Free Republic

SACRAMENTO - A measure backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to rein in registered lobbyists who also work as political consultants stalled Tuesday in the Legislature after lobbying from a prominent Democratic consultant who is a key target of the bill. The bill, AB 40, sputtered in the Assembly elections committee when no one moved it for a vote. The committee is chaired by former federal prosecutor Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, who used campaign consultant Richie Ross in his race last November. Ross, who is also a registered lobbyist for farmworkers and two large Indian tribes, said Tuesday that he had...

<p>If California voters pick Cruz Bustamante as the replacement candidate in next month's recall election, they'll also be get Richie Ross. His name isn't well-known outside Sacramento, but he's one of the most powerful political advisers in the Capitol. Bustamante confirmed in an interview that Ross will either serve in his administration or continue working closely as a policy adviser if the recall passes and he wins. "He gives great political advice,'' Bustamante said. "He will play a major role."</p>

<p>SACRAMENTO -- Polls show Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante is the front-runner to become governor of California if Gray Davis is recalled next month. But political correctness -- Mr. Bustamante is the first major Latino candidate for governor in 125 years -- has gotten him a surprising pass from the media.</p>

<p>Sacramento -- A prominent Capitol lobbyist and political consultant who used verbal threats and high-pressure tactics to push a bill has Democratic lawmakers demanding new laws to muzzle out-of-control lobbyists.</p> <p>Despite a looming deadline to pass a state budget, Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson spent nearly two hours Monday trying to soothe angry Democratic lawmakers who feel pushed around by lobbyists, most recently political consultant Richie Ross.</p>