Topic: Jack Pitney

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California budget: Voters approve measure to ease a chronic crisis

California budget woes are legendary. This year the state budget was 100 days late. Passage of Prop. 25 seeks to avoid future such crises by dropping a crippling two-thirds vote requirement.
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.
Did final Meg Whitman-Jerry Brown debate change anything?

Tuesday's California gubernatorial debate between Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown was the last before the election, making it crucial for both candidates.
Meg Whitman vs. Jerry Brown: Can Tom Brokaw steer them toward substance?

Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, candidates for California governor, will debate for the final time Tuesday, with Tom Brokaw moderating. The candidates have spent a lot of time dwelling on scandal recently.
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.
Pitfalls for Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown to avoid in first debate

Jerry Brown has 40 political debates under his belt, but Tuesday night is Meg Whitman's first. Brown must work not to come off 'prickly' in the first California governor's race debate, analysts say, while Whitman must establish herself.
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.
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.
How Bill Clinton factors in California governor race

Former President Bill Clinton found himself tossed between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman this week. Clinton endorsed Brown, but how the candidates respond could have more of an impact.
In California, Meg Whitman leans less overtly on Pete Wilson

Meg Whitman, GOP nominee for California governor, is giving less visibility to campaign chairman Pete Wilson now that she's working to broaden her appeal for the general election.
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.
Maxine Waters: charges highlight mixed ethics record

California Rep. Maxine Waters, a powerful 'liberal institution' in Congress, has raised ethics eyebrows in the past.
How Arizona became ground zero for immigration reform

Arizona didn't turn into a pressure cooker for immigration reform overnight, historians say.
Nancy Pelosi puts her stamp on the House

Nancy Pelosi is a master tactician and the most powerful speaker in a half century. Behind her personal brand of power politics – and whether she will still be speaker after the midterm elections.
Obama's triumphs are also his weaknesses: Health care, stimulus, financial reform

President Obama's domestic agenda has been as ambitious as any president's in the last 50 years – including health care, economic stimulus, and financial reform. But such ambition has not always been rewarded by voters.
Why Whitman and Brown, tied in California, won't talk issues

With the race for California governor in a virtual tie, Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown seem more interested in bashing each other than fixing the state's problems, analysts say.
Why boycotts about Arizona immigration law are stalling

Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose have softened the boycotts they pledged in the wake of the Arizona immigration law's passage.
California faces $19 billion budget deficit despite massive cuts

The California budget deficit stands a $19.1 billion, even after two years of steep cuts. Democrats oppose Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts but can't agree on a solution.
Hefty spending key to Meg Whitman's late lead in GOP primary

Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman surged in the last week of campaigning before Tuesday's gubernatorial primary in California, widening her lead over insurance commissioner Steve Poizner.
Obama's Arizona immigration law summit: what to expect

President Obama will meet with Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer Thursday to discuss the Arizona immigration law. But room for compromise appears to be minimal.
After Arizona, why are 10 states considering immigration bills?

The Arizona immigration law set off a national powder keg. But state lawmakers are not shying away from the issue – and some appear to be inspired by Arizona.
Poll: Poizner surges in California governor's race

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner now trails Meg Whitman by just 10 percentage points in California governor's race, according to polling by his campaign.
Arizona illegal immigration, 'birther' bills show rightward shift

Arizona lawmakers, fresh off sending a controversial illegal immigration bill to the governor, on Wednesday advanced a bill requiring presidential candidates to show a birth certificate in order to appear on the ballot there.
Will Washington fund a Los Angeles subway expansion?

A planned Los Angeles subway expansion could cut traffic and greenhouse emissions and give jobs a boost, but Mayor Villaraigosa wants it now, instead of waiting 30 years. He is in Washington Thursday seeking funds to accelerate construction of the 'Subway to the Sea.'