A Look at the Complex Constitutional Convention Plan Likely Headed for the November 2010 Ballot — First of Two Parts

Voters in November 2010 will likely have a chance to vote on an initiative called “The Call for a Citizen’s Limited Constitutional Convention.”

The convention created by the 16-page, largely single-spaced document awaiting approval by the Attorney General before signature gathering can begin, is supported by, among others, Jim Wunderman, president of the Bay Area Council.    Read more »

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There are 45 Initiatives in Circulation — And More Coming

Former Gov. Hiram Johnson, recently posthumously inducted into the California Museum’s Hall of Fame, helped create California’s initiative process to break the stranglehold of the railroads on the state Legislature.

Johnson, a Sacramento native who was governor from 1911 to 1917, is likely spinning in his grave.

As of December 14, there are 45 measures being circulated for voter signatures, another 38 are awaiting titles and summaries by the Attorney General.    Read more »

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Not Sure Carly Or Barbara Feel Breath on Their Necks But…

The headline on our website reads: “$1,000,000, DeVore for California Hits Major Milestone.”   

That’s right, the critics are silenced.

As I reflected early this morning about the things I am thankful for, I was very mindful of the thousands of Americans who have stepped forward to support my campaign to defeat Barbara Boxer.    Read more »

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A Perhaps Not So Cryptic Invitation from Senator Rod Wright

Sacramento lobbyists received the following e-mail invitation November 24: 

Dear Friend,

I would like to invite you to join me for a briefing on Wednesday, December 2nd.

I would like to discuss with you a pending matter and answer any of your questions and enlist your support.

I know this message may seem a bit cryptic but I beg your indulgence and ask that you join me for a light lunch at noon on Wednesday December 2nd at: 

California Cable and Telecommunications Association Office?1001 K Street, 2nd Floor, Sacramento.     Read more »

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Meet the Candidate of the Public Employees’ Unions For PERS

Cathy Hackett is, according to the flyer sent by Service Employees International Union and other unions representing public employees is “a tough-minded independent leader” and a “successful advocate for our retirement and health care.”

On her website, her biography notes that from 1984 until 2009 she has been a budget analysts (sic) with Caltrans and a union steward from 1983 until the present.    Read more »

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Two GOP Senators Square Off Against Each Other

There’s some friction in the state Senate Republican caucus because two of its members are running for statewide office – against each other.

Sen. Sam Aanestad of Grass Valley faces Sen. Jeff Denham of Merced in the 2010 lieutenant governor primary.

Aanestad recently launched his campaign. Denham’s view is that in instances where two senators are running against each other, one should not be “favored” as he believes Aanestad is with a seat on the upper house’s powerful Rules Committee.    Read more »

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Lobbyists Sue to Remove June 2010 Ballot Measure

A group of lobbyists are suing to remove a measure from the June 2010 that would tax them to create a fund to help publicly finance candidates for the office of Secretary of State.

Plaintiffs, which include the tiny non-profit Jericho: A Voice for Justice and the massive California Professional Firefighters, argue that the tax unfairly singles out lobbyists and violates their right to freedom of political expression.    Read more »

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Mandate of the People — Bradford Wins 51st Assembly District

Steven Bradford, a Gardena City Councilman, won 52.93 percent of the vote in the September 1 special election to fill this Southern California seat vacated by Curran Price when he was elected to the Senate. 

Turnout in the election was 7.53 percent.

According to the Secretary of State, the total number of votes cast was 13,500.    Read more »

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They Just Keep Getting Windier and Windier — Chuck DeVore’s Latest Campaign Missive

Dear Fellow American,    More than once she’s been rated “the most liberal” member of the U.S. Senate.

The nonpartisan “Almanac of American Politics” described her as “the personification of the feminist left.”

And one commentator called her “the political equivalent of fingernails on a chalkboard.”

Her name is Barbara Boxer. And she’s up for re-election.    Read more »

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Clearly, Momentum is Moving DeSaulnier’s Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2009 Contact: Katie Merrill (510) 883-9780

PEACE ACTION WEST ENDORSES MARK DESAULNIER FOR CONGRESS

OAKLAND, CA – Peace Action West has announced its endorsement of Senator Mark DeSaulnier for Congress in the 10th Congressional District. Peace Action West joins other progressive organizations endorsing Mark DeSaulnier for Congress, including the California League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club.    Read more »

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