News Archives

2.04.2008

A Reagan Classic, a Bill Campbell Favorite and a Lockyerism Too Often Forgotten by Testifiers

“Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize it bears a very close resemblance to the first.”

— Ronald Reagan

“Politicians do two things: point with pride or view with alarm.”

— former state Sen. William Campbell

“The plural of anecdote is not evidence.”

— State Treasurer Bill Lockyer

2.01.2008

Jerry Waldie on Impeachment (He oughta know)

“Impeachment is not a legal, judicial process. Impeachment is a combination of legal and political with a large portion of the basis for impeaching the president being that there is a political desire on behalf of the American people that it should happen.

“An example of the contrary, where impeachable offenses were committed but no impeachment was brought – and I would not have supported it had it been – was Reagan and Iran/Contra. Read more »

2.01.2008

Bill Campbell

At 72, former state Senator Bill Campbell finds himself the chairman of the board of Point Blank Solutions, a Pompano Beach, Florida maker of bulletproof vests.

The Coraopolis, Pennsylvania native and former Senate minority leader can’t say much about his new job since the company is suing its former CEO, David H. Read more »

1.30.2008

Classic Chappie

While walking precincts for Ken Maddy of Fresno in Maddy’s uphill bid for the Assembly in 1970, then Assemblyman Bill Campbell of Hacienda Heights was told by fellow GOP Assemblyman Gene Chappie of Cool that he thought Maddy could pull it off.

“What gives you that idea, Gene-o?” Campbell said.

“Some guy just drove by and gave me half the V-for-Victory sign.” Read more »

1.30.2008

Black Wednesday

“Let there be jihad and our swords run with blood. We shall all eat lamb in paradise!”

That’s pretty much Item One on next Wednesday morning’s agenda if, as widely predicted, the term limits initiative crashes and burns, smothering the political lives of the Assembly Speaker and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Read more »

1.25.2008

Ross Johnson

Ross Johnson’s 26 year legislative career began in 1978 – the same year Proposition 13 was approved. He was the leader of both the Assembly Republicans and the Senate Republicans, the first person in state history to be a leader in both houses.

But now, Johnson, who turns 69 in September, has put aside partisan politics. Read more »

1.23.2008

Why is ABX1 1 Still Alive?

Health coverage is just like other kinds of insurance – it’s only available when you don’t need it. When you do, it’s nowhere near as helpful as you paid it to be.

Last year was the year of Health Care and Water in the White Sepulcher known as our state Capitol. Read more »

1.21.2008

Health Care, Health Care

The big deal this week is the January 23 hearing of the Senate Health Committee on Governor Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez’s overhaul of California’s health care system.

Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, chair of the 11- member committee, opposes the legislation. All the Republicans on the committee are expected to vote, “no” although Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria has broken ranks with his team in the past at the governor’s behest. Read more »

1.17.2008

Dede Alpert

During her 14 years as a state lawmaker, Dede Alpert tried to tackle two of California’s most vexing problems – improving public education and legalizing ferret ownership.

California’s public schools are improving, in part thanks to landmark bills Alpert carried as an Assemblywoman to integrate phonics, spelling and math skills into school curriculum and improve assessment of academic performance. Read more »

1.15.2008

What’s the Big Deal About a Teensy $14.5 Billion Shortfall?

Stop all this hand wringing and whining about California’s budget shortfall.

A hole of $14.5 billion. Whoopty-do.

Why is there all this rending of garments and teeth gnashing over such a pretty puny problem.

Much ado about nada. Fitch, knock off the downer rating watch stuff and come in from the ledge. Read more »

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