[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

As soon as Proposition 93 went down to defeat, pundits began handicapping the race to succeed Speaker Nunez. Never mind that many of these same "experts" assured us only months ago that Hillary Clinton would sail to the Democratic nomination and that John McCain's campaign was on life support. All too often, pundits simply regurgitate the conventional wisdom of the moment, leaving little room for thoughtful analysis or even the pretense of humility. With all this said, I feel compelled to throw in my two cents -- not so much to handicap the race for Speaker, but to highlight some of the dynamics that may shape the race itself. 

Nearly all the pundits sizing up this race have overlooked the role "outsiders" may play in selecting the next Speaker. After all, Labor, spearheaded by the late Miguel Contreras, played a huge role in securing the job for Fabian Nunez. And longstanding Democratic constituencies, including teachers, prison guards, and others, are starting to weigh in. AFSCME recently announced its intention to interview Speaker candidates. More interesting still are actions taken by Maria Elena Durazo, wife and successor to the late Miguel Contreras, signaling her intention to get involved. In recent meetings with candidates, she has made it clear that she expects Labor to have a seat at the table in selecting the new Speaker.

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Hey all.  Sitting here in the spin room at the Kodak Theater prior to tonight's Democratic debate.  The place is kind of swamped with media, and I guess Blitzer's doing his live show just outside, so there are a lot of sign-holders afoot.

Earlier today I was down at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, a community college near downtown, to watch a townhall meeting with Senator Barack Obama.  A lot of his Southern California supporters were on hand, including Assemblyman Ted Lieu, labor leader Maria Elena Durazo, Congressmen Xavier Becerra and Adam Schiff, LA City Councilmembers Yvonne Burke and Bill Rosendahl, and State Senators Dean Florez, Gil Cedillo, and Majority Leader Gloria Romero.  I have as much respect for Senators Cedillo and Romero as anyone in the State Senate.  They have been at the forefront of taking on tough issues; in the case of Sen Romero, prison and sentencing reform (Obama expressed support for eliminating the crack/cocaine powder sentencing and for a more intelligent criminal justice system that deals with nonviolent offenders in a different way), and in the case of Sen. Cedillo, immigration measures like driver's licenses and the DREAM Act (which Obama said he would sign).  It means a lot to me that they are on board Obama's campaign.

More...

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Board of Equalization Member Judy Chu and LAANE Board of Directors Chair Maria Elena Durazo at the LAX Hilton demonstration.

By Sharon Kyle and Dick Price

A few months ago, Bill Rumble, President of the Northeast Democratic Club, wrote a piece on America’s vanishing middle class. It was one of our most read articles—not surprising considering that most of our readership is middle class and the topic is both unsettling and timely.

by Julia Rosen [courtesy of Working Californians blogs]

Its OUR Health Care has the remarks of Mayor Villaraigosa up on YouTube from their rally down in LA. The Maria he is referring to is Maria Elena Durazo is the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the LA Labor Federation.

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Assemblywoman Laura Richardson's campaign for Congress got a major boost Monday night when the LA County Federation of Labor endorsed her candidacy.
 
The Labor Fed has perhaps the best organized ground operation in the state. In a low turnout special election, it can make a significant difference. The district is heavily unionized.
 
According to the Daily Breeze, some political observers are speculating that the Labor Federation endorsed Richardson because her main opponent, state Sen. Jenny Oropeza, recently voted to support the tribal compacts negotiated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, which the union opposes. At least one tribe has poured pro-Oropeza mail into her district after the vote.
 
The Labor Fed, however, denies the claim. County Fed top dog Maria Elena Durazo told the newspaper that "It was by no means the only reason or the driving reason."