Topic: Barbara Connor

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Obama approval tumbles in California: Is Golden State in play for GOP?

President Obama's fundraising trip to California this week comes as a key poll shows his approval rating in the Golden State falling below 50 percent. It suggests Obama has work to do, experts say.
Dream Act: California embraces anti-Arizona role on illegal immigration

The California Senate passed its version of the Dream Act this week, setting itself up as a leader among states addressing illegal immigration with greater sympathy.
How new redistricting maps could reshape California politics

California handed redistricting to a nonpartisan commission to help break the state's chronic gridlock. The new political maps, it is becoming apparent, could do more than that.
California has a balanced budget. Did Gov. Jerry Brown win or lose?

California Gov. Jerry Brown expended some political capital in his bid to close the state's budget deficit with a mix of cuts and higher tax revenue. He didn't get such a deal, but as of Tuesday night the state does have a budget.
California budget: Is state official right to withhold paychecks?

The California budget passed by the Legislature June 15 was not balanced, so lawmakers must forfeit their pay until they pass one that is, said Controller John Chiang Tuesday.
Uncertainty reigns as Jerry Brown vetoes 'questionable' California budget

Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, vetoed the Democrats' California budget Thursday, raising questions about whether legislators will still get paychecks tomorrow and whether the governor has any allies left in the Capitol.
Strange twists ahead in California budget battle as deadline nears

If there's no California budget by June 15, lawmakers will have to forfeit their pay. Five days earlier, the release of a new redistricting map could force many legislators to fight for their political lives. As budget crunch time approaches, the whole process is in flux.
Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger: A political odd couple that worked

Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger announced their separation Monday. Despite being a prominent Democrat, Shriver was crucial to her Republican husband's political success.
Jerry Brown's first 100 days: 'If he can't make it, where else can we turn?'

Gov. Jerry Brown's budget-balancing efforts over the past 100 days have received praise from citizens and pundits, but he has failed to get Republican support for tax extensions.
The Vote
Schwarzenegger to voice animated superhero, 'The Governator'

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced his first entertainment job since leaving office – an animated TV show in which The Governator will battle G.I.R.L.I.E. Men.
Jerry Brown taking his budget-cutting campaign into GOP territory

After the collapse of the California budget deal, Jerry Brown is appealing directly to Republican voters where they live, including a GOP-friendly proposal to reform public employee pensions.
Jerry Brown abandons key part of his California budget plan. Now what?

Gov. Jerry Brown of California cited a long list of Republican demands as the reason he dropped his plan for a special election in June to approve tax extensions for the California budget.
California budget: Have Republicans outfoxed Jerry Brown?

Republican lawmakers refuse to give in to Gov. Jerry Brown and his plan to fix the California budget through a special election on tax extensions. That leaves Brown with few palatable options.
Poll: California voters approve of Jerry Brown, not the Legislature

A new poll suggests California voters approve of the job that Gov. Jerry Brown is doing by a 2-to-1 margin – albeit with many undecided. Their view of the Legislature is poor.
Californians side with Jerry Brown in epic budget battle, poll says

Republican lawmakers are blocking Gov. Jerry Brown's attempts to put a tax-rate extension before voters this summer. But a new Field Poll shows Californians back Brown's plan.
Republicans block Jerry Brown's budget move. What are his options now?

California's governor is unable to persuade GOP lawmakers to OK his plan to solve a looming budget shortfall. Jerry Brown might try an end run, if it's legal, or present an all-cuts budget.
For residents of impoverished, defrauded Bell, Calif., it's payback time

The little city of Bell, Calif., became a symbol of greed and failed government when it was found that city officials had awarded themselves huge salaries. On Tuesday, the voters get their say.
White House marks Women's History Month with 50-year progress report

Women's History Month began Tuesday, and the White House released the 'first comprehensive federal report on the status of women' since 1963.
Blunt and stingy, Jerry Brown suits California just fine this time around

Jerry Brown grated on many Californians when he was governor three decades ago, but his style seems to fit the state's mood well now, as he 'is making frugal fashionable, finally.'
California cities' latest budget trick: fine out-of-towners for car crashes

California cities are adopting 'crash taxes' that fine out-of-town motorists who are found at fault in accidents that require a response from emergency personnel. The fines can exceed $2,700.
Should California sell property to raise cash? Jerry Brown calls off a deal.

Gov. Jerry Brown canceled the sale of 11 state-owned buildings for $1.2 billion, saying the deal arranged under Schwarzenegger didn't make sense and would cost California more in the long run.
State of the State: Jerry Brown twists Republican arms – with a smile

Jerry Brown's State of the State met expectations: 15 minutes focused on his plan for closing California's $25.4 billion deficit, with just a touch of humor to try to bring Republicans on board.
Jerry Brown's State of the State: Whom does he need to impress most?

In his State of the State address Monday, Jerry Brown needs to persuade undecided Californians and at least five Republican legislators that his tax-and-cut budget plan is the right one.
Will Gov. Jerry Brown's California budget run into legal roadblock?

Governor Jerry Brown might need two-thirds of the California legislature to support $12.5 billion in spending cuts – and that's just the first step towards his balanced budget.
Jerry Brown's budget for California is 'honest' and 'very painful'

Gov. Jerry Brown proposes a balanced California budget that has something 'for everyone to hate.' A plan to shift some programs to local governments will be a tough sell.