Topic: Center for Governmental Studies

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

From marijuana to 'sexting': new laws set to take effect Jan. 1

All Content

Bell, Calif., vents its anger in recall vote, then asks: What now?

Voters in Bell, Calif., recalled the mayor and three city councilmembers Tuesday in the aftermath of a scandal that saw city officials pay themselves exorbitant salaries. But with a $4.5 million deficit, the cleansing and healing process is just beginning.
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.
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.'
Rep. Jane Harman resigns, thinning ranks of Democrats' Blue Dogs

The Blue Dogs, conservative-leaning Democrats, were hit hard in Election 2010. The resignation of Rep. Jane Harman now deprives them of an influential member.
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.
From marijuana to 'sexting': new laws set to take effect Jan. 1

In all, 45 states, the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico passed 31,005 new laws in 2010. Some of them will come into effect with the new year. Here is a sampling of some of the trends in lawmaking in 2010.
Carly Fiorina out of hospital: How does illness affect a campaign?

Carly Fiorina spent a day in the hospital this week. The impact it has on her bid to unseat Sen. Barbara Boxer could depend on how her campaign handles the challenge.
In California midterm election's tight races, voter turnout is key

Voter turnout will be especially important for Democrats in the midterm elections. The higher the overall turnout, the more likely Democrats will benefit. Both parties are appealing energetically to independents and the undecided.
Drawing battle lines in California: Who will be in charge of redistricting?

Battle over gerrymandering: Competing California ballot measures give voters a chance to strengthen, or reject, the redistricting reform they began two years ago.
If Proposition 23 passes, will other greenhouse-gas laws fall?

California's 2008 law to limit greenhouse-gas emissions is seen as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's biggest achievement. If it is undone by Proposition 23, other similar laws could follow, experts say.
California and 'left coast' bucking the pro-GOP election trend?

In some key Senate and governors' races, the 'left coast' of California, Washington, and Oregon isn't tilting toward GOP as much as the rest of the country. Why not?
Study: Drug cartels would feel small pinch if California legalizes marijuana

If Proposition 19 passes and California legalizes marijuana, the financial hit to Mexican drug cartels would be a loss of 2 to 4 percent of their overall US revenues, says a RAND Corp. study.
'Toxic' touch? Why Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman shy from Sarah Palin.

Sarah Palin is set to appear at a GOP fundraiser two weeks ahead of the Nov 2. election, but neither Meg Whitman nor Carly Fiorina – both big-name Republicans – is planning to attend.
California state budget deal has holes, analysts say

The California state budget accord to be voted on Friday relies on $5 billion in federal money, $10 billion in Wall Street loans, and some pretty big assumptions, say some political observers.
Debate: Jerry Brown, Meg Whitman show style, but light on solutions

California gubernatorial candidates Jerry Brown (D) and Meg Whitman (R) both claimed victory after Tuesday night's debate.
Why GOP struggles to make inroads with California Hispanics

A new poll shows that Republican candidates for governor and Senate in California are still far behind their Democratic opponents among Hispanic voters.
Why Whitman and Brown are deadlocked in California governor's race

The latest poll of the California governor's race shows Republican Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown tied at 41 percent. Many voters remain undecided, so upcoming debates will be crucial.
Would 'one term' pledge get Jerry Brown past Meg Whitman in California?

Political analysts are split over whether Jerry Brown would gain anything over Meg Whitman by promising to stay in office as California governor for just one term.
As California sues over Bell salaries, a boon for Jerry Brown

Bell, Calif., was the scene of some of grossest government abuses of power ever seen in the US, political observers say – and it could end up helping Jerry Brown in his race for governor.
Californians debate debates: Who gets to participate?

First it was hunger striking candidates. Now a Libertarian running for secretary of state in California launches a petition to open debates to all who are qualified.
Boxer-Fiorina debate: California economy is center stage

Boxer-Fiorna debate was gaffe-free but too scripted, analysts say. Sen. Barbara Boxer and GOP challenger Carly Fiorina faced off Wednesday night, drawing sharp distinctions between them.
How does a $578 million school get built amid cuts, layoffs in L.A.?

Construction of the imposing Robert F. Kennedy School Complex west of downtown Los Angeles was approved by voters in 2006, leaving school officials no choice, they say.
California Republicans set out to woo Latino voters

California Republicans have rejected the idea of a tough immigration law like Arizona's and are reaching out to Latino voters. But they'll be carrying a lot of baggage on that uphill climb.
Hungry for debate, two California congressional hopefuls stop eating

Is a hunger strike the way to push an incumbent to agree to more debates?
Carly Fiorina widens lead over Barbara Boxer: All about jobs?

The California Senate race could hinge on perceptions of how Carly Fiorina and Barbara Boxer will approach the economy and job creation.