Free Republic

My esteemed colleague and fellow political writer Carla Marinucci at the San Francisco Chronicle blogged yesterday that former Contra Costa County Supervisor Sunne Wright McPeak is rumored to be a potential 2010 Democratic gubernatorial candidate. While McPeak’s credentials for such an undertaking are numerous, the Pleasanton resident told me last night that “if I ever decided to take leave of my mind and do something like that, I’ll come see you for counseling.” (To all the professional counselors out there, no need to worry. I never charge for my services.) As you may recall, McPeak left her post as chief...

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday plans to discuss his goals for political reform that may include a push to change California's primary election laws. The governor and those close to him who helped spearhead the recent change in the state's redistricting laws are expected to voice suport for open primaries, which would allow voters to cast primary ballots for any candidate, regardless of partisan affiliation. A ballot initiative could be before voters by 2010, perhaps even earlier, to change the state's primary laws. Schwarzenegger has already signaled his support of an open primary. That issue - and others - are...

The Legislative Analyst's Office will release a new report today analyzing the woeful state of California's finances. It will flesh out last week's estimate that the state faces a $27.8 billion deficit over the next 19 months. But a new report from Beacon Economics predicts things will look even glummer in the future: Labor markets are showing increased signs of stress.There is little sign of a recovery in housing, and foreclosure rates are growing worse by the day.Consumer markets have fallen off a cliff.Corporate profits are taking a serious beating. The report commissioned by California Forward, the nonpartisan government reform...

Calling state government dysfunctional, a bipartisan group launched a reform effort Wednesday that it said would be backed by its own political action committee. The group, called California Forward, will push for passage of a proposed November ballot initiative supported by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to take away the Legislature's power to draw political districts and give it instead to an independent panel. Advocates say this will help moderates get elected. The reform group also plans to address the state budgeting process. Leon Panetta, a former Democratic congressman from Monterey and chief of staff to former President Bill Clinton, is leading...

Leon Panetta should have been governor. But at least his talent will be used trying to straighten out Sacramento. Panetta and a new team of Capitol outsiders and periphery players have been staked with nearly $16 million by five foundations that are frustrated with the pathetic performance of Sacramento politicians.