Today's Fresh Meat

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

This summer is looking to be a "blockbuster" budget-showdown, with the Democrats insisting on new taxes and a Republican caucus whosenear entire membership has signed a 'no tax pledge,' writes DanielWeintraub in today's Sacramento Bee. Weintraub is optimistic that sucha confrontation will we good for the state, and let's hope he's right.For the record: Weintraub says a modest tax increase coupled withserious spending cuts are probably in the cards.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (above) is definitely looking at aGubernatorial bid in 2010, aides confirmed to the Chronicle thisweekend. He's already hiring consultants and posting on blogs. But someworry that the "San Francisco Values" label could be a liability —although it didn't stop Nancy Pelosi from becoming Speaker.

More than one commentator has suggested John McCain might be cleaver and promise Arnold an ambassador position inorder to make California competitive, and the Los Angeles Times lendscredence to this claim today. Like we said before, if McCain could finda position the Governor is actually qualified for, maybe we could talk.But besides, all signs point to California becoming more blue, not less.

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Photo courtesy of the Office of the Mayor.