California voters (at least some of them) are poised to go to the polls in a special election in just under three weeks to decide the fate of five propositions put on the ballot by Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature. The key props – 1A through 1E – are said to be essential to resolving California’s critical budget shortfall.

According to a new survey by the Field Institute, voters aren’t buying it.

First, let me say that I have not changed my opinion of the Field Poll as a historically unreliable source of information on how voters view pending ballot measures. They have been so far off on so many issues I have been involved in that I always take their data with a slab – not a grain – of salt. That said, the trend that Field is reporting (all of the above measures are trailing badly) is almost certainly correct and reflects the results of other recent polling.

That 1A thru 1E appear headed for the trashcan is not the most interesting finding of the Field Poll. The most interesting finding is that 72 percent of voters agree that voting down the measures “will send a message to the governor and state Legislature that voters are tired of… Read More

Breaking up is hard to do. That’s why singer-songwriter Paul Simon offers an alternative “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” At the caucus meeting, following the May 19th anti tax revolt elections, Assembly Republicans should fire up the 8 track and give Simon’s hit a new twist: “50 Ways to Leave Your Leader”

Assembly Republicans need to suggest an alternative career path to Mike Villines.

For his entire political life Mike Villines was an articulate and faithful leader against ghastly government growth and any new taxes. Last fall, Mike Villines repeatedly promised to oppose tax increases. He signed the famous anti-tax pledge. Then, Mike Villines began to negotiate his core beliefs out the window, to engineer and vote for the largest tax increase by any state in American history.

**There is more – click the… Read More

Breaking up is hard to do. That’s why singer-songwriter Paul Simon offers an alternative “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” At the caucus meeting, following the May 19th anti tax revolt elections, Assembly Republicans should fire up the 8 track and give Simon’s hit a new twist: “50 Ways to Leave Your Leader”

Assembly Republicans need to suggest an alternative career path to Mike Villines.

For his entire political life Mike Villines was an articulate and faithful leader against ghastly government growth and any new taxes. Last fall, Mike Villines repeatedly promised to oppose tax increases. He signed the famous anti-tax pledge. Then, Mike Villines began to negotiate his core beliefs out the window, to engineer and vote for the largest tax increase by any state in American history.

… Read More

I just received a release from the Steve Poizner campaign, calling for two debates between himself, Tom Campbell and Meg Whitman — the leading candidates for the GOP nomination for Governor next year. The proposed topic? The ballot Propositions.

While the idea is a good one, given that Propisition 1A is the most controversial item on the ballot (with its trigger of $16 billion in new taxes), and that Poizner and Whitman both oppose 1A, and Campbell supports it, that debate doesn't sound that exciting to me (no offense intended).

So, I have a better idea. Let's invite Arnold Schwarzegger into the fray. A Schwarzenegger/Campbell vs. Poizner/Whitman debate would be very interesting, indeed…

I would be happy to jointly moderate the event with my friend Abel Maldonado!… Read More

Critical Swine Flu prevention tip:

Don’t do this!!!!….

Just a little Thursday humor for you.… Read More

The National Federation of Independent Business – California, a major player in California politics, and the hands-down grassroots representative in Sacramento for small business owners, has come out strongly against Proposition 1A.

According to the NFIB-CA, In order to determine support or opposition to Proposition 1A, they balloted more than 21,000 members during the month of April. Of those who responded, the majority were in opposition to Proposition 1A. The content of the ballot was developed based on information provided by both the support and opposition committees.

They have issued this statement:

OC/SD Congressman Issa is profiled for his leadership in government oversight at WeeklyStandard.com.

A nice profile piece is here.… Read More

Waste Watchers- California: Land of the Golden Parachute Historically, California has been known for its gold, the lure of which attracted pioneers and prospectors from far and wide in search of wealth and opportunity. Today, however, the “ Golden State ” motto might more accurately refer to the generous “golden parachutes,” granted to public employees. A particularly sad… Read More