by cacleanmoney [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

by David Dayen [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

[courtesy of Blog for America]

Providing for the common good, making people feel secure in their communities and homes - this is the central job of government. it's why all of us are here serving our state and our people.  John Baldacci

I interviewed Scott Henderson in Los Angeles. Scott who told me the Common Good was the most important progressive value and 'we're all in it together'.  He tells a story about growing up in the 50's and feeling a sense of community, but that we've lost that now.  He thinks conservatives characterize progressives as wanting to be supported by the state and thinks conservatives have good intentions and mean well, but don’t fully comprehend the importance of all of us supporting each other.

Progressive Values Stories: Scott Henderson on the Common Good

by malb [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Some of my progressive friends have come out against Prop 93, arguing that because it is really designed to save the jobs of some current legislators, it must be flawed.  In my opinion that is a very short sighted way of looking at things, and it risks swamping the public policy baby with the self-interest bath water.  The argument for Prop 93 is really very simple, to wit:

(Edited by Brian for space, see the extended).

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Got any suggestions for the Governator? List them in the comments of this somewhat open thread.

I'll start. He should SIGN AB 1294, to allow instant runoff voting in municipalities, and VETO AB 1430, which stops municipalities from creating more strict campaign finance restrictions and would likely eliminate any publicly funded elections in the cities. To write the Governor a letter opposing AB 1430, go to the Clean Money Campaign's website and they'll hook you up.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

They are having something of a launch party, too! (Which, of course, has a Calitics event listing) So, on Sunday from 1-3 PM, you can go haul yourself out to the Presidio (probably in a car, b/c public transport to the Presidio ain't the greatest), and see some of the following electeds: Representative Barbara Lee, State Senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco), Assemblymember Loni Hancock (D - Berkeley), Assemblymember Mark Leno (D - San Francisco), Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Now, I would point out that all of these officials knows how to raise money the old-school way. Some are really, really adept at raising money, and some have less need for the skill.  But, we should be congratulating all of these officials, no matter their backgrounds, for supporting Clean Money. After all, we work in the here and now, and work to make the future better. Clean Money is key to ensuring a more truly representative democracy.