by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

You know the drill:

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Many see it as an issue of education from pre-school through higher education and as an investment in the future of our state

By Frank D. Russo

They came by the busloads to Sacramento from all across the length and breadth of the state of California and marched to the state Capitol for a rally. Not only were there numbers large—perhaps as large as 2000 in Sacramento in addition to those taking part in rallies in other locations—but they were loud and energized. Folks working inside their offices three blocks away could hear students chanting as could those inside the Capitol.

The Governor was out of town, but the message was clear. After the rally and throughout the day, students roamed the hallways of the legislature talking to their representatives. They represented 3.2 million students—who have registered to vote in record numbers—and will be looking closely to see what is done after the May Revise of the budget is available in about three weeks. There will be a huge backlash if the cuts go through.

by Robert in Monterey [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

[Editor’s note: Here is the full text of California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi’s speech to the state Democratic Convention this morning in San Jose. Garamendi is a bit more than rumored to be running for Governor in 2010 and is seen here pressing the flesh and having his picture taken with many well wishers.]

My Friends:

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Earlier this week, we brought you the state's leading editorial endorsements. Today, we'll take a look at endorsements from California's Constitutional officers, Congressional delegation, Assembly, and State Senate. We've included Edwards' endorsements, even though he is no longer in the race. If and when his endorsements migrate elsewhere, we will update the list accordingly. Please feel free to leave a comment if there is an error or update.

Senator Hillary Clinton:

Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Lt. Governor John Garamendi
Treasurer Bill Lockyer
Controller John Chiang
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell ...

Senator Barack Obama:

Rep. Xavier Becerra
Rep. Barbara Lee
Rep. Zoe Lofgren
Rep. George Miller
Rep. Linda Sanchez ...

Undeclared Support:

Sen. Barbara Boxer
Secretary of State Debra Bowen
Attorney General Jerry Brown
Sen. Ellen Corbett
Sen. Lou Correa ...

Complete lists over the flip...

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By John Garamendi
Lieutenant Governor
State of California

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Former State Senator Jackie Speier is Exhibit A for why California's term limits law needs to be reformed.

The popular Bay Area legislator was one of the most effective in the California legislature, writing laws to protect privacy, advance women's rights, and help consumers. Yet just as she was in her prime, she was forced out of office by term limits.

In 2006, she finished a strong second in a three-way battle for LG behind the eventual winner, John Garamendi. Impressive as she was on the stump, Speier came up short in both name ID and money against Garamendi. Her campaign hasn't ended: Speier wrote a book and has been active in Democratic politics, particularly in building a network of strong women supporters.

Now it appears that Speier will take a shot at long-time incumbent Congressman Tom Lantos and face the same obstacles as she did in the LG primary.

For starters, Lantos is extremely tight with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Speaker doesn't take kindly to primary challenges to incumbent Democrats. They drain campaign cash that would otherwise be used against Republicans. On top of that, Lantos is a key Pelosi ally, and is a powerful voice in the Democratic majority's foreign policy strategy and a recognized Bush critic.

There's more...