by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Well, I suppose juls is the one that really should be writing this, as she wrote far, far more about Arnold than really anybody in the state, certainly in the blogosphere. But directly from the, uh, what took you so long files, comes this editorial from the right-leaning LA Daily News:

But Schwarzenegger has bested even Davis in fundraising. Whereas Davis grossed $120 million in seven years, Schwarzenegger has raked in $125.8 million in only six. And like the special interests that bankrolled Davis, the special interests that are pouring millions into Schwarzenegger are no doubt looking for something in return.
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And as long as the special interests control the state's political process, they will continue to bankrupt California(LA Daily News 11.26.07)

Of course, the LA Daily News, as a typical reactionary, fails to make that last logical leap. That if the special interests are killing us, we need clean money. What other solution is there to the problems they've outlined? Of course, they don't think as corporations as special interests, that label is reserved for unions and other organizations that support workers' rights.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Well, it appears, unsurprisingly, that Sen. Don Perata was/is at the center of the "Dump Denham" movement. From Matier and Ross:

Armed with $250,000, Perata launched a recall drive aimed at clipping the Central Valley lawmaker's wings just as he was getting set to run for lieutenant governor.

Now, not only is that run in doubt, but Denham is also fighting just to hold onto his seat - all because of his vote against the state budget. (SF Chron 11/11/07)

Perhaps this gets us one seat closer to 2/3? I know some people will get all upset about using the recall process, but the fact remains that the tool exists. We can't unilaterally disarm; if they use it, so should we.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Well, after months and months of having a "plan" with no associated bill in the Legislature, Arnold has a bill! This probably should be a quick hit, but I wanted to give everybody the opportunity to discuss this. So, thank you Capitol Alert. So, without further discussion, here is the Governor's ABX1 2.

by shayera [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Well. That was quick. The L.A. Times is reporting that the BREAKING NEWS: Electoral initiative backers give up

Plagued by a lack of money, supporters of a statewide initiative drive to change the way California's 55 electoral votes are apportioned, first revealed here by Top of the Ticket in July, are pulling the plug on that effort.

In an exclusive report to appear on this website late tonight and in Friday's print editions, The Times' Dan Morain reports that the proposal to change the winner-take-all electoral vote allocation to one by congressional district is virtually dead with the resignation of key supporters, internal disputes and a lack of funds.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Well, tomorrow is Blogosphere Day (and my Birthday, the last one...after this the clock stops as far as I'm concerned). So, I know there are a few things going on around the state. But, what can you do tomorrow? Well, you can toss a few bucks at the Calitics ActBlue Page, (and give a big, smiling tip to the good folks at ActBlue). Or you could nominate somebody to be on the Calitics-endorsed list. Or you could host a little get together in honor of my birthday Blogosphere Day.

And, if you want more history on blogosphere day...um, ask Bob. So, what are you doing?

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Well, we went to SiCKO last night, and since we didn't get back until after 1AM, I didn't write a review then.  You can check out my Flickr set by clicking the photo.

Few movies were better titled. Now, I'm not sure if Moore intended the title as in "make you sicko" or "treating the sicko" but either way, it works.  I'm not what you would call a Michael Moore fanboy. I mean, his tactics can be grating and more than a little annoying. But, I think this movie makes his strongest statement yet. To put it shortly, this movie made me sad and frustrated, yet I feel more determined to work for change than ever.

The movie specifically disclaims those who are uninsured, as the opening credits roll, Moore states that the movie is not about those who do their own sutures at home, or those who die waiting for assistance at the few public hospitals. Rather the movie is about the weakest link in our health care delivery system, the insurance companies.  Follow me over the flip...

by CarlsbadDem [courtesy of Calitics: Soapblox California - Front Page]

Well, kos is back from paternity leave today. And he comes out with a doozy of a post, officially declaring Schwarzenegger to be a Democrat ("D-CA"), describing CA Dems' feelings about him as "quiet glee," declaring that he has a "progressive agenda," and so on, and so on.

Of course, kos' erraticness on California-specific politics is well-known. But this seems to be even more than his usual thing.

So, what do you think?