On election eve, both parties have shifted their energies to GOTV efforts. At Capital Public Radio, Ben Adler examines GOP efforts; at The Sacramento Bee Christopher Delago has an extensive look at the forces in play in a midterm election that may see historically low turnout – and cost the Democrats gains they made in 2012.
“Facing a challenge by former GOP Rep. Doug Ose in one of the country’s most expensive and closely watched races, [Ami] Bera must turn out voters much as he did in 2012 to avoid being the first California House incumbent from his party to lose to a Republican in 20 years.
“Statewide turnout could come in below levels registered in 2010, the last non-presidential election, a model that traditionally favors Republicans. Given the scarcity of competitive statewide races, no contest for the U.S. Senate and few ballot measures that excite casual voters, elections experts and pollsters anticipate high levels of apathy.”
Speaking of the Bee, Jim Miller reports on the results of the paper’s first-ever review of lawmaker’s credit card spending, finding that disclosure forms leave a lot of room for questions.
“Some ate in five-star restaurants and reported holding meetings in nightclubs and an amusement park. They bought fruit baskets and wine as gifts. They went to Las Vegas, Hawaii and international destinations…
“A first-ever review of lawmakers’ credit-card spending by The Sacramento Bee found that many lawmakers provided only the barest of descriptions of their expenses on state-required campaign reports – despite a 2008 rule meant to improve disclosure. The lack of detail makes it difficult to determine whether lawmakers are using their campaign accounts to help them win re-election or do their jobs, or whether some have found an easy way to eat out and live a more luxurious lifestyle."
As Jerry Brown makes his last lap in his push to support Props 1 and 2 – and in his quest for reelection – Capitol Weekly’s Samantha Gallegos looks at what Brown’s fourth term would look like. The Strategic Growth Council, A little known panel of top state officials, is poised to play a key role.
“The Strategic Growth Council, or SGC, is a cabinet-level body with a portfolio that cuts across virtually all aspects of California government. It works to conserve natural resources, limit greenhouse gas emissions, improve housing and transportation, cut urban sprawl and help state and local agencies plan communities so California can cope with a projected population of 50 million by 2049.
“The SGC reflects Brown’s vision as much as any entity in government. Close observers of his administration say it will serve as a fundamental tool to shape California during his final term as the state’s chief executive – assuming, as is likely, that he’s reelected next week.”
Before the ink was dry on governor Brown’s signature on SB270, the ban on single-use plastic bags, plastics manufacturers had vowed to overturn the law. A new poll suggests that they will have an uphill battle. From Chris Megerian at the Los Angeles Times.
“Sixty percent of the voters who answered the survey said they support the ban, signed recently by Gov. Jerry Brown. It applies to single-use plastic sacks at grocery stores and pharmacies starting July 1 and expands to convenience and liquor stores a year later…
“Overturning the law could be difficult, the poll shows. A third of Californians already live in places with local restrictions, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, and many voters are used to them.”
Do you, like us, keep reading that shifting demographics will turn Texas blue in the not-too-distant future? That’s about as likely as California going red, says Mark Barabak at the Los Angeles Times.
“Democrats will tell you Texas is growing more competitive, as Latino voters gain in numbers and political strength. Republicans say California is ripe for realignment, as Democrats overreach in Sacramento and divisions open between coastal liberals and more conservative voters inland.
“There will likely be little evidence of either occurring Tuesday.”
And, in case you missed it: Rod Wright’s 90 days in jail turned into 90 minutes due to overcrowding.
Want to attend Thursday’s Election Post-Mortem conference, hosted by Capitol Weekly, University of California’s UC Center and the Leadership California Institute In Sacramento? Four panels of experts and insiders (including Jim Brulte, Ace Smith, Lisa Gasperoni, Jon Fleischman and many more) will discuss the results of the election and provide a look-ahead at what it means for 2015 – and beyond. The day concludes with a Welcome Reception for New Legislators.
We’re giving away two tickets to the event – email a correct answer to the following question by 3PM today to news@capitolweekly.net and you’ll be entered in a drawing to receive a free ticket to the event! Winners will be notified by end of day today.
Why is October 10, 1911 a significant day in California history?
Be sure to include “CONTEST” in the subject line!
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