How Sausages Really Get Made

The general belief of most persons not directly involved in law making is that legislation is created through weighty public policy determinations. 

Months, perhaps years, of laborious scrutiny lead to flawlessly modulated funding formulas, equitable staffing ratios and intricate program redesign. 

 Not unlike so many other things in life, the truth is far different.     Read more »

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John Benoit, War Criminal

Ever wonder why people are disgusted by politics? Here’s a good reason: www.graydavisrepublican.com. 

Although early in the season, this is the most despicable disingenuous drivel to air so far. 

A little background: GOP Sen. Jim Battin has to bite the term limits bullet, creating a vacancy in his Palm Springs centered seat.     Read more »

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You’re Not Alone Eliot

While scant consolation, it’s not exactly a select club Eliot Spitzer just joined. 

Former presidents, scads of congressmen, a Japanese prime minister, a British cabinet secretary in the 1960s, a couple of California mayors are just a few of the public officials who did too much thinking with their little heads.     Read more »

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Congratulations Jean Fuller! — Winner of the Speaker’s Pool*

 Freshman Assemblywoman Jean Fuller has plenty to be happy about after the results of the 2008 Speaker’s Pool were announced today. 

Fuller picked the winning square — Karen Bass in February — and pockets $45,000 in winnings. Although the pool’s originator is unknown, many sitting lawmakers participated anteing $500 per square.    Read more »

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The Best Budget Solution

Now that the speakership tussle appears amicably concluded, the Capitol can return to its daily routine of resolving weighty policy matters, such as the budget. 

Speaking of weighty, it was a nice showing of fiscal restraint by Legislative Analyst Elizabeth G. Hill who graciously cut back on the size of her budget analysis, affectionately known as the “fat book.”    Read more »

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Lucas Comment on Expected Bass Election as Speaker

“Californians are incredibly lucky to have someone with the heart and smarts of Karen Bass as our Assembly Speaker. Her passionate commitment to those in our state who need help the most is exactly the right priority for our legislative leadership, even more so during this time of economic downturn.  While I still feel my candidacy offered a unique opportunity for  lawmakers and stakeholders alike to forge a bold, wildly inclusive policy paradigm for the New Millenium, Karen is going to do an awesome job and I’m eager to help her in any way she sees fit.”    Read more »

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Lucas For Speaker: Campaign Update — Week One

MEMBERS OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY:

I’m very pleased to report that after a full week of my candidacy for Speaker, I am more viable than when I began. Momentum continues to build. 

Revealing numbers at his early juncture is both bad taste and bad luck but suffice to say I’m as much of a contender as anyone.     Read more »

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The Best Candidate for Assembly Speaker

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY:

To bring order out of chaos in the Legislature’s lower house, I hereby declare my candidacy for Speaker of the California Assembly. 

I am aware that titans have occupied the post since the first legislative session of 1849. Jess Unruh. Willie Brown. Paul Peek.    Read more »

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Re: California Political Action Budget

To: Hiram Drivell, Vice-President Governmental Relations, CONFAB Corp. 

From: Morris Dewey, legislative advocate, Dewey, Cheatam & Howe. 

Re: California political action budget

While keenly aware of the financial constraints facing CONFAB and other corporations in its sector, as your chief California lobbyist, I must respectfully request a significant increase in funds available for campaign contributions.      Read more »

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This is Supposed to Be a Nasty Campaign Year? Get Real.

It’s only February and already the TV phonies, self-anointed pundits and professional lip-flappers are declaring 2008 the nastiest ever campaign since the last nastiest ever campaign. 

Please. 

The ballot proposition campaigns are sickeningly tame. The Indians who get 17,000 new slot machines from approving Props 94 through 97 rail that it’s the evil horse racing interests and an owner of two Vegas casinos behind the opposition.    Read more »

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