A Brief Look at the Depth of the Pledges Made By Candidates

Here is a pitch from an Assembly candidate on why voters should elect him:

“I’ll focus on creating jobs and thoughtfully controlling spending and I’ll work to fix education — so all children have an opportunity to realize their dreams.”

Inside  the mailer, voters learn that the candidate will “support small businesses and create jobs, improve our children’s education, protect public health and safety, make the Legislature accountable to us.”    Read more »

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Thank You Don Pardo and Welcome to Slater Mailer Challenge

Yes, it’s that time again. Another exciting round of  Slate Mailer Challenge where lucky contestants count the asterisks and win!

Today’s first challenge comes from “Leadership for California” prepared, the small print informs, by “California Voter Guide, not an official political party organization.” Nonetheless, the back page says it is a “Voting Guide for Republicans.”    Read more »

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A Fishy Mailer That Smells Like Its Been in the Sun Too Long

This is a recent mailing from Andy Pugno, a GOP candidate for the 5th Assembly Distract, a seat from which Roger Niello is forced out because of term limits. Pugno, a lawyer and previously counsel for the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign, is a former legislative staffer. His Democratic opponent, Dr.    Read more »

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In the 1st Senate Seat Race, Leadership Is As Leadership Does (Click More)

In the recent mailer from Assemblyman Ted Gaines, a Roseville Republican, Gaines says in the third paragraph that California lacks “leaders willing to make tough decisions, stand up to the special interests and do what’s right.”

California can be fixed — presumably not like a pet dog or cat — through “leadership and common sense,” says Gaines, who seeks elevation to state Senate District 1 formerly occupied by the late Dave Cox, also a Republican.    Read more »

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Somewhere Well North of “Laughing Stock”…

MOCKINGSTOCK — “A butt for merriment”

— WillIam Perry’s Royal Standard English Dictionary, 1809    Read more »

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This Is Not Quite as Punchy an Answer As It Could Have Been

“Basically, you’ve got to sort of say you can’t just sort of appeal and appeal and appeal and appeal. So I think there has to be some change in the process by which death row inmates live on for 20, 30-odd years on death row. I think we’ve got to take that up.”    Read more »

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Here’s A Word That Isn’t Heard Very Often…

SNOKER — One who smells at objects like a dog.

From the verb, SNOKE — To pry into holes and corners, to poke one’s nose where it has no business.

As in:

“Jeez Louise, the guy at the workstation over there is quite the All-World snoker.”

“Totally, man. Snoke Central.”

-30-    Read more »

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Sacramento’s Blissful Calm Soon to Be Savagely Shattered

It’s quiet in the state Capitol.

Too quiet.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is in China, touring supermarkets and touting California goods.

Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado, acting governor in Schwarzenegger’s absence, is in San Bruno coordinating “state efforts” in the aftermath of the deadly September 9 natural gas explosion and fire.

The Legislature is in recess.    Read more »

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A Bumpersticker…

“Eat Beef — The West Wasn’t Won on Salad.”

-30-    Read more »

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Not Sure They’d Like The Plan Any Better Even If Fully Aired

California Taxpayers Association President Teresa Casazza Urges Legislature to Open Budget Process to Public Scrutiny

SACRAMENTO – California Taxpayers Association President Teresa Casazza issued the following statement today regarding the Legislature’s plan to vote on budget legislation that has not been made public:

“The Legislature plans to vote on a budget tomorrow, but the budget bills are not yet in print, details have not been provided to the public, and no public testimony will be heard.    Read more »

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