites. ;-)
ooooooh, i'm embarrassed over that faux pas.
Maybe I should refer to them as Bowen's constituents instead of day laborers.
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