by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

On the surface, a new poll showing a slim majority of Californian'sdisapproving of the state Supreme Court's gay marriage ruling isdisappointing, but what should perhaps reassure is that fact that themargin is so close, and opposition to a proposed constitutional ban ongay marriage is largest among voters under 45, a sign of evolving views. The Los Angeles Times has the story.

Newly released Federal Election Commission reports reveal heavyfundraising in the GOP Congressional primary between Tom McClintock andDoug Ose, with ultra right-wing folk hero McClintock raking in $6,900 contributions due to the "millionaire's amendment" triggered by Ose's tendency to rely on person wealth, the Sacramento Bee reports.

During a speaking and fundraising tour in Silicon Valley yesterday,John McCain defended free trade—while failing to acknowledge that everytrade pact contains aspects of protectionsim—and then watched as Governor Schwarzenegger told Detroit automakers to "get off their butts," a comment unlikely to win him any votes in Michigan this November, according to the San Jose Mercury News.

There's more... 

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Now Doug Ose is alleging illegal coordination between Tom McClintock and a 501(c)(4) group headed by poster boy for Republican losers in the state:

A California-based group and other local officials filed a Federal Election Commission (FEC) complaint Monday regarding the alleged ties between an ex-aide to Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.) and state Sen. Tom McClintock (R).

McClintock and former Rep. Doug Ose (R-Calif.) are in a bitter primary battle to face off against Democrat Charlie Brown this fall for retiring Rep. John Doolittle's (R-Calif.) seat.

At issue is the role of Steve Ding - an ex-McClintock consultant and former chief of staff for Pombo - and The Partnership for America, a 501(c)4 advocacy group headed by Pombo.

McClatchy recently reported that Pombo's group is organizing a $660,000 independent campaign in the 4th congressional district.

Whoever comes out of the primary is going to be tainted by multiple smears, and flat broke.  McClintock and Ose are both willing to risk that because they think the 4th District is automatically Republican, and they're underestimating the strength of Charlie Brown.

At their peril.

You can read on for McClintock's ties to Pombo and various Indian gaming groups.

by Julia Rosen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

The big Rudy Giuliani supporter Paul Singer is back in the news. The New York Times did a story about the "vulture capitalist" fund manager recounting his plan to steal 20 electoral votes for his main man, Rudy G.  A sneak peak:

Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic Party, questioned "Paul Singer's involvement in this dirty trick aimed at stealing the White House." A group of Democrats filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission charging that Mr. Singer had been acting on behalf of Mr. Giuliani in his efforts to change the California law - which Mr. Singer and the campaign deny. And the Democratic National Committee drew attention to the part of Mr. Singer's business that involves buying the debt of poor countries at a discount and then seeking repayment in full - prompting an article in The Times of London labeling his firm, Elliott Associates, a "vulture fund."
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read more »

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by Sheri Divers [courtesy of Blog for America]

House Votes to Boost Watchdogs' Power

Government watchdogs would gain more autonomy and protection from political retribution under legislation the House passed Wednesday. The White House threatened a veto, saying the measure infringes on presidential authority over inspectors general.

The bill is the latest proposal where the Bush administration and the Democratic-controlled Congress have clashed over executive branch versus congressional authority. Other disputes have involved who should set policy on secret surveillance, the treatment of suspected terrorists and military operations in Iraq.

The inspector general legislation passed 404-11, well above the level needed for the House to override a veto. The full Senate has not yet taken up the issue.

FEC Nominee Von Spakovsky, Other Three Advance Without Recommendation

A Senate panel sent four nominees to the Federal Election Commission to the floor Wednesday without recommendation, as one contentious appointee threatened to derail the bunch.